CHIROPRACTORS

Nature of the Work

Chiropractors, also known as chiropractic doctors, diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine.  Interference with these systems is believed to impair normal functions and lower resistance to disease.  Chiropractors hold that misalignment of spinal vertebrae or irritation of the spinal nerves can alter many important body functions by affecting the nervous system.

The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic, stressing the patient's overall well-being.  It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment, and heredity.  Chiropractors use natural, drugless, nonsurgical health treatments, and rely on the body's inherent recuperative abilities.  They also recommend lifestyle changes in eating and sleeping habits, for example to their patients.  When appropriate, chiropractors consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

All States and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet educational requirements and pass a State board examination.  Chiropractors can only practice in States where they are licensed.  Some States have reciprocity agreements that permit chiropractors licensed in another State to obtain a license without further examination.

Most State licensing boards require completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course following at least 2 years of undergraduate education, although a few States require a 4-year bachelors' degree.  All State boards recognize academic training in chiropractic colleges accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.

For licensure, most State boards recognize either all or part of the three-part test administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.  State examinations may supplement the National Board tests, depending on State requirements.

Job Outlook

Demand for chiropractic is related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance, and to public awareness of the profession, which is growing.  The rapidly expanding older population, with their increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, will also increase demand.  As a result, employment of chiropractors is expected to grow faster than the average through the year 2005.

In this occupation, replacement needs arise almost entirely from retirements and deaths.  Chiropractors generally remain in the occupation until they retire; few transfer to other occupations.

Earnings

In 1992, median income for chiropractors was about $70,000, after expenses, according to the American Chiropractic Association.  In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice, earnings are relatively low in the beginning, and increase as the practice grows.  In 1992, the lowest 10 percent of chiropractors had median net incomes of $21,000 or less, and the highest 10 percent earned $190,000 or more.  Earnings are also influenced by the characteristics and qualifications of the practitioner, and geographic location.  Self-employed chiropractors must provide for their own health insurance and retirement.

Sources of Additional Information

General information on chiropractic as a career is available from:

American Chiropractic Association, 1701 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209.

International Chiropractors Association, 1110 North Glebe Rd., Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201.

World Chiropractic Alliance, 2950 N.  Dobson Rd., Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85224-1802.

For a list of chiropractic colleges, as well as general information on chiropractic as a career, contact:

Council on Chiropractic Education, 4401 Westown Pky., Suite 120, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

For information on State education and licensure requirements, contact:

Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, 901 54th Ave., Suite 101, Greeley, CO 80634.

For information on requirements for admission to a specific chiropractic college, as well as scholarship and loan information, contact the admissions office of the individual college.


