CHIROPRACTORS/ DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC Number 547 Interest Area 13 1998
THE JOB
Chiropractic is the second largest healing profession in the world. Its approach to human health is based on the premise that the relationship between structure and function in the human body is a significant health factor, and interrelationships between the spinal column and the nervous system contribute to the disease process. CHIROPRACTORS hold that misalignment of spinal vertebrae or irritation of the spinal nerves can alter many important body functions by affecting the nervous system.
Chiropractors/Doctors of Chiropractic take patient histories, conduct physical examinations, diagnose and give treatments for illness and injury. Because of the emphasis on the spine and its position, most Chiropractors use x-rays to help locate the source of patients' difficulties and also to rule out fractures or disease.
Chiropractors treat patients primarily by manual adjustments, especially of the spinal column. They use different therapies including massage, water, light, ultrasound, electric, cold and heat to aid in the healing of the muscles, joints, and nerves. They may make dietary and nutritional recommendations, advise on exercise and sleeping habits and also may suggest and apply the use of supports such as straps, tapes, bandages, and braces if deemed necessary.
Some Chiropractors specialize in athletic injuries, neurology, orthopedics, nutrition, and internal disorders. Others specialize in taking and interpreting X-rays and other diagnostic images.
Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. If they discover evidence of disease, injury or condition which is outside their scope of practice, they must refer the patient to an appropriate health care provider.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Chiropractors work in privately owned offices, holistic centers with other health professionals, or in multi-doctor clinics. Their offices may be equipped with basic equipment or with a full array of the most modern therapy and X-ray equipment. Some also treat patients in hospitals. They may also have a secretary and staff to help them with the patients, perform laboratory work, or to take X-rays.
Although practitioners do not need a great amount of physical strength, they should have good manual dexterity, good general health, energy, physical endurance, and the ability to accurately diagnose and treat their patients.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 2,830 Estimated number of workers in 2005 4,080 Projected Growth 1993-2005 44 % Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 860
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The number of Chiropractors is expected to grow faster than average through 2005. The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners reports that there were 2006. approximately 10,500 Chiropractors holding active licenses in California 2007. in 1998.
About 70 percent of active Chiropractors are in solo practice with the remainder in group practice or working with other Chiropractors. A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic colleges, or work in hospitals and for health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
California's aging population has an increasing need for health care and access to information and advice about good health practices. This atmosphere, together with an increased public acceptance of the chiropractic profession, will increase job opportunities for Chiropractors. As with most health care professions, it usually takes three to five years to become established and make good earnings, as the cost of buying equipment is expensive and establishing clientele takes time.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, most Chiropractors work in the suburbs and small cities. With California having a disproportionately large number of Chiropractors, the competition for jobs will be especially keen. New entrants into the occupation may find the best opportunities in smaller communities or where there are fewer competitors.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The nationwide median wage for Chiropractors is about $70,000 a year.
The average workweek is about 40 hours; this ordinarily includes some evening and week-end hours. Self-employed Chiropractors can set their own hours.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The educational standards for chiropractic colleges require that all students seeking admission furnish proof that they have completed a minimum of two years of undergraduate education. A few states require a four-year bachelor's degree. Pre-professional course requirements include English or communications, psychology, social sciences or humanities, biological science, general or inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Most colleges have additional requirements.
A minimum of four academic years of study at an accredited chiropractic college, including practice in a teaching clinic, is required for the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. The curriculum that must be completed should not be less than 4,400 hours. Courses must be presented in the proper sequence to provide sufficient depth to adequately prepare the student for professional practice.
Courses offered in chiropractic colleges include human anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology, public health, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics, dermatology, psychology, dietetics, orthopedics, physical therapy, first aid, spinal analysis, principles and practice of chiropractic, adjustive technique, and other appropriate subjects.
Clinical practice is the major feature in the educational preparation of the chiropractic physician. Clinical experience helps students achieve competency. There are four accredited chiropractic colleges in California: the Palmer College of Chiropractic-West and the Life Chiropractic College- West in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Cleveland Chiropractic College, and the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.
The Board of Chiropractic Examiners regulates the practice of chiropractic and grants license to Chiropractors who meet educational requirements and pass the state board examination. The board also requires practitioners to complete annual postgraduate study for license renewal. Currently, the State of California requires that candidates complete at least two years of pre-chiropractic education plus 4,400 hours of course work in a recognized chiropractic school or have a valid license from another state.
Chiropractic requires keen observation to detect physical abnormalities and considerable hand dexterity, but not unusual strength or endurance. Persons desiring to become Chiropractors should be able to work independently and handle responsibility. The ability to work with detail is important. Empathy and understanding are desirable qualities for dealing effectively with patients.
ADVANCEMENT
Appointment to teaching positions or to a chiropractic board is a form of professional recognition and advancement.
Advancement in private practice involves the expansion of the practice, resulting in additional Chiropractic associates, and a larger clerical staff and more assistants.
FINDING THE JOB
Those seeking jobs as Chiropractors should register with their local chiropractic society.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The American Chiropractic Association 1701 Clarendon Boulevard Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 276-8800 www.amerchiro.org
The Board of Chiropractic Examiners 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite N-100 Sacramento, CA 95833-3505 (916) 263-5355
California Chiropractic Association 1600 Sacramento Inn Way, Suite 106 Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 387-0177
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists No. 453 Optometrists No. 467 Radiation Therapy Technologists No. 535
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Chiropractor 079.101-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Chiropractors 321130
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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