What Does A Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors typically work for chiropractic clinics or orthopedic facilities, but they may also operate a private practice. They use their knowledge of the neuromusculoskeletal system to identify the right treatment methods for their patients. Their job is to treat patients with various ailments, including arthritis, migraines and injuries resulting from playing sports or vehicle accidents. They may also provide patients with advice about stretching, nutrition and other beneficial habits to alleviate their symptoms.
Chiropractor Skills and Qualifications
A successful Chiropractor candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that are needed to perform their duties successfully:
- Interpersonal skills: Chiropractors form relationships with clients to make them comfortable and receptive to therapy and to build a strong client base.
- Organizational skills: Chiropractors keep patient records and may assist in administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, filing and answering phones.
- Empathy: Chiropractors use empathy to listen to clients’ symptoms and respond sympathetically to clients’ needs.
- Motor skills and dexterity: Chiropractors use their hands to make adjustments to the spinal column and other joints of the body.
- Decision-making: Chiropractors assess and create a plan of treatment for their patients. They may also recommend other health care professionals if the patient’s needs are outside of their scope of practice.
Chiropractor Salary Expectations
Chiropractors make an average salary of $65,234 per year in the United States. This average is based on salaries submitted anonymously to Indeed within the last 36 months by 2,371 job advertisements, Chiropractor employees and users. Chiropractors typically stay at the same job for less than 1 year.
Chiropractor Education and Training Requirements
Chiropractors are required to hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.) and a state license. Many Ph.D. programs require students to hold a bachelor’s degree before applying, though students may apply to programs if they have completed 90 hours of undergraduate study, including coursework in anatomy, physiology and biology. The Doctor of Chiropractic takes four years to complete and covers clinical areas such as making spinal assessments, adjustments and diagnoses.
D.C. programs may also incorporate classes in business, as chiropractors may choose to open their own practice. After graduating from an accredited D.C. program, chiropractors must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners test, acquire a state license, as well as any state required jurisprudence exams. Licensed Chiropractors must take continuing education courses, requirements will vary from state to state.
Chiropractor Experience Requirements
Chiropractic students complete supervised clinical experience before they graduate from their Ph.D. program. D.C.s can gain additional professional experience by completing clinical internships. Depending on the responsibilities of the position, some employers prefer Chiropractors to have at least a year of experience practicing as a licensed D.C., while others are willing to provide training to newly licensed D.C.s.
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