As a high-achieving student in high school or college – or both – you want to be smart about choosing a healthcare-focused career. There are many options, so if you choose to become a chiropractor, you want solid evidence the profession can meet your high expectations. Turns out, right now is the right time to join the chiropractic profession – the third largest doctoral-level healthcare profession.
Deciding to Become a Chiropractor
Choosing to become a chiropractor is increasingly attractive because of evidence-based research, an evolving healthcare industry, and a growing recognition that prescription medicine and surgery aren’t necessarily good (or safe) first choices when treating painful conditions.
In addition to a drug-free approach, doctors of chiropractic lead patients toward better health through exercises, nutritional and dietary assistance, and lifestyle counseling.
Why the Public Appreciate the Chiropractic Degree
In recognizing the value of conservative-first medical treatments, the public seems ahead of the game. An annual chiropractic study of those who sought relief from neck or back pain said 97% of them would return for more chiropractic care; 95%of chiropractic patients said their treatments were effective.
1. Growing evidence of effectiveness
Although patients have long accepted chiropractic care, there’s been a lack of scientific evidence to back it up. Since 2012, no fewer than four major medical journals have acknowledged the benefits of chiropractic treatments: the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Spine, Annals of Internal Medicine, and the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
In 2017, the American College of Physicians (ACP) presented evidence that resulted in ACP issuing clinical recommendations for first choosing conservative, non-invasive treatments, including spinal adjustments.
2. Emergence of integrative health care
Chiropractors are at the forefront of the move toward integrative care. The profession’s collaborative, whole person-centered fits naturally into the desire for the most accurate diagnosis and targeted care possible. Chiropractors often coordinate care with M.D.s, occupational health practitioners, physical therapists, and sports medicine specialists.
3. Legislative action supports chiropractic care for veterans
In March 2018, new legislation expanded the ability of U.S. armed forces veterans to seek a chiropractic physician’s non-drug approach to pain relief.
Since 2004, there’s been an 822% increase in the number of veterans seen in Veterans Administration-approved chiropractic clinics.
4. Medical plans cover chiropractic care
According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), more than 90% of U.S. medical plans include chiropractic care when medically necessary.
Coverage is also provided by workers’ compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. Most students earn their Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.) in 3.3 years through a year-round, trimester schedule.
Points of distinction for the CUKC chiropractic degree include:
If you have more questions about becoming a chiropractor, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in this FAQ blog.
If you’re eager to learn more right now, get the free eBook, Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession, today!
