THE CHIROPRACTIC APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE
Chiropractors treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system and believe this improves the nervous system and general health, all without drugs or surgery.
Like other health practitioners, chiropractors follow a standard routine to get information needed to diagnose and treat patients. They take the patient’s medical history; conduct physical, neurological, and orthopedic examinations; and may order laboratory tests like X rays.
In addition to general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and/or nutrition.
Chiropractors work about 40 hours per week. Solo practitioners set their own hours (which often includes evenings and weekends) to accommodate patient needs. Like other health care practitioners, chiropractors in a group practice will sometimes be on call or treat patients of other chiropractors in the group.
AREAS OF STUDY
Some chiropractors use other alternative medicines in their practices, including therapies using water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric, acupuncture, and heat. They also may apply supports such as straps, tapes, and braces to manually adjust the spine, and counsel counsel patients on nutrition, exercise, changes in lifestyle, and stress management.
Similar careers include athletic trainers, massage therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists.
SHOW ME THE MONEY: CHIROPRACTOR SALARY
Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors were $65,220 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,710 and $96,500 a year.
As in other types of independent practice, earnings are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice grows. Geographic location and additional qualifications also influence earnings.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Chiropractors must be licensed, which requires 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education, the completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course, and passing scores on national and State examinations.
Chiropractic programs require a minimum of 4,200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience that culminates in the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic.
WHILE YOU’RE CRACKING THE BOOKS…
Many Chiropractic colleges also offer special diplomas for postdoctoral training in orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, nutrition, rehabilitation, radiology, industrial consulting, family practice, pediatrics, and applied chiropractic sciences.
TYPICAL PERSONALITY TRAITS
Chiropractic adjustments require keen observation, considerable manual dexterity, but not unusual strength or endurance. Chiropractors should be able to work independently and handle responsibility. As in other health-related occupations, empathy, understanding, and the desire to help others are essential.
JOB OUTLOOK
Chiropractors held about 53,000 jobs in 2006. Most chiropractors (52%) work in a solo practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. The rest teach, do research, or work in hospitals.
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