Chiropractor Education | Schools and Training | Become a Chiropractor

Chiropractor Education | Become a Chiropractor | Our TOP Recommendations
Request FREE information today. There is NO OBLIGATION to enroll.



The work of a chiropractor involves the treatment of the musculoskeletal system of patients with health problems that affect their nervous system and general health. Chiropractors are also known as chiropractic physicians or doctors of chiropractic.

• Nature of the Work - The basis of chiropractic medicine is that misalignment of the spinal joint interferes with the nervous system, lowering the patient's resistance to various conditions and disease resulting in diminished health. A number of chiropractic treatments work specifically with the manipulation of the spine.
• Chiropractor Education, Training and Schools - There is a requirement of a minimum of 90 semester hours of undergraduate study earned toward a bachelor degree. Courses should include biology, physics, english, psychology, inorganic and organic chemistry, humanities or social sciences. In 2007, the Council on Chiropractic Education reported two accredited chiropractic institutions and sixteen chiropractic programs throughout the United States.
• Licensing - Licenses are granted to those chiropractors meeting the examination and educational requirements of each State. The State where the license is issued is the only state a chiropractor may practice. In select states, there are agreements allowing chiropractors to work in another without additional examinations, providing their credentials, education and examination results meet specifications.
  
  

Chiropractor Schools and Training | Become a Chiropractor

The minimum entry requirement, in the future, may be a bachelor degree. Prechiropractic study is offered through a number of chiropractic colleges in addition to a bachelor's degree program. There is variation from State to State regarding the recognition of prechiropractic education.

Programs within chiropractic education have requirement of a minimum of 4200 laboratory, classroom and clinical experience hours. The first 24 months emphasize laboratory work and classroom study in sciences such as biochemistry, anatomy, pathology, physiology, microbiology and public health. The final 24 months focus on spinal adjustment and manipulation, plus clinical experience in laboratory and physical diagnoses, physiotherapy, neurology, nutrition, orthopedics and geriatrics. The degree Doctor of Chiropractic is granted through chiropractic institutions.

Postdoctoral training is offered in sports injuries, orthopedics, nutrition, neurology, industrial consulting, rehabilitation, pediatrics, radiology, family practice and applied chiropractic sciences are offered through chiropractic colleges. Upon completion is this additional training, specialty examinations can lead to status of diplomate in a given specialty. The specialty chiropractic associations administer the examinations.

Chiropractor Education - Graduate - Job Outlook

In 2006, chiropractors held over 50,000 jobs. The majority of chiropractors work in a single person practice, although a small percentage choose to work for others or part of a group practice. Some conduct research at chiropractic institutions, others teach or work at clinics and hospitals. Just over 50 percent were self-employed.

Job prospects are expected to be good with faster than average employment growth. The increased employment opportunities will be due to a greater demand for alternative health care.

Between 2006 and 2016, expect an increase of employment of chiropractors by 14 percent. This is faster than the average of all occupations. Many health conscious Americans find chiropractic care appealing because chiropractors emphasize healthy lifestyles and do not perform surgery or prescribe drugs.

New chiropractors should expect good job prospects. Replacement positions are generated through the retirement of chiropractors and few leave the occupation prior to retirement or transfer to related or other occupations. Those looking to establish a new practice should focus in areas with a low concentration of chiropractors.

Chiropractor Education - Graduates - Earnings Statistics

In 2006, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reported that average earnings of salaried chiropractors were $65,000, with the middle 50 percent earning between $45,500 and $96,500. A survey conducted by the Chiropractic Economics magazine reported that the average salary for chiropractors was $104,000 in the year 2005.

Related Occupations: Chiropractic work involves working to prevent injuries and bodily disorders. Other similar occupations are physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, podiatrists, massage therapists, veterinarians, occupational therapists and physical therapists.


Chiropractor Education | Schools | Become a Chiropractor

There are an excellent number of choices for obtaining your Chiropractor education. Online schools and colleges now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for Chiropractor education schools.

Go from Chiropractor Education to Healthcare Degrees Online