Many people depend on the skill of chiropractors to help them heal from injuries and the aches and pains generated from life’s wear and tear. Also called Doctors of Chiropractic, they diagnose and treat problems associated with the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors need a combination of physical skill, scientific knowledge, and empathy for patients. They make manual adjustments to the spine and other joints to correct poor alignment. Using their knowledge of anatomy, and diagnostic skills, they review patients’ medical histories and analyze test results to develop treatment plans. As part of the field’s commitment to wellness, they also often advise patients about exercise and nutrition. Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic, or D.C., degree which generally takes four years of full-time study. Students may be admitted to D.C. programs with a bachelor’s degree, or with coursework totaling at least 90 hours that includes physics, chemistry and biology. After completing the D.C. program, they must pass board certification tests, and maintain a professional license to practice. Chiropractors can establish their own practice, purchase or join an established practice, or seek employment at a health care facility. With growing national interest in holistic, preventive medicine, and increased coverage by health insurance, this is a field of medicine that is only expected to expand.
What they do:
Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.
On the job, you would:
Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.
Health
medicine and dentistry
therapy and counseling
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
management
Math and Science
biology
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
put together small parts with your fingers
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Concern for Others
Integrity
Self Control
Dependability
Leadership
Attention to Detail
You might use software like this on the job:
Medical software
Advantage Software Chiropractic Advantage
ChiroSoft
Accounting software
Billing software
EZClaim
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
doctoral degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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