Doctor of Chiropractic Degree: Evaluating Educational ROI

You know chiropractic school is for you. For a long time, you’ve felt driven to lead others to better health, and you know that evidence-based research is showing the non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive practices of chiropractic is a smart career move. Still, you’re enough of a realist to know the cost of that education has to be worth it. How much do chiropractors earn? What is the ROI – the return on investment – for a Doctor of Chiropractic degree?

Good News for the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree

Although no aspiring doctor can avoid the cost of health care education, the enterprising nature of a chiropractic business is reassuring, because it offers substantial income potential.

In an article in doctorly.org, Dr. Stephen Gubernick put it this way: “Ultimately, for those who have the ability to build their own business and make it successful, it is absolutely worth the cost.”

So, how much do chiropractors earn? According to Salary.com, the median salary for an experienced doctor of chiropractic rose to $$150,471. That is the third-highest annual compensation for a physician-level career, behind only medical doctors and those with a doctor of dentistry degree. Why is that?

The Uniqueness of Chiropractors

Chiropractors are likely to be entrepreneurs – more than 55% of chiropractors have a solo practice, and good networking and patient referrals help them sought-after in their community.

Residents, in turn, see value in and support their Doctor of Chiropractic. In a patient satisfaction survey reported in Chiropractic: A Safe and Cost-Effective Approach to Health, 95% of past-year patients rated their chiropractic care as effective. More than 8.5 of 10 current patients refer their chiropractor to family, friends, and neighbors.

An Inside Look at the Chiropractic Profession

The Chiropractor Salary Survey by Chiropractic Economics does a good job of providing an accurate look at what it’s like to be a chiropractor, adding new perspectives that go beyond asking, “How much does a chiropractor earn?” Some examples:

• The number of new patients is about nine per week. Chiropractors across the country are seeing an average of 140 total patients per week.
• Doctors of Chiropractic spend an average of 34 of a 40-hour workweek in direct patient care.
• 30% said they operated as a multidisciplinary clinic (chiropractor and additional medical practitioner), and 8% operated as an integrated clinic (Doctor of Chiropractic and M.D.s on staff).
• The number of sports/rehab practices rose 12% in 2017, up from just 2% in 2016. Family clinics remained popular, defining 62% of chiropractic practices.

Your D.C. degree at CUKC: Getting Beyond “How Much Do Chiropractors Earn?”

When dedicated, lifetime patient care is your number one goal; choosing chiropractic school is a strong choice. Remember, you can start paying back on your education in less than 4 years rather than facing medical school plus residency requirements.

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a healthcare-focused, private, nonprofit university located in Overland Park, Kan., a suburban city within the Kansas City metro. Our College of Chiropractic has been a national leader since 1922. Today, more than one of every 10 Doctor of Chiropractic is a College of Chiropractic graduate.

What you’ll find at CUKC:

• A team of faculty and staff who are dedicated to the success of each student
• A 34-acre campus with plentiful green space in a pleasant suburban location
• Financial aid guidance (More about financial aid options here.)
• Hands-on classes with patients as early as the first trimester
• Advanced technology: Two Force Sensing Tables in the adjusting laboratory on campus
• Business clubs and other programs for career preparation
• Opportunities to intern at the on-campus student chiropractic clinic and then at the University’s public chiropractic clinic.

Connect with an admissions advisor to learn about the Doctor of Chiropractic degree at CUKC and to schedule your campus tour. Eager to investigate the profession? Request a free copy of the eBook, Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession today!