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Chiropractors,
also known as Doctors of Chiropractic, diagnose and treat patients who
suffer from problems of the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems. They
base their system of health care on the principle that the nervous system
controls the overall health of the body. By using drugless, non-surgical
treatments, such as manipulation and adjustment of the spine,
chiropractors try to alleviate any stresses that may be affecting the
nervous system. They may also use other forms of non-invasive therapy such
as heat, water, light, exercise, and massage, as well as counseling
patients on proper diet and stress management. Some of their daily
activities include analyzing a patient’s condition by performing a variety
of tests, advising the patient on various treatments, recommending
nutritionally sound diets along with good sleeping habits, and keeping
accurate case history records for all patients. Chiropractors may also
consult with and refer patients to other health care professionals when
drugs or surgery are required.
Chiropractors may specialize in certain
areas such as neurology, sports injuries, orthopedics, diagnostic imaging,
internal disorders, occupational health, specific age groups, or
nutrition. They usually work with other health professionals such as
nurses and chiropractic assistants and technicians. Individuals interested
in this holistic approach to health care should have good people skills,
have excellent manual dexterity, and be able to realize limitations.
Work Environment:
Most
chiropractors set up their own practices or work in a group practice.
Others may be employed by hospitals, health maintenance organizations
(HMOs), or chiropractic colleges. Some chiropractors may provide treatment
in a patient’s home.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in chiropractic
health care should take high school courses in algebra, biology,
chemistry, physics, trigonometry, health occupations/medical professions
education, physical education, psychology, and computer skills.
College Requirements:
Individuals
interested in becoming a doctor of chiropractic must complete at least two
years of undergraduate study, although some obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Students must then complete a 4-year chiropractic college program
accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education.
Upon graduation from an accredited program, students must obtain a license
by passing a three-part examination given by the National Board of
Chiropractic Examiners. To maintain licensure, individuals must complete a
certain number of continuing education hours each year.
Students
interested in chiropractic care should contact schools for information on
admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for doctors of
chiropractic are expected to be excellent over the next decade. There is a
projected increase of 21%-35% in the number of positions that will become
available through the year 2012. This growth rate is largely due to the
increasing demand for alternative healthcare. Because they do not
prescribe drugs or perform surgery and they advocate the importance of a
healthy lifestyle, many health-conscious Americans are drawn to
chiropractic care. Another reason for this rate of growth is the
increasing number of insurance companies that cover chiropractic services.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$70,600
Salary Range
$55,500-$89,100
Professional Organizations:
American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (800) 986-4636
Fax: (703) 243-2593
www.amerchiro.org
International Chiropractors Association
1110 North Glebe Rd., Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 528-5000
www.chiropractic.org
Council of Chiropractic Education
8049 North 85th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: (480) 443-8877
Fax: (480) 483-7333
www.cce-usa.org
Mississippi Chiropractic Association
134 Marion Ave.
McComb, MS 39648
Phone: (601) 276-3336
www.misschiro.com |
