Chiropractor Salary Range
Chiropractors work with their patients by manipulating the spine. People go to chiropractors for back and neck problems, but because chiropractic medicine is based on the theory that musculoskeletal problems affect overall health, chiropractors might help treat other health problems with natural, nonsurgical and nondrug therapies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median wage for chiropractors was $66,490 in 2008. The lowest percentile earned $32,380 and the highest percentile earned $159,640. Wages are determined primarily by location but can also be affected by specialization.
Requirements
Chiropractors are known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians. Every state requires that chiropractors have a license to practice. This license guarantees that chiropractors go through vigorous training before they are allowed to practice. The minimum requirement in order to get into chiropractor school is a bachelor's degree in a related field. Chiropractor school is four additional years of class and lab work. This leads to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Chiropractors then take an exam administered by the state to receive their licenses.
Function
Chiropractors are a medical alternative for people suffering from pain, especially in the back and neck areas. Chiropractors work to alleviate pain by realigning the spine. This can, for some people. lead to immediate relief. Chiropractors take X-rays and health histories of their patients in order to determine what level of chiropractic care they require. Sometimes, chiropractors use electric pulses or acupressure in addition to manually aligning the spine.
Features
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about half of all chiropractors are self-employed, meaning they have their own practice. Chiropractors' offices are similar to general physicians' offices; they have private rooms for patients, waiting areas, X-ray rooms and they require all the office work of any small business.
Potential
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for people entering the chiropractic field is expected to be better than average as more people embrace alternative health practitioners. Because of the high earning potential, chiropractors might enjoy relatively stable careers. However, the BLS warns that in many cases, people who are seeking chiropractic care often rely on their health insurance to pay for treatments, and some health insurance companies do not recognize chiropractic care as a necessary treatment.
Considerations
Because chiropractors are licensed doctors, they can advise patients on better eating and lifestyle habits, as well as recommend exercises to relieve pain. Chiropractors must be knowledgeable in more than manually manipulate the spine; they must also have a clear grasp of live a healthy life.
Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, chiropractic care, Labor Statistics, back neck