What are the best aspects of being a doctor of chiropractic? Someone actually did the research on that, and the results are very telling. According to a 2021 survey, here are five top-rated things chiropractors said reflected the “the positive aspects of becoming a chiropractor.”
Results from research studies are one thing. Still, what do individual chiropractors have to say about what they do?
Here are statements from five people who followed their dream of becoming a chiropractor – in their own words.
“I see how my work helps others when my patients bring their children, and they bring their children. I treat many four-generation families.”
– Dr. Brian Predmore, in chiropractic practice since 1989
“Chiropractic as a whole has allowed me to make an impact. I’ve had numerous patients with severe pain and debilitating symptoms come through my office. It’s a great feeling when you see them improve and walk out the door feeling significantly better.”
– Dr. Mark Walters, in practice since 2006
“My work affects others daily. Helping moms have pain-free pregnancies, helping elderly patients continue to do their everyday activities without living in pain, improving range of motion, and overall, boosting the health and well-being of patients during these stressful times!”
– Dr. Brittany Badon, in practice since 2012
“With our education, we’ve been able to positively impact our family, friends, and patients, helping them get back to a place in their lives where they feel happy and alive. They’re able to move better, contribute more, and do things their body once kept them from doing.”
– Dr. Haley Day, in practice since 2008
“I’m most proud of my contribution to the community where I live. I’ve been here a long time, and now I get to see the benefits…like 20 years later, where patients say, “You fixed my son’s back. And now my son’s in the NFL.” There’s something special about rendering relief to people in situations that are really miserable.”
– Dr. Jon Petrick, in practice since 1999
The increased use of chiropractic treatments is due to evidence-based research showing effectiveness for musculoskeletal-related issues and conditions. That’s a way of saying doctors of chiropractic (D.C.s) are a great choice when you have pain concerning muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Chiropractors understand the effects these disorders can have on general health and well-being.
Additional factors in favor of a doctor of chiropractic career include their strong belief in integrative care (specialists working collaboratively to provide the best patient care possible).
One question many ask about becoming a chiropractor is, “So, what’s chiropractic education like?”
Most chiropractic colleges use a trimester system (three academic terms per year). This full-year schedule allows most students to complete their chiropractic degree in about 3.5 years.
Like med school students, chiropractic college students complete more than 4,200 clock hours of classes, lab work, and patient care instruction. Their education includes performing initial patient assessments and creating appropriate treatment/intervention plans.
All during their time in school, chiropractic students undergo rigorous testing. Go here to read about the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams.
To apply for admission to a chiropractic college, students must have a minimum of 90 college hours and a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA. Common undergraduate majors include
Most students who decide to earn a chiropractic degree already have a bachelor’s degree and have had previous success navigating science and math courses. One chiropractic college has an incoming student GPA of 3.27.
The 90 college hours are expected to include 24 hours of life and physical sciences courses, including biology, anatomy, physiology, and general and organic chemistry with lab components.
Aside from fulfilling their desire to care for people, many chiropractors say an appealing reason for becoming a chiropractor is the likelihood of owning a business. That way, they have control of the scope of the practice and days/hours of operation.
More than 50% of chiropractors are owners, either solo or with other chiropractors.
One example of that: Drs. Whitney Haase and Nolan Clausen. They launched their practice, Midwest Movement, when they returned to their native state of Nebraska after graduating from chiropractic college.
“I was raised just a few miles from our practice,” Dr. Haase says. “All our family, my husband and mine, are close to here. I knew that I wanted to be back somewhere in the Omaha metro, and Elkhorn seemed like a perfect small town.”
Finally, the healthcare landscape continues to widen as consumers seek less invasive ways to feel better over their lifetime while also keeping healthcare costs down. In 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an 11% growth rate for chiropractors from 2020 to 2030.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a Kansas City metro suburb.
Our history in chiropractic education began in 1922. Today, CUKC is the only chiropractic university still guided by a founding family member. Nearly 11,000 chiropractors in the U.S. have a doctor of chiropractic degree from our College of Chiropractic.
Becoming a chiropractor puts you on track for a satisfying – and challenging – people-first career as a healthcare practitioner.
Find out more by requesting CUKC information, and get this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.
