Many people cringe when hearing joints and bones cracking sounds. For chiropractors these sounds are common place as patients are properly aligned. Chiropractors are a specialized doctors who use non-conventional methods to heal people.
Overview of a Chiropractic Career
Chiropractors are usually utilized by patients who suffer from continuous neck and/or back pain. While traditional medicine will implement painkillers or surgery to cure neck and/or back pain, chiropractors attempt to manipulate and realign the spine in order to alleviate pain. Some characteristics of the career include:
- Diagnosis health issues related to neck and spine issues
- Manual adjustments to the neck and spine
- Analyze x-rays
- Recommend supplemental therapies and aids for healing, including massages, physical therapy, and heat/cold therapy
Preparing for a Career as a Chiropractor
Students who pursue a career as a chiropractor should have career interest types of investigative, realistic, and social. The investigative interest type is strong since the chiropractor needs to analyze information and find solutions to a patient's pain. Since the science of chiropractic care requires hands-on manipulation, a chiropractor must have a realistic interest type. Finally, the social interest type requires doctors to be able to work and communicate with people effectively. For more information on career testing, please visit the Career Key website or the Career Orientation Inventory.
Studying to be a Chiropractor
Chiropractors are indeed licensed doctors, a Doctor of Chiropractic. As with any medical career students must first completed a general bachelor degree. Students can choose any undergraduate major; however, a degree in anatomy, chemistry, or other science may be of more benefit.
After completing a bachelor degree students must then complete a program specific to chiropractic. medicine. These full-time program usually last 4 years, and students must be fully dedicated to the study. There are currently 20 schools of chiropractic that are a member of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges. Some include
- Life University
- Northwestern Health Science University
- Sherman College of Chiropractic
- Texas Chiropractic College
- Palmer College of Chiropractic
- New York Chiropractic College
People who choose this career can expect to make around $80,000; however, many also owe over $100,000 from their chiropractic program. Additionally, chiropractors own their own business and must pay expenses associated with running a small business: office space, equipment, and clerical assistance.
Chiropractors use their people skills to pinpoint patient pain and then use their medical skills to manipulate the spine and neck. This career can be satisfying to those who enjoy the art of healing.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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