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Chiropractors/Doctors of Chiropractic

THE JOB

Chiropractic is the second largest healing profession in the world.  Its
approach to human health is based on the premise that the relationship
between structure and function in the human body is a significant health
factor, and interrelationships between the spinal column and the nervous
system contribute to the disease process. CHIROPRACTORS hold that
misalignment of spinal vertebrae or irritation of the spinal nerves can
alter many important body functions by affecting the nervous system.

Chiropractors/Doctors of Chiropractic take patient histories, conduct
physical examinations, diagnose and give treatments for illness and injury.
Because of the emphasis on the spine and its position, most Chiropractors
use x-rays to help locate the source of patients' difficulties and also to
rule out fractures or disease.

Chiropractors treat patients primarily by manual adjustments, especially of
the spinal column.  They use different therapies including massage, water,
light, ultrasound, electric, cold and heat to aid in the healing of the
muscles, joints, and nerves.  They may make dietary and nutritional
recommendations, advise on exercise and sleeping habits and also may suggest
and apply the use of supports such as straps, tapes, bandages, and braces if
deemed necessary.

Some Chiropractors specialize in athletic injuries, neurology, orthopedics,
nutrition, and internal disorders.  Others specialize in taking and
interpreting X-rays and other diagnostic images.

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.  If they discover
evidence of disease, injury or condition which is outside their scope of
practice, they must refer the patient to an appropriate health care
provider.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Chiropractors work in privately owned offices, holistic centers with other
health professionals, or in multi-doctor clinics.  Their offices may be
equipped with basic equipment or with a full array of the most modern
therapy and X-ray equipment.  Some also treat patients in hospitals.  
They may also have a secretary and staff to help them with the patients,
perform laboratory work, or to take X-rays.

Although practitioners do not need a great amount of physical strength,
they should have good manual dexterity, good general health, energy, physical
endurance, and the ability to accurately diagnose and treat their patients.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993          2,830
Estimated number of workers in 2005          4,080
Projected Growth 1993-2005                    44 %
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005  860

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

The number of Chiropractors is expected to grow faster than average through
2005.  The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners reports that there were 
approximately 10,500 Chiropractors holding active licenses in California 
in 1998.

About 70 percent of active Chiropractors are in solo practice with the
remainder in group practice or working with other Chiropractors.  A small
number teach, conduct Research at chiropractic colleges, or work in
hospitals and for health maintenance organizations (HMOs).

California's aging population has an increasing need for health care and
access to information and advice about good health practices.  This
atmosphere, together with an increased public acceptance of the chiropractic
profession, will increase job opportunities for Chiropractors.  As with most
health care professions, it usually takes three to five years to become
established and make good earnings, as the cost of buying equipment is
expensive and establishing clientele takes time. 

According to the American Chiropractic Association, most Chiropractors work
in the suburbs and small cities. With California having a disproportionately
large number of Chiropractors, the competition for jobs will be especially
keen.  New entrants into the occupation may find the best opportunities in
smaller communities or where there are fewer competitors.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

The nationwide median wage for Chiropractors is about $70,000 a year.

The average workweek is about 40 hours; this ordinarily includes some
evening and week-end hours.  Self-employed Chiropractors can set their own
hours.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

The educational standards for chiropractic colleges require that all
students seeking admission furnish proof that they have completed a minimum
of two years of undergraduate education.  A few states require a four-year
bachelor's degree.  Pre-professional course requirements include English or
communications, psychology, social sciences or humanities, biological
science, general or inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.
Most colleges have additional requirements.

A minimum of four academic years of study at an accredited chiropractic
college, including practice in a teaching clinic, is required for the Doctor
of Chiropractic degree.  The curriculum that must be completed should not be
less than 4,400 hours.  Courses must be presented in the proper sequence to
provide sufficient depth to adequately prepare the student for professional
practice.

Courses offered in chiropractic colleges include human anatomy,
biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology, public health, clinical
and laboratory diagnosis, gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics,
dermatology, psychology, dietetics, orthopedics, physical therapy, first
aid, spinal analysis, principles and practice of chiropractic, adjustive
technique, and other appropriate subjects.

Clinical practice is the major feature in the educational preparation of the
chiropractic physician. Clinical experience helps students achieve
competency.  There are four accredited chiropractic colleges in California:
the Palmer College of Chiropractic-West and the Life Chiropractic College-
West in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Cleveland Chiropractic College,
and the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.

The Board of Chiropractic Examiners regulates the practice of chiropractic
and grants licenses to Chiropractors who meet educational requirements and
pass the state board examination.  The board also requires practitioners to
complete annual postgraduate study for license renewal.  Currently, the 
State of California requires that candidates complete at least two years of
pre-chiropractic education plus 4,400 hours of course work in a recognized
chiropractic school or have a valid license from another state.

Chiropractic requires keen observation to detect physical abnormalities and
considerable hand dexterity, but not unusual strength or endurance.  Persons
desiring to become Chiropractors should be able to work independently and
handle responsibility.  The ability to work with detail is important.
Empathy and understanding are desirable qualities for dealing effectively
with patients.


ADVANCEMENT

Appointment to teaching positions or to a chiropractic board is a form of
professional recognition and advancement.

Advancement in private practice involves the expansion of the practice,
resulting in additional Chiropractic associates, and a larger clerical staff
and more assistants.


FINDING THE JOB

Those seeking jobs as Chiropractors should register with their local
chiropractic society.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, VA  22209
(703) 276-8800
www.amerchiro.org

California Department of Consumer Affairs
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite N-100
Sacramento, CA 95833-3505
(916) 263-5355
http://www.dca.ca.gov/

California Chiropractic Association
1600 Sacramento Inn Way, Suite 106
Sacramento, CA  95815 
(916) 648-2727
http://www.calchiroassn.org/

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Speech-Language Pathologists & 
Audiologists                      No. 453
Optometrists                      No. 467
Radiation Therapy Technologists   No. 535

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Chiropractor                  079.101-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Chiropractors                      321130


Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.