Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Chiropractor
Job description
Chiropractors treat patients mainly through spinal adjustments, or manual manipulations of the spine. This may be done through the use of computers, diagnostic imaging machines or other instruments. Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the nervous system and the spinal system, in relation to health and disease. Chiropractors may specialize in one area such as sports or geriatric practice. Chiropractors may prescribe exercise, ultrasound, muscle stimulation, or heat, cold, massage, or nutritional therapy. They also teach patients how to improve and maintain their health. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.
Chiropractors usually work 30-40 hours per week. Most work in private practice or in partnership with other chiropractors. Some work for chiropractic clinics or industrial firms. Others teach or conduct research at chiropractic colleges. Some work in offices of other health practitioners.
Salaries and benefits*
The costs of establishing a practice are high, so net income (total income minus expenses) during the first few years is relatively low. Some start as salaried chiropractors to acquire experience and funds needed to establish their own practice.
In Washington, the average entry level wage for chiropractors is $48,000 per year. Half of all chiropractors earn between $52,000 and $99,000 per year. In Spokane County, half of all chiropractors earn between $94,000 - $118,000 per year, and in King, Snohomish, and Island counties, half earn between $79,000 - $92,000 per year. Nationally, the median wage for chiropractors is $66,600 per year. Half of all chiropractors earn between $45,000 and $102,000 per year.
Self-employed chiropractors usually earn more than those who work for others. However, their earnings are somewhat low when starting a practice, and increase as the practice grows. Chiropractors who work full time in a group practice generally receive benefits, such as paid vacation and health insurance. Self-employed chiropractors must provide their own insurance.
Training and requirements
Chiropractors acquire the necessary skills by completing at least two years of pre-professional college work as well as a formal program of study at an approved four-year chiropractic college. The closest Chiropractic School to Washington State is Western State Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon, 2900 NE 132nd Ave., Portland, Oregon, 97230, 1-800-641-5641.
Necessary skills
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understand the meanings of words and present information clearly
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use hands skillfully to assemble and repair things
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catch on to things and make judgments
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good aptitude for science and math
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picture forms in space
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see details and slight differences in objects, shapes, or pictures
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coordinate eyes and hands
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use fingers to move small objects accurately
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knowledge of the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and neuroscience
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knowledge of clinical services
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know how to use x-rays and diagnose patients
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knowledge of basic business/marketing skills
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verbal skills; ability to work well with people
Working Conditions
Chiropractors frequently:
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Stand for long periods of time while examining patients.
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Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
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Bend or twist the body.
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Sit for long periods of time while filling out charts.
Interpersonal Relationships:
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Provide a service to their patients.
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Have a high level of social contact. They spend most of their work day with patients.
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Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of patients.
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Sometimes must persuade patients to follow treatment recommendations, such as using heat or ice on injuries.
Hours/Travel
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Usually work a 40-hour week, although longer hours are not uncommon.
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May work evenings or weekends to better serve patients.
Licensure/Certification
Chiropractors must be licensed by the Washington State Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission. Licensing requirements include:
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graduation from an accredited chiropractic college approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE);
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successful completion of parts one through four of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners test;
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completion of at least fifty percent of the required courses needed to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited and approved college or university;
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completion of open book written jurisprudence exam;
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completion of four hours of AIDS training; and
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twenty-five hours of continuing education every 12 months.
The application/exam fee is $300 and the annual renewal fee is $270. The cost to establish a private practice is estimated at $10,000 to $75,000 or more. Many chiropractors join professional associations, which may have annual dues. For more information contact:
The
Washington State Department of Health
Health Professions Quality Assurance Commission
PO Box 47865
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
360-236-4700
https://wws2.wa.gov/doh/hpqa-licensing/hps3/Chiropractic/default.htm
Helpful high school courses
Include biology, chemistry, math, physics, psychology, health, physical education, nutrition, Latin, English, speech, business, accounting, first aid, and computer science.
Outlook*
The inclusion of chiropractic services in Medicare and most insurance plans has increased the demand for these services. In addition, state law now requires all insurance companies based in Washington to cover chiropractic services. This, and an aging population, is expected to increase the number of people who seek chiropractic care.
According to estimates by the Washington State Department of Employment Security, there were 773 chiropractors employed in Washington in 2002. It is projected that by 2007 there will be 898 and by 2012 there will be 976. Between 2002 and 2007, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in Washington. Employment is projected to increase 16.2% during this period. It is estimated that there will be 25 openings annually due to new positions and 16 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation. Between 2007 and 2012, this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations in Washington. Employment is projected to increase 8.7% during this period. It is estimated that there will be 16 openings annually due to new positions and 18 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation.
Professional Associations
●
American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
703.276.8800
http://www.amerchiro.org/
●
Council on Chiropractic Education
8049 North 85th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-4321
480.443.8877
http://www.cce-usa.org
●
Washington State Chiropractic Association
13540 Linden Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98133-7545
(206) 364-6628
(800) 824-4918
http://www.chirohealth.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2005. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 5/1/06