To become a chiropractor refers to a doctor who diagnoses, treats and helps prevent disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, particularly those of the spine. Chiropractors practice a manual therapy known as spinal manipulation, promoting pain management, improving function and promoting overall health.

What Are the Main Types of Chiropractors?

General Chiropractors

General chiropractors offer a basic level of care that includes spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and lifestyle counselling to patients of all ages.

Sports Chiropractors

Sports chiropractors concentrate mainly on treating athletes and sports-related injuries. They support sporting performance by providing specialist care in the prevention, enhancement and recovery of sports injuries.

Pediatric Chiropractors

It is also the case for today’s paediatric chiropractor, who specialises in infants, children and adolescents and focuses on a range of developmental issues, musculoskeletal issues, and health issues more broadly that affect the paediatric patient demographic.

Geriatric Chiropractors

So-called geriatric chiropractors work exclusively with the elderly, alleviating the musculoskeletal problems of old age and enhancing the mobility of the elderly.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Conducting Patient Assessments and Medical History Reviews

Chiropractors conduct a case history, perform physical and neurological examinations, and may order diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests.

Diagnosing Musculoskeletal Conditions

They diagnose the patient, instances of back pain, neck pain, sciatica and joint problems – where these symptoms come from and what to do about them.

Performing Spinal Adjustments and Manipulations

Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments and manipulations to correct alignment, relieve pain, and improve function.

Providing Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Exercises

They offer physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to support recovery and enhance physical function.

Offering Lifestyle and Nutritional Advice

Along with spinal manipulation, they offer you advice on lifestyle changes, exercise and diet to help keep you well and prevent health problems. 

Collaborating with Other Healthcare Professionals

They work with other members of the healthcare team, including physical therapists and primary care providers.

Average Chiropractor Salary

Salary Ranges Based on Experience and Location

Chiropractors also earn more the longer they are in practice, the more specialised those practices are, and the higher their position. In the same year, in the UK, these salary ranges would be entry-level: £30,000 to £45,000 per year; mid-level: £45,000 to £65,000 per year; senior level: £65,000 to £85,000 or more per year. Similarly, in the US, the salary ranges for this period would be: entry level: $50,000 to $70,000 per year; mid-level: $70,000 to $90,000 per year; senior level: $90,000 to $120,000 or more per year.

Comparison of Salaries in Different Regions and Settings

Salaries are higher if one is located in a city or a region with a higher need, such as for chiropractic services in rural and underserved areas. Salaries are also higher for chiropractors in private practice or customised clinics in comparison with those providing chiropractic services in public health.

Factors Influencing Chiropractor Salaries

Several factors can influence chiropractor salaries:

• Experience: In general, experienced chiropractors are entitled to higher pay for the skills they can demonstrate.
• Education and Certifications: Chiropractors with higher education and additional certifications may see an increase in earning potential.
• Industry: Being a sports chiropractor can make a huge difference in income, as well as practising paediatric or family chiropractic versus working in an urgent care centre or for a large company that does employee wellness visits. 

Chiropractor Skills

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Spinal Manipulation Techniques: Chiropractors must be facile in a range of spinal manipulation techniques that they can apply to patients.
• Appreciation of Human Anatomy and Physiology: Without a fundamental knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, it’s very difficult to diagnose why people are impaired or restricted.

Soft Skills

• Communication: Strong communication skills are important for interacting with patients and explaining treatment plans.
• Empathy: Empathy is essential for building trust and rapport with patients.
• Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills enable chiropractors to develop and implement successful treatment plans.
• Time management: The ability to manage time to attend to various patients in an appropriate and timely manner.

Chiropractor Tips

Keeping Current with the Latest Research and Best Practices: In the field of chiropractic, staying current with the latest research and best practices is an ongoing pursuit.

Network Through Professional Organisations and Conferences: Joining professional organisations and attending conferences is a great way to network and access resources.

Practice Through Internships and Supervised Practice: Practical experience under internships and supervised practice helps in acquiring skills and creating a reputation. 

Continuously improving clinical and patient care skills: As a chiropractor, you need to continually hone the skills essential for practising your profession on humans.

Chiropractor Requirements

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field: Either a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as biology or health sciences) or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. Most positions require a BS/BA.

• Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree from an accredited chiropractic college: This degree ensures enough learning, and so is sufficient for a well­-run chiropractic practice.
• Relevant Coursework in Anatomy, Physiology, and Chiropractic Techniques: Coursework relevant to the job domain of ‘Working As A Chiropractor’ helps to enhance an applicant’s ability to succeed in the role.

Certification Requirements

• State Licensure and Board Certification: State licensure is required, and practising medicine without licensure is illegal and grounds for revocation of clinical privileges. Board certification requires documented competence in practices and patient care and a deep-seated commitment to ethical standards and excellence in the field.

Experience Requirements

• Internships and Supervised Clinical Practice: Practical experience from internships and supervised clinical practice helps build up reputation and establish skills. 

