Chiropractor Career Plan
Chiropractors are not MDs, but they are doctors; they have seven or eight years of postsecondary education. If you’re interested in becoming a chiropractor, advanced planning can help you. The following steps were designed for high school students and graduates alike.
Become a Chiropractor
- Career Plan: How to Become a Chiropractor
Chiropractic Resources…
- Chiropractor Licensure
- Duties and Statistics: Chiropractor
- More Patient Care Careers
Step 1: Excel in high school. You will probably want to take more than the minimum number of math and science courses that are required for graduation. Consider taking a health exploration class. Also spend some time prepping for the SAT or ACT.
Step 2: Try to get some experience out in the field while you’re still in high school. You can begin by job shadowing or attending career fairs. The Area Health Education Center is a potential resource.
Step 3: It’s time to begin your undergraduate studies. It is possible to enroll as a pre-chiropractic student at some colleges. However, it isn’t necessary. Pick an undergraduate major in a field that interests you, but make sure to get your prerequisites in. That are typically a lot of science courses needed, for example, biology, quantitative science, organic and inorganic chemistry.
Start now by requesting information from schools that offer Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees.
You may want to take some business classes on the side – many chiropractic doctors are in private practice.
Step 4: Seek out professional opportunities during your underclassman years. You might look for volunteer or paid positions in complementary and alternative medicine.
Step 5: Prepare to enter a doctoral program. Be ready to submit an essay and a professional reference. You may be asked to participate in an interview.
Step 6: Select a chiropractic program that has been accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education Commission on Accreditation Council. Some chiropractic schools are housed within traditional universities; others are in schools of chiropractic care or alternative medicine.
It is possible to earn a dual degree in a field like oriental medicine or applied nutrition.
Step 7: Apply to your state board for licensure.
Step 8: Now it’s time for that first position. You may seek employment or set up your own practice. You may want to share office space with other alleopathic and alternative practitioners – sometimes they post ads for someone to join their venture.
Personality Traits: Chiropractors, like other doctoral level health care providers, combine empathy and scientific aptitude. Business savvy is helpful as well.
