| Spa Wellness Articles :: Program Descriptions & Career Overviews :: Chiropractic Studies - Chiropractic Programs |
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| Chiropractic Studies - Chiropractic Programs |
| by Amanda Fornecker |
Chiropractic doctors focus mostly on holistic healing, as they try to cure diseases of the skeletal and muscular systems, specifically the spine, without the use of medication. There is also no surgery performed by chiropractic doctors. They try to promote healing by promoting changes in lifestyle, such as in diet, exercise, and sleeping habits.
What You'll Learn
Most chiropractic programs require 4,200 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical experience. You'll learn the background behind chiropractic systems, including classes in anatomy and physiology. You'll also get to practice firsthand on patients during your clinical studies.
Degree Types
In order to be licensed by a state board, students are usually required to have at least two years of undergraduate study. However, it is becoming more common to have a four-year bachelor's degree. In addition, students must complete a four-year program at an accredited chiropractic college, which grants students the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Career Paths
Once licensed, chiropractics may choose to purchase an existing practice, start their own, or enter into an established practice with an already licensed chiropractic professional. The job of a chiropractic professional can be much like that of an athletic trainer or an occupational therapist, as well, who are trained in similar subjects.
Job Outlook
There is a positive outlook for those looking to enter a chiropractic career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the chiropractic field will grow faster than the average through the year 2014. In addition, many people are turning to holistic ways of treating medical conditions and therefore the demand for chiropractic professionals will increase. The old population of baby boomers will also contribute to an increased demand. So those who have attended a chiropractic college will be at an advantage. The BLS also reports that in May 2004 the annual earnings of chiropractic professionals were $69,910.
Licensing and Accreditation Information
All chiropractic professionals are required by law to have a valid license, which is only valid in the state in which they are granted the license. Each state regulates licensing and all states have their own sets of rules. All states, except for New Jersey, require a certain number of CEU hours to maintain licensure.
State licensing boards:
For more information check out The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards at http://www.fclb.org/.
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