Chiropractic Career Options

Graduates with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree are prepared for many career opportunities as solo practitioners or members of a group practice, as sports team or corporate chiropractors, or as chiropractic educators or researchers.

Employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 12% through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wage for chiropractors was $68,640 in May 2017.

People across all age groups are increasingly becoming interested in integrative or complementary healthcare as a way to treat pain and to improve overall wellness. Chiropractic care is appealing to patients because chiropractors use nonsurgical methods of treatment and do not prescribe drugs.

The Right Start

Preparing for your chiropractic career starts with the right academic foundation. At PennWest California, you can take advantage of PennWest California’s exceptional “3+3” dual degree program, which allows you to earn a bachelor of science degree in biology while transitioning into the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program at one of the nation’s top three chiropractic colleges:

  • Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest chiropractic college, with campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, Calif.; and Port Orange, Fla.
  • New York Chiropractic College, founded in 1919. Since 1991, NYCC has been located in Seneca Falls, N.Y.
  • Logan University in Chesterfield, Mo. A longstanding PennWest California partner, Logan has been offering chiropractic education since 1935.

Earning your B.S. in Biology at PennWest California will be an important part of your professional career planning, since many states require chiropractors to hold a bachelor’s degree, in addition to their chiropractic credential, in order to be licensed to practice. By earning both the B.S. and D.C. degrees, you’ll have maximum flexibility as you begin your career.

A Growing Trend

Chiropractic treatment of the back, neck, limbs and involved joints has become widely accepted as a result of research and changing attitudes about additional approaches to healthcare, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a result, chiropractors are increasingly working with other healthcare workers, such as physicians and physical therapists, through referrals and complementary care.

The aging of the large baby-boom generation will lead to new opportunities for chiropractors, because older adults are more likely than younger people to have neuromusculoskeletal and joint problems. Members of the aging population likely will continue to seek treatment for these conditions as they lead longer, more active lives.

Some chiropractors use procedures such as massage therapy, rehabilitative exercise and ultrasound in addition to spinal adjustments and manipulation. They also may apply supports, such as braces or shoe inserts, to treat patients and relieve pain. In addition to operating a general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors specialize in areas such as sports, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics or nutrition, among others.

Your chiropractic career options include:

  • Solo practitioner.
  • Associate with a chiropractic partnership.
  • Sports team chiropractor.
  • Chiropractor with the Veterans Administration or Department of Defense.
  • Corporate chiropractor on-site for companies and organizations.
  • Integrative chiropractic group practitioner.
  • Educator.
  • Researcher.
  • Administrator.

As a career, the field of chiropractic provides a great quality of life, says Logan University, one of the nation’s top three chiropractic colleges and a longtime partner with PennWest California. According to the Chiropractic Economics 2013 Salary and Expense survey, doctors of chiropractic spend an average of 32 hours per week engaged in patient care, and the average total compensation for a DC is just over $128,000. In addition, more than 40% of all chiropractors are self-employed and own their own clinic. 

Get your start in the dynamic chiropractic field with a dual degree program at PennWest California.  Apply now!   

CHIROPRACTIC CAREER OPTIONS

Chiropractic Dual Degree

Comprehensive. Cost-effective.

PennWest California’s exceptional “3+3” dual degree program enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology while transitioning into the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program at one of the nation’s top three chiropractic colleges.  

Learn more.

 

CHIROPRACTIC CAREER OPTIONS

Benefits of a Dual Degree

Go Further.

The pre-professional biology program at PennWest California is an efficient and cost-effective first step toward specialized study and a top career as a chiropractic healthcare professional.

Learn more.

 

CHIROPRACTIC CAREER OPTIONS

Top 10 Reasons to Become a Chiropractor

Many Opportunities.

Get a closer look at the top reasons to become a chiropractor – and why you’ll get the best start in this dynamic field at PennWest California. 

Learn more.