Here are two aspects of becoming a chiropractor that aspiring healthcare professionals need to know: (1) When you’re a U.S. veteran, you have financial aid options beyond any other scholarships, federal and private loans, or grants, and (2) the chiropractic profession and the veteran’s community has a distinct relationship, one that includes special coverages and expanded access to care like the Veterans Choice Program.
It’s not surprising that members of the U.S. armed forces already know the value of a chiropractor. Along with access to other medical specialties, active duty personnel can be referred to a Doctor of Chiropractic at more than 60 military sites in the U.S. and overseas.
Meanwhile, chiropractic services are included in the standard Medical Benefits Package available to all eligible veterans, and there are 80VA facilities with chiropractic clinics. Medicare and Tricare patient polls indicate veterans seeking a chiropractor’s non-pharmacological approach to spine care give satisfaction ratings nearing 90%. Over the past several years, 40,000 veterans have accessed services provided by doctors of chiropractic at VA clinics.
Legislation signed in March 2018 expanded the ability of veterans to seek a chiropractic, non-drug approach to pain relief and included a requirement that 50% of all Veterans hospital districts include access to chiropractic care.
If you’re following the latest trends in health care, you’re well aware that one of the most exciting developments is the growth of integrative care. An emphasis on integrative care means doctors of all disciplines – M.D.s, chiropractors (D.C.s), etc. – work together to develop patient-centered, uniquely-tailored treatment approaches. (Learn more about the advantages in this blog.) According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), this focus leads to clinical efficiency, patient satisfaction, and cost savings.
In becoming a chiropractor, students join a profession that’s expected to grow at 10% for the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nonpharmacological approach to healthier lives embraced by doctors of chiropractic is very compelling in a world increasingly aware of the dangers of prescribed medications. At the same time, patient satisfaction surveys and evidence-based research show chiropractic care is safe and effective.
If you’re a veteran seeking relief from chronic pain or injuries, know the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program provides services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. The initial process begins online at the VA Benefits website. You’ll want to look into the Veterans Choice Program (VCP). You can find an excellent summary of the Veterans Choice program here.
Veterans have special financial aid options beyond any scholarships, federal and private loans, or grants. The G.I. Bill® (and the enhancements in the GI Forever Bill ®) offer tremendous advantages that deserve exploration.
What you’ll want to do is search out chiropractic colleges that choose to participate in the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program, which can open the way for the Veterans Administration to pay tuition and fee expenses that exceed the maximum amounts specified by the Post-9/11 GI Bill ®.
Becoming a chiropractor is a career choice that will demand your best effort, and it’s also one that helps address a tremendous need. A 2016 study by the Veterans Administration showed an 822% increase in the number of patients seen in its chiropractic clinics from 2004 to 2015.
In the U.S. alone, another 45 million people yearly suffer from problems chiropractic care can address, including
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a vibrant, highly rated suburb of the Kansas City metro. CUKC has been a pioneer in chiropractic and health sciences for nearly 100 years. Our mission is to educate and develop leaders in health promotion.
CUKC is an annual participant in the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program. The CUKC Financial Aid team is ready to assist veterans in their pursuit of a professional healthcare career and can provide guidance in navigating the VA’s Veterans Choice program.
In addition to the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, students may earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Biology degree at CUKC. The B.S. degree can be earned as an undergraduate degree, or accomplished students can get a B.S. degree while concurrently completing the D.C. degree through a unique combined B.S./D.C. program.
CUKC also helps its chiropractic students prepare for business through its Success Strategies seminars and club. Success Strategy participants receive guidance, resources, and materials to help them:
Get answers. Request the free ebook, Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession, today!
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
