Chiropractor - Research Paper Example

(Cited from BLS.gov) Chiropractors have a very routine job description which includes; performing a series f manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body, in order to correct the musculoskeletal system, evaluating the functions of the neuromuscular skeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis, diagnosing health problems by reviewing patients’ health and medical histories; questioning, observing and examine patients and interpreting x-rays. In addition, they are responsible for maintaining accurate case histories of patients’ medical histories, obtaining and recording patients’ medical histories.

Furthermore, they are responsible for analyzing x-rays in order to locate the sources of patients’ difficulties and to rule out fractures or diseases as sources of problems, counseling patients about nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management and other matters and consult with and refer patients to appropriate health practitioners when necessary. (Cited from Careerplanner.com) Students usually need two years of college before they can enroll in a chiropractic college, but some states and schools require four years.

They should take courses in science and other subjects required by the chiropractic college that they want to attend. . Chiropractors can practice only in States where they are licensed. Some States have agreements permitting chiropractors licensed in one State to obtain a license in another without further examination, provided that their educational, examination, and practice credentials meet State specifications. Most State licensing boards require at least 2 years of undergraduate education, but an increasing number are requiring a 4-year bachelor's degree.

All boards require the completion of a 4-year program at an accredited chiropractic college leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. For licensure, most State boards recognize either all or part of the four-part test administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. State examinations may supplement the National Board tests, depending on State requirements. All States except New Jersey require the completion of a specified number of hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain licensure.

Chiropractic associations and accredited chiropractic programs and institutions offer continuing education programs. (Cited from BLS.gov) Median annual wages of salaried chiropractors were $66,490 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,540 and $96,700 a year. In 2009, the mean salary for chiropractors was $94,454 according to a survey conducted by Chiropractic Economics magazine. In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice, earnings are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice grows.

Geographic location and the characteristics and qualifications of the practitioner also may influence earnings. Salaried chiropractors