How to Become a Chiropractor

Completing Relevant Education

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field: The very first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or health sciences.
• Obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree: If you want to learn more about chiropractic before becoming an associate, you can enroll in a D.C. programme to study chiropractic on a deeper level.

Gaining Practical Experience

• Internships and supervised clinical practice: Develop your professional skills in an internship and supervised clinical practice by gaining practical exposure in the field. Portfolio – Build a portfolio of proof to show your client’s readiness for certification.

Obtaining Certification

• State Licensure and Board Certification: Get a state licence and also become board-certified to prove that you are competent and committed to professionalism. 

Continuing Professional Development

• Continuing Education Courses and Workshops/Seminars: Regularly attend ongoing training sessions. 
• Advanced Training and Specializations: Pursue advanced training and specialisations to further develop your expertise.

Networking

• Professional Organisations: Joining and becoming a member of professional organisations (such as the American Chiropractic Association, or ACA) will expose you to other professionals in your field and keep you informed of the happenings in your sector.
• Network at Industry Events and Conferences: Go to industry events and conferences to meet people and find out what experts in your sphere say about crypto.

Get Qualified as a Chiropractor

Physiotherapy Fundamentals, Physiotherapy Online Course

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why should you be a Chiropractor?

Becoming a Chiropractor is a satisfying and fulfilling career for those who want to provide a natural way of helping patients manage and mitigate discomfort, improve physical function, and improve overall health and well-being. As a Chiropractor you have a job with a lot of stability and security, compare well in terms of salary to other health practitioners, and have a wide scope for continuing professional development and advancement opportunities. Plus, on a personal level, you get to have a positive impact on your patients’ lives.

2. Is Becoming a Chiropractor a Good Career Choice for You?

Becoming a Chiropractor is a fantastic career choice for those who have a caring attitude and a passion for holistic healthcare, specifically in the field of musculoskeletal care. If you’re a problem-solver and a people person, it’s a job that will often put you in the spotlight through stimulating and varied patient interactions. Most of all, if you enjoy manual work (playing sports, for example) and are passionate about musculoskeletal health, your career trajectory is likely to be very rewarding and won’t lack opportunities for health and professional advancement. 

3. Chiropractor Salaries

Salaries range between experience, location and type of practice with new Chiropractors earning in the region of £30,000-£45,000 p/a in the UK and $50,000-70,000 p/a in the US. Expect for this figure to rise to £45,000-£65,000 p/a in the UK and $70,000-90,000 p/a in the US with experience. To become a senior Chiropractor or a Chiropractor with a specialist area, expect your earnings to rise with the expectation to £65,000-£85,000 p/a in the UK and $90,000-120,000 p/a in the US, or higher depending on the area of practice.

4. Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as a Chiropractor?

It takes a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, such as biology or health sciences – plus a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college. Then you have to take special courses and training programmes in subjects such as spinal manipulation, anatomy and physiology. State licensure and board certification also require passing exams for competency and demonstrating commitment to professional standards. But what bolsters the practice of medicine is the confidence that comes from being there for those in need of medical services. As trainees get more practical experience through internships and supervised clinical practice, they learn their skills, gain confidence and begin building reputations.

5. Do I Need to Be Experienced to Get Started?

No, one doesn’t have to be experienced to become a Chiropractor. Only after some years on the job will one begin to observe the small and significant differences that matter. Those desires to begin include a bachelor’s degree (and a little on-the-job experience earned from internships or entry-level employment), as well as enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a tendency toward compassion. 

6. Chiropractor Career Outlook

Job opportunities for Chiropractors are growing day by day and are focused in a wide variety of environments in which the services of Chiropractors are very much sought after. Currently, chiropractic positions are available in a wide range of settings, such as private clinics, sports clinics, hospitals and other health facilities. The rising popularity of the chiropractic profession means that demand outweighs supply, leading to a vast and promising career prospect for Chiropractors.

This career offers excellent security within the job market. Salaries are rewarding and Chiropractors can eventually be promoted into more high-level positions or adopt more specialised roles.

7. Chiropractor Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Many careers have a standard professional progression for organisations.

Example: Regular progressions for Chiropractors are as an entry-level position such as associate Chiropractor or junior Chiropractor, a mid-level position such as senior Chiropractor or clinic manager. Advanced positions include senior positions like clinical directors, head researchers or professors.

One can learn more to improve professional skills and credentials to get an advanced position.

8. Chiropractor Exit Options and Opportunities

Finally, chiropractors have many exit opportunities. Chiropractic training provides a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge. Chiropractors can transfer their skills into healthcare management, private consulting, academia, and teaching. With the range of positions that have been filled by chiropractors, they are mobile, nimble, and a valuable resource. Chiropractors are capable of holding a variety of positions such as healthcare administrator, wellness consultant, or educational roles as educators in chiropractic colleges. Other chiropractors who have developed additional skills can work as researchers, thought leaders, or even professors in chiropractic colleges – and benefit from the enhanced career growth and expectations.