If you’ve been searching for a profession that will allow you to enjoy a fantastic quality of life while helping others, a career as a doctor of chiropractic should be at the top of your list. Employment opportunities are good; you can own your own business, you can help others live a more productive, less painful life, and improve your own life with the solid compensation that chiropractors receive.
If all of this sounds appealing, then maybe a career in chiropractic is right for you. Here are 5 aspects of a chiropractic career:
1. Solid employment option
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chiropractic employment is expected to grow about 10% between 2016-26, which is faster than the average for all other occupations across the board. That kind of growth indicates there’s a continuing demand for services provided by chiropractors.
The increase in growth can be attributed to the baby boomer generation that will need care for bone and joint issues as they continue to age. Some segments of the millennial generation that are health conscious and more open to drug-free treatment options may also fuel the need for more doctors of chiropractic.
2. Own a business
When it comes to a career in chiropractic, some practitioners will graduate from a chiropractic institution, and choose to work as an associate for someone else. However, if you’ve worked for others before, and you desire never to do it again, chiropractic can make that happen.
You can own your practice and work for yourself. Owning the practice gives you control over the daily operation, professional direction, and ultimately, your business’ profit. Many who choose chiropractic jobs do so for that reason — they want to control their destiny!
3. Locational freedom
One of the best parts of chiropractic jobs is that there is a need for care everywhere. From urban streets to suburban expressways to the unpaved surfaces of rural America, there is always someone in need of care. According to a 2018 survey in Chiropractic Economics, there are opportunities wherever you choose to live.
Of practitioners who responded, here’s the breakout:
Geography does not limit pain and discomfort, and those in cities experience the same musculoskeletal issues as those in less populated areas. However, everyone should have the option to pursue the type of care that is right for them. Wherever you reside, chiropractic jobs can provide prosperity almost anywhere, both in the United States and abroad.
4. Help others be more productive
The results of chiropractic care are gaining the attention of other healthcare professionals. In 2017, the American College of Physicians began advising those with back pain to first consider non-drug options such as chiropractic, yoga, tai chi, and massage therapy.
A Consumer Reports survey of 3,562 adults determined that 83% found chiropractic effective as a non-drug treatment option. In addition to back pain, chiropractic has been effective for other problems, including:
If helping people is your motivation, a career in chiropractic is something to consider. You can make a difference for those who are suffering. You can become a hero to patients who are living with any type of neuromuscular pain or disorder.
5. Improve your own life while helping others
According to Salary.com, the median annual compensation for a doctor of chiropractic can be as much as $144,000. Of course, that’s for an established chiropractic practice, but new chiropractors who actively seek out new patients generally see their business grow.
The average chiropractor works 40 hours a week, but some work less. Nearly all chiropractors get to set their preferred work hours. To do good work, and to be compensated accordingly, is just one more thing that makes a career in chiropractic something to consider.
Would you like to make an impact on the health of people in the world around you? Is experiencing a feeling of purpose and contentment each day at work something of interest to you? Is providing well for your family essential?
A career in chiropractic can make all of those things possible and much more. If that’s where your heart is, follow it. Become a doctor of chiropractic.
CUKC Can Get Your Healthcare Career Going
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) can help you launch your chiropractic career. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of more than 190,000 within the Kansas City metro area, CUKC has been educating healthcare professionals since 1922.
The CUKC College of Chiropractic offers three start dates per year to accommodate your schedule. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions.
To see what a career in chiropractic can offer you, download the free ebook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.