Chiropractor

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Work Tasks

• Make physical pain feel better without using drugs or surgery
• Do physical exams, lab tests, and x-rays to find out what the problem is
• Push and pull bones and muscles or use tape or braces to support them
• Suggest new diets, exercises, and sleeping habits patients can use to make them feel better
• Work in doctors offices for themselves or for clinics
• Work with thermometers, stethoscopes, x-ray machines, lab equipment, braces, support tape, vitamins, heat/cold/electric stimulation therapy

Salary, Size & Growth

• $104,500 average per year ($50.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (26,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year chiropractic college course following at least two years of undergraduate education
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree
• Skills/Courses: College courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology, and biochemistry; manipulation and spinal adjustments, and clinical experience in physical and laboratory diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and nutrition.
• Certification/Licensing: Chiropractors must be licensed in the state where they practice.