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What is the best path to becoming a chiropractor?
I'm a senior in high #college-majors school
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Doc’s Answer
Tyler chiropractors require good health and stamina themselves because being a chiropractor means standing for much of the workday. Chiropractors need good observation skills, interpersonal skills, management skills, collaborative skills when their diagnosis warrants referral to another physician, manual dexterity and business acumen.
STEP 1) EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A Doctor of Chiropractic degree is required to work as a chiropractor. However, you must first complete at least 90 credits of undergraduate coursework. Some states do not require a bachelor's degree to become licensed as a chiropractor, so individuals should check with the state board they wish to practice in. Students should choose a major offering coursework in chemistry, biology and physics to meet chiropractic college prerequisites. Because of the close personal contact required by this career, aspiring chiropractors should also take courses such as communication, sociology and interpersonal relations.
STEP 2) GRADUATE CHIROPRACTOR COLLEGE
Future chiropractors must earn the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college. Only a handful of schools in the United States offer this 4-year degree program. Students typically take courses and labs in anatomy and chemistry, chiropractic philosophy and diagnosis. Specific courses are taught on chiropractic techniques, such as instrument-assisted systems, chiropractic biophysics, spinal biomechanics and extremity adjustment techniques. Most programs include an internship at a chiropractic practice or clinic where students can practice their manipulation and diagnostic skills under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor.
STEP 3) GET YOUR STATE LICENSE
All states require that chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and pass a certification exam before they can begin their careers. Some states require chiropractors to earn additional continuing education credits after graduating from a chiropractic college before they can take the exam. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners offers a three-part exam (with an optional fourth section) that is accepted by most states, while some states have their own exam.
STEP 4) CHOOSE YOUR CHIROPRACTIC SPECIALTY
Chiropractors may also choose to specialize in an area of chiropractics such as orthopedics, sports injuries or pediatrics. To do so, they must complete a postdoctoral training program in their specialties and obtain diplomat standing through a certification board. Some combine neuropathy with chiropractic procedures to treat nervous system and back pain conditions without the use of surgery or drugs. Chiropractors may focus on community outreach programs to increase the population's acceptance of chiropractic medicine.
CHIROPRACTIC CAREER OUTLOOK & SALARY
The demand for chiropractors was expected to increase by 7% from 2018-2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth will be due in part to a growing demand for alternative forms of healthcare and in part to the increasing elderly population, which generally requires more healthcare services. The average Chiropractor salary in the United States is $107,500 as of July 27, 2020, but the range typically falls between $89,900 and $128,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. While chiropractors typically own private practices, many are also employed in offices of physicians and other health practitioners.
STEP 1) EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A Doctor of Chiropractic degree is required to work as a chiropractor. However, you must first complete at least 90 credits of undergraduate coursework. Some states do not require a bachelor's degree to become licensed as a chiropractor, so individuals should check with the state board they wish to practice in. Students should choose a major offering coursework in chemistry, biology and physics to meet chiropractic college prerequisites. Because of the close personal contact required by this career, aspiring chiropractors should also take courses such as communication, sociology and interpersonal relations.
STEP 2) GRADUATE CHIROPRACTOR COLLEGE
Future chiropractors must earn the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college. Only a handful of schools in the United States offer this 4-year degree program. Students typically take courses and labs in anatomy and chemistry, chiropractic philosophy and diagnosis. Specific courses are taught on chiropractic techniques, such as instrument-assisted systems, chiropractic biophysics, spinal biomechanics and extremity adjustment techniques. Most programs include an internship at a chiropractic practice or clinic where students can practice their manipulation and diagnostic skills under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor.
STEP 3) GET YOUR STATE LICENSE
All states require that chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and pass a certification exam before they can begin their careers. Some states require chiropractors to earn additional continuing education credits after graduating from a chiropractic college before they can take the exam. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners offers a three-part exam (with an optional fourth section) that is accepted by most states, while some states have their own exam.
STEP 4) CHOOSE YOUR CHIROPRACTIC SPECIALTY
Chiropractors may also choose to specialize in an area of chiropractics such as orthopedics, sports injuries or pediatrics. To do so, they must complete a postdoctoral training program in their specialties and obtain diplomat standing through a certification board. Some combine neuropathy with chiropractic procedures to treat nervous system and back pain conditions without the use of surgery or drugs. Chiropractors may focus on community outreach programs to increase the population's acceptance of chiropractic medicine.
CHIROPRACTIC CAREER OUTLOOK & SALARY
The demand for chiropractors was expected to increase by 7% from 2018-2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth will be due in part to a growing demand for alternative forms of healthcare and in part to the increasing elderly population, which generally requires more healthcare services. The average Chiropractor salary in the United States is $107,500 as of July 27, 2020, but the range typically falls between $89,900 and $128,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. While chiropractors typically own private practices, many are also employed in offices of physicians and other health practitioners.
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Will’s Answer
Hey Tyler,
In addition to John's answer above, I would also suggest reaching out to a local chiropractor and asking to talk to him/her. Not only can you learn about how to become a chiropractor, but you can also hear their opinion on the career and outlook.
In addition to John's answer above, I would also suggest reaching out to a local chiropractor and asking to talk to him/her. Not only can you learn about how to become a chiropractor, but you can also hear their opinion on the career and outlook.