A career as a chiropractor is extremely rewarding. Being a chiropractor you are given the opportunity to change people’s lives for the better. This article covers how to become a chiropractor and types of chiropractors.
What is a chiropractor?
The Chiropractic Scope has one sole focus, the nervous system. As a Chiropractor, we view the body as a whole and search for the cause of pain rather than treating the symptoms of pain, and the best part is that we use a non-invasive, drug-free approach. When most people think of chiropractic they think of the cracking sound heard when delivering an adjustment. Although the adjustment is a powerful tool for influencing the nervous system it is only the beginning. Because we view the body as a whole many Chiropractors utilize things such as nutrition, supplements, muscle work, rehabilitative exercises, postural awareness and various modalities to influence the nervous system as well.
What are the different types of Chiropractors?
If you have been to more than one Chiropractor then you are well aware that every chiropractor has their own technique. Many techniques are dependant on specialty. Our specialty, for example, is Perinatal Care, therefore we utilize a special chiropractic technique for pregnancy called the Webster Technique. Other types of chiropractors include, but are not limited to:
- Pediatrics
- Physical and Therapeutic Rehabilitation
- Chiropractic Acupuncture
- Diagnosis and Internal Disorders
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Neurology, Nutrition
- Occupational Health
- Sports, and Orthopedics
What are some requirements to become a Chiropractor?
A postgraduate degree is essential to become a chiropractor. In order to qualify for admission into the Doctor of Chiropractic Program, prospective students must have completed a minimum of 90-semester units or 135 quarter units at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education over the course of 7 years. 24 of these units should be in the Life and Physical Sciences (including Biology and Chemistry) while half of the 24 science units must have a substantive lab component. Students must have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the 90-semester units of prerequisite coursework.
Once accepted into the program the fun begins. The chiropractic curriculum consists of four years of chiropractic education, mandatory internships, and at least 900 hours of work in a chiropractic clinic. After graduating, you must pass written and oral board exams at national and state levels, as well as, take a state-based Jurisprudence Exam on ethical behavior as a physician. Then, at last, you’re a doc!!
What are common work environments for Chiropractors?
As a chiropractor, we have the opportunity to work in a range of dynamic settings. Some of these settings include private practices, health and wellness centers, sports teams, pain centers, private and community hospitals, and veterans administration hospitalism.
What’s your favorite thing about being a chiropractor?
Being a chiropractor is an extremely rewarding job and it has become our passion. Every day you are given the opportunity to change people’s lives for the better. We help people get back to doing the activities they love. Chiropractors fill a vital need in our health system. We help to promote wellness and reduce pain and suffering through holistic, natural solutions.
