Chiropractors are medical professionals who do spinal adjustments which reduce pain and misalignment. They use manual, mechanical, and electrical therapies to help reduce pain. The process of becoming a chiropractor is lengthy and is somewhat similar to the training that physicians go through. If interested in becoming a chiropractor, you should interview a chiropractor and spend a day at the chiropractor’s office in order to get a sense of what the work is like.
You will get lot of ideas that how chiropractic in Brisbane works. Of note, it is necessary to do a lot of hard work to establish your own chiropractic practice. Granted, if you have good manual dexterity, good academic skills, and good stamina, chiropractic can be a rewarding experience. Here are steps you can take to pursue this career.
College Education and Selecting a Chiropractic School
Earn a four-year college degree. Some chiropractic schools just require 90 credits of undergraduate coursework; however, you will be more competitive if you earn the bachelor’s degree first. Also, keep in mind that some states actually require a bachelor’s degree as part of licensure. As you complete the bachelor’s degree, you can major in any major you wish as long as you take the required pre-chiropractic courses such as chemistry, biology, and physics. Of course, if you chose to major in science, it could be more convenient since a science major would automatically include many of the pre-chiropractic courses. Additionally, doing an internship in a chiropractor’s office is also helpful because having chiropractic office experience will likely make your application for chiropractic school stronger.
While in college, do research to find out about the various chiropractic schools that offer the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. The school that you eventually apply to should be regionally accredited and should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CACCE). While researching schools, note how many students are typically in the classes. Also, note the percentage of students that pass the chiropractic licensure exam. If you find a school where a high percentage of students pass the licensure exam, that is typically a good sign. It suggests that the teachers and curriculum are up to par.
Applying to Chiropractic School and Being a Student
Get a copy of your high school diploma, your official college transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay explaining why you want to become a chiropractor and any other materials that you wish to have considered and then apply to chiropractic school. Most chiropractic schools do not require an exam prior to admission; however, this could change as time goes on. Apply to more than one school because you may not get into your first choice school. Also, prepare to be interviewed. Purchase a book on interview preparation. Anticipate questions that you might be asked and prepare to be at your best during the interview so that prospective admissions committees can get a true sense of the potential that you have.
If accepted to chiropractic school, you will be there for at least three years or possibly four years depending on the school. The curriculum will include many science courses such as pathology, physiology, biochemistry, radiology, diagnosis, chiropractic technique, public health and anatomy. During the final year of chiropractic school, you will have supervised practice opportunities where you will improve your skills with patients. After completion of the coursework and supervised practice opportunities, you will graduate.
Licensure and Work
Successfully completing the licensure exam is necessary after graduation. The licensure exam is a multi-part exam given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. In addition to this, some states have their own chiropractic exams that you must pass if you hope to become licensed as a chiropractor. After completion of the licensure exam(s), then you must formally apply to the state board in whichever state you intend to practice in.
After becoming a licensed chiropractor, it is necessary to become a member of a professional chiropractor’s association so that you can stay abreast of any major changes in the profession. Also, it is necessary to take continuing education coursework to maintain your license. These courses will enable you to stay up to date in your knowledge of the most recent research, progress, and information pertaining to the field of chiropractic. Also, if you choose to have a subspecialty, you could choose to get additional training in a particular field of interest such as chiropractic treatment of pregnant women or chiropractic treatment of athletes for example.
In any event, chiropractors do have many choices in terms of where they will work. For instance, chiropractors can start their own practice, buy an established practice, or enter into partnership with an already established chiropractor. Or, by contrast, it is possible to get a chiropractic job at a traditional health care facility or community health center in some cases.