Starting A Chiropractic Career: What to Know

The chiropractic field is steadily growing. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 10 percent by 2034. If chiropractic is right for you, not only can you help patients relieve pain, but you can also encourage them to lead healthier lives.

Chiropractic education requirements

Ready to kickstart your journey as a chiropractor? The first step is to prepare your educational path.

Complete undergraduate study and chiropractic school

Most chiropractic colleges are year-round, summers included. That's three to four full years of classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. But before you can apply, you need to complete at least 90 semester hours, or three years, of undergraduate studies. After your undergraduate requirements are completed, you will be able to work toward earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree at a chiropractic college of your choice.

Some chiropractic schools allow you to start a DC program before finishing your bachelor's degree, or don't require one at all. In other programs, you can study for two years in college before starting a four-year DC program. In that case, you can earn both a bachelor's and a DC degree.

No matter which path you choose, how you gain chiropractic expertise is up to you.

Next steps: The NBCE and beyond

The completion of the four-part certification exam from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) is your key to becoming licensed. These tests ensure you have the skills necessary to practice safely and effectively.

Prepare for the test

Parts I and II, which happen during your DC program, cover basic and clinical sciences. You can take part III within nine months of graduation. Like part IV, this exam focuses on chiropractic technique, as well as clinical and case management skills. To take part IV, you must be within six months of graduation or a graduate of chiropractic school.

To help you prepare for the exam:

• Create a study schedule
• Review class notes
• Take sample tests

Obtain a chiropractic license

Once you pass, you're ready to become a licensed chiropractor. Each state is different — it's important to research the licensing requirements in the state where you plan to practice. To keep your license valid, most states require continuing education credits. You may also need to pay initial licensing fees and renewal fees to remain licensed.

Gain work experience

After school, most people either start their own practice or join an existing practice as an associate.

Having your own practice gives you full control of your business. However, you may want to enter the workforce at an established clinic right out of school. In doing so, you can gain valuable experience about the business from other chiropractors before starting your own. To learn more navigating employment contracts when joining an established clinic, check out this article.

Either way, becoming established can take time. No matter how long it takes to become a chiropractor, use that time to decide how you want to make a positive impact on your patients.

Get covered

As a chiropractor, your job carries unique risks that sometimes can lead to malpractice claims. That's why securing the best malpractice coverage is crucial to your career.

There's no one more reliable for your malpractice insurance needs than ChiroPreferred — an exclusive solution from industry leader MedPro Group. With ChiroPreferred's $50 first-year malpractice insurance policy for new practitioners, you can get the protection you need, without breaking the bank.

Check out this article to learn more about how to buy malpractice insurance.

Q&A with a ChiroPreferred Advisory Board Member

Now that you're familiar with the chiropractic career, let's hear from an expert.

Dr. Heather Dehn, DC, is an advisory board member for ChiroPreferred. As a practicing chiropractor since 1994, Dr. Dehn has helpful insights to share.

Is it difficult to be admitted to chiropractic school?

Admission to chiropractic school requires hard work and dedication. Dr. Dehn advises finishing your prerequisites with decent grades and paying attention to admission requirements: "I recommend calling the admissions department at the chiropractic school(s) you're interested in and asking what the requirements are."

"Another tip is to know the requirements for the state you want to practice in." Some states, like California and Florida, have unique requirements. Keep this in mind while planning your educational path.

What skills or qualities does an aspiring chiropractor need?

1. Empathy: "You'll be taking care of others' healthcare needs. Patients are often in pain and vulnerable. Every chiropractor needs to show care for their patients."
2. Communication: "Most people do not understand who chiropractors are and what we do." According to Dr. Dehn, effectively communicating with patients, attorneys, and the public is important for your practice to grow and thrive.
3. Business sense: In school, "we learn how to treat patients but not how to run a business." That's why Dr. Dehn says to take some time to learn good business practices. Gain financial literacy, find a mentor, shadow another chiropractor, etc.
4. Persistence: "The early years of your career can be difficult. Persistence, and remembering why you wanted to be a chiropractor, will help you get through trying times."

What is your advice for an aspiring chiropractor?

"Find a mentor that can answer questions and help you through your journey." This might be your existing chiropractor or someone else. Chiropractors are usually open to mentorship.

"Once you decide to become a DC, try to minimize your student loans. Repaying loans (and the interest) can take time to pay back, so spend wisely."

What are potential career paths for chiropractors?

"There are many more options than there used to be. Now, there are opportunities to work for larger chiropractic group practices and corporations." You can also work in multidisciplinary settings as a staff chiropractor in:

• Veteran's Health Administration (VHA)
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Other hospital or healthcare systems

Make ChiroPreferred part of your journey

We're ready to support you throughout your chiropractic journey. With over 40 years of chiropractic malpractice expertise, we'll protect your good name as if it were our own.

To learn more, reach out to our team or get a quote today.