Chiropractor Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

There is nothing worse than waking up one morning with an aching back and not being able to find anything that can relieve the pain. Many people experience back, neck, shoulder and limb pain for reasons that they can’t really explain. Those that seek real answers and relief from these ailments often seek the help of a chiropractor to diagnose and treat problems that arise with their skeletal, muscular or nervous systems. What makes chiropractors so different from many other types of medical doctors is that they don’t use medicine or surgery as part of their treatment plan. Instead, chiropractors use manipulation of the limbs and torso, in combination with massage, exercise, heat, and water therapies to help people live more healthy lives.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$70,600
Salary Range
$55,500-$89,100

Work Environment

It is most common for professional chiropractors to create their own clinic or practices after they have completed their required training. In some circumstances, chiropractors might also be employed by chiropractic schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or group practices that focus on physical therapy or skeletal health.

High School Preparation

Those students who think that they might want to pursue a career as a professional chiropractor in the future should focus their high school studies on chemistry, physics, algebra, biology, trigonometry, physical education training, and exploration of the health occupations/medical professions. It is also helpful to have strong reading comprehension and writing skills, as well as a general knowledge of human psychology.

Requirements

Although it is only required that an interested individual complete a two year college degree, or the equivalent of two years of undergraduate study, many people complete an entire bachelor’s degree in a health related field before pursuing chiropractor school. Following their undergraduate education, it is required that students attend a four year program that has been accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education. Once they have completed the required four year program, students must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ three part exam in order to become licensed. One the license has been obtained; the chiropractor can hold it through completion of a required number of continuing education classes each year.

Career Outlook

Most industry experts expect the demand for licensed chiropractors to increase quickly over the next couple of years. There are many reasons for this increase, including the fact that many more people are becoming open to alternative forms of therapy and treatment for pain that don’t include surgery or pharmaceutical drugs. It is expected that the number of open positions for well trained chiropractors will increase by at least 20 percent in the next few years.

Professional Organizations

American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (800) 986-4636
www.amerchiro.org