Chiropractor Essay

What do they do?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the neuromuscular system. This means they work with nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. As a doctor, their job is to relieve the patient of ailments by adjusting the spine and other major body parts. They are known to manage neck and back pain most frequently but often deal with other problem areas as well. Chiropractors assess medical conditions, analyze posture, and provide treatments for patients that are in pain. Often times a chiropractor will also refer patients to another health professional if their medical condition requires further attention. The general focus of the chiropractic field is the general health of the patient. Some chiropractors focus on areas such as sports, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, or nutrition but typically a general chiropractor is concentrated on relieving pain and maintaining the well-being of everyday people.
How to become one?
Becoming a chiropractor will take at least seven years in post high school education. Future chiropractors will need a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a state license. Licensure takes a D. C. and some states require the passing of a state-specified exam. In order to receive your Doctor of Chiropractic you must graduate from one of
the few Chiropractic programs. But first, these programs usually require at least three years of undergraduate education to apply. Common majors include biology, physiology, etc. With three years of college and four years in a Doctor of Chiropractic program the total amount of time to become a licensed chiropractor ranges from seven to eight years after high school.
Work Environment
A chiropractor’s work environment is relatively standard to small practices and offices.
Specialized chiropractors can work anywhere from hospitals to sports facilities, however, mainly they work solo or in group practices. Most chiropractors work full time to accommodate their patients’ needs, but about one in every four chiropractors work part time. Often times chiropractors are given the opportunity to set their own hours. This usually happens when they own or run their own personal practice. Also chiropractors may need to work nights and weekends if their patients need attention at certain times. They are on their feet for most of the day as they treat and examine
patients.
Pay
In May of 2015, the median annual salary for a chiropractor was found to be 64,440. The range spans from less than about 30,000 dollars per year to over about 100,000 dollars per year. The difference between the numbers tells the story of beginning chiropractors without a lot of clients and an experienced chiropractor with a built up reputation and clientele. The amount of money you earn is generally based on how well you can bring in patients to your practice.
Job Outlook
Employment of Chiropractors is project to increase by 17% over the span of 2014 to 2024. This number is far above the average based on other occupations. Because of failed methods including harmful drugs and medicine, chiropractic care is becoming more appealing to those with back, neck, and joint pain. Given this, the chiropractic field is in high demand. Another reason for this growth is that older people are looking to live more active lifestyles that are often attainable through chiropractic medicine. Access to healthcare is also expected to increase which helps the chiropractic field because most insurance companies cover chiropractic medicine.