Watch this video to learn career information about becoming a chiropractor. Then, read on for more information.
To work as a chiropractor, you must:
■ complete at least two years of college courses;
■ graduate from a chiropractic school;
■ pass a state licensing exam;
■ have good interpersonal skills; and
■ be self-motivated.
Did you know? About 67% of chiropractors are self employed.
Formal Education
Chiropractic programs take four years to complete and grant a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.O.) degree. During the first two years of study, you take courses and lab work in the sciences. These courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and public health. The final two years of training focus on spinal adjustment. You also get experience working with patients.
Before entering chiropractic school, most students earn a bachelor's degree. A pre-medicine or science major is recommended. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take courses in physics, biology, and chemistry. Some chiropractic schools allow students to enter after completing only two years of college courses.
On-the-job Training
During your final year of chiropractic college, you complete an internship. During an internship, you work with patients under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor.
Hiring Practices Many chiropractors are self-employed. Others work in small group practices. When looking for practice partners or hiring salaried employees, chiropractors prefer people who get along well with others. To build a practice, chiropractors must be understanding and demonstrate a desire to help others. They also must be able to work independently.
Licensing/Certificaition Chiropractors must be licensed to practice in Texas. Applicants for licensure must:
■ complete at least half of a Bachelor's degree;
■ complete four years of training from an approved chiropractic school;
■ pass Parts I- IV of the National Board of chiropractic Examiners examinations; and
■ pass the Texas jurisprudence exam.
40 hours of continuing education is required every two years for license renewal.
All states require chiropractors to be licensed. Requirements vary by state.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for chiropractors is $5,700 per month ($32.89 per hour). Half of all chiropractors earn between $3,650 and $9,380 per month ($21.06 and $54.13 per hour).
Self-employed chiropractors usually earn more than those who work for others. However, their earnings are somewhat low when starting a practice, and increase as the practice grows. This is true for any type of private practice. In addition, earnings are affected by the qualifications and personal traits of the chiropractor. Earnings also vary in different parts of the country.
Chiropractors who work full time in a group practice generally receive benefits, such as paid vacation and health insurance. Self-employed chiropractors must provide their own insurance.
Outlook
Nationally, the number of jobs for chiropractors is expected to increase faster than average through the year 2010.
Chiropractors stress the importance of healthy lifestyles and do not prescribe drugs or do surgery. Demand for chiropractors will increase as more health-conscious Americans are drawn to this type of alternative medicine. In addition, recent research has shown that chiropractic treatment really cures problems. As a result, more health insurance plans now pay for chiropractic treatment. In addition, these findings may convince people who previously doubted the quality of chiropractic treatments to try it. These factors should also increase the demand for chiropractors.
Advancement Opportunities Chiropractors advance by earning higher wages as they build their practices. Those who are part of a group practice may advance to opening their own practice.
Source Information:
Minnesota Department of Education and
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
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Did you know? About 67% of chiropractors are self employed.