Essential Information
Students can choose an associate's degree that allows them to work with chiropractors in the field or they can enroll in a specialized 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic program to become chiropractors themselves.
The Associate of Science in Chiropractic Technology instructs students on how to assist a chiropractor with patient care and chiropractic-specific exams. They can become chiropractic assistants or technicians and help manage the day to day business operations of a chiropractic office.
The Doctor of Chiropractor (D.C.) program teaches students how to address health issues of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments. They often use spinal manipulations, adjustments and other techniques to manage neck and back pain.
In order to be a chiropractor, students must earn a degree from an accredited school, pass an exam and become licensed by the state. The Council of Chiropractic Education is the national accrediting organization for chiropractic programs in the United States. Some chiropractic programs are available wholly or partially online.
Associate of Science in Chiropractic Technology
In a chiropractic technology program, students analyze the human body to discover the most effective treatment options for spine and back problems. They develop technical skills to assist chiropractors, perform x-ray examinations and apply various screening procedures. Chiropractic technicians need to speak clearly with patients to effectively assist them; therefore, communication skills are stressed in associate-level programs. Various administrative and office duties, such as record-keeping and appointment-making, are usually taught as well.
Admission to a community college or technical school is normally extended to those with a GED or high school diploma. In some cases, applicants may need to submit ACT or SAT scores as well. Within the program, entry-level science classes are a requirement before students can take upper-level science courses. Sample courses include:
- Medical ethics
- Computer technology
- Radiology
- Fundamentals of x-ray
- Interpersonal communication
- Office and bookkeeping skills
Doctor of Chiropractic
Students enrolled in a graduate-level chiropractic program focus on science and medical health. While preparing to adjust and rehabilitate the human body, students learn to examine and diagnose patients and to evaluate overall bodily health. Future doctors are enabled to effectively relay and enforce patient rights by studying medical law and communication skills. Chiropractic techniques taught in this degree program include activator methods, pro-adjustor technique, soft tissue techniques, applied kinesiology, active release method and specific diversified technique.
Although an associate's degree in chiropractic technology is often sufficient for enrollment, most colleges prefer that applicants to the D.C. program possess a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Pre-Chiropractic. Students must possess a minimum of 90 undergraduate semester hours along with a 2.5 overall GPA. Most colleges require applicants to attend a personal interview with the admissions department along with providing a letter of reference from a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, an essay must be submitted which details the student's future professional goals.
Once admitted, students learn the duties of running a practice and working with patients in addition to studying the following topics:
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Public health
- Clinical practice
- Physical therapy principles
- Chiropractic philosophy
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Those with an associate's degree can become chiropractic assistants or technicians and work alongside chiropractors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistant (including chiropractic assistant) job openings will increase by 19%, which is much faster than other career fields, between 2019 and 2029, largely as a result of growth in the medical and healthcare fields. The average yearly salary for medical assistants, including chiropractic assistants, was $36,930 as of May 2020, per BLS figures.
Graduates of a Doctor of Chiropractor program can perform chiropractic work by either starting their own office or teaming up with a more experienced, established professional. The BLS states that the chiropractic field should see a 4% growth, which is as much as the average, between 2019 and 2029. In 2020, the BLS reported that chiropractors made an average annual salary of $83,830; the top 10% of chiropractors earned $137,950 or more.
Continuing Education Information
Graduates of associate's degree programs should pursue a bachelor's degree or obtain the necessary 90 semester hours at the undergraduate level and then enroll in a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program. Some programs allow students to obtain a bachelor's degree alongside their D.C.
Chiropractors must possess a state license in order to practice and operate an office in the U.S. Some states require applicants to complete two years of undergraduate study or hold a bachelor's degree, in addition to completing the 4-year doctoral chiropractic training program. Prospective chiropractors must also pass an examination from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Part of the licensing process requires ongoing education each year. Specialty certification is also available.
Students in Associate of Science in Chiropractic Technology programs learn the technical skills needed to assist chiropractors. Doctoral students explore science and medical health, which prepares them for careers as chiropractors.
