When you hear the word chiropractor, what immediately comes to mind? Many people would say “back pain.” While that is one of the main reasons to see a chiropractor, there is much more to this fulfilling career.

Chiropractors possess a wide range of skills and are trained to provide the best restorative practices to patients under their care. In addition to adjusting a patient’s spine, chiropractors treat Fibromyalgia pain, vertigo and dizziness, ear infections, migraines, and much more.

Ultimately, the main goals of chiropractic care are to restore the body’s function and treat or prevent injury. By providing adjustments, chiropractors help patients get back to their lives and feel good physically, which in turn can contribute to improved mental health.

The scope of work is just one of the many misconceptions about chiropractic care and, more specifically, a career as a chiropractor. In this guide, we explore what a Doctor of Chiropractic is, as well as the misconceptions (and the reality!) surrounding a chiropractic career.

What is a Doctor of Chiropractic?

A Doctor of Chiropractic degree prepares individuals to become trusted primary healthcare practitioners providing patient-centered, chiropractic care. Chiropractic students learn and use various holistic, evidence-based methods to rehabilitate the human body, increase patient comfort, and make a meaningful difference in their patients’ lives.

Chiropractic Careers: Misconceptions vs. Reality

As mentioned, many things need clarification regarding a career as a chiropractor. So, let’s shed some light on these and reveal the reality of this impactful career.

Misconception #1: Doctors of Chiropractic Have Limited Professional Education.

This could not be further from the truth. A chiropractic student’s educational path is similar to that of a medical student. Chiropractic students typically complete more than 4,200 hours of classes, lab work, and patient care instruction.

The curriculum in a Doctor of Chiropractic degree program varies depending on the college or university. Still, students generally take anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and public health courses and dedicate hours of study to basic sciences and clinical sciences. Chiropractic students also complete multiple years of hands-on clinical experience.

Many Doctor of Chiropractic programs utilize a trimester system (three class sections per year). In contrast, others, like the program at University of Bridgeport (UB), admit students twice a year, in January and August. Our 18-week semester-based program consists of 8 semesters, as well as summers off to focus on other obligations.

It’s also important to note that programs typically require a minimum of 90 college hours and a minimum of 24 credits in the physical/life sciences. However, most students usually have a bachelor’s degree, often in biology or other health science degrees, and have no problem meeting this requirement.

Check with your desired school or university about their specific requirements.

Misconception #2: Doctors of Chiropractic and Medical Doctors Don’t Work with Each Other.

In reality, chiropractors often work alongside medical doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare specialists to ensure their patients live their healthiest lives.

Furthermore, chiropractors with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree utilize a multidisciplinary approach. Research shows that coordinating care with all of your specialists reduces health costs and produces better long-term care for patients.

Misconception #3: Chiropractors Only Treat Older Patients.

While it’s true that patients with more years under their belt can benefit significantly from a chiropractor, chiropractic care does not have an age requirement.

There is no patient too young, and parents often take their children to the chiropractor to encourage healthy brain and nervous system development.

Other benefits of chiropractic care include the following:

• Pain relief
• Increased range of motion
• Balance and coordination
• Joint degeneration reduction

Misconception #4: No One Really Needs a Chiropractor.

Thankfully there is plenty of evidence-based research that has validated the effectiveness and helpfulness of chiropractic care.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) issued guidelines recommending conservative, noninvasive treatments, like chiropractic assessments, procedures, and treatments in 2017. And the Joint Commission, which accredits more than 20,000 healthcare systems in the United States, has included chiropractic care in its standards for pain management.

Misconception #5: People Can Only See a Chiropractor With a Referral.

Doctors of Chiropractic are designated as physician-level providers in the U.S. This means that patients in the U.S. don’t need a referral to receive chiropractic care.

Additionally, 85% of healthcare plans cover these essential services, including Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, Federal Employee Health Benefits, and state workers’ compensation programs.

As you can see, there is much more to a chiropractor career than many people think. You will likely treat a variety of ailments in children, adults, athletes, and older individuals so that they can achieve better health outcomes.

Suppose you are passionate about healthcare and want more time interacting with patients and helping your community obtain a more promising and healthy future. In that case, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree is right for you.

Advance your career in healthcare with UB’s Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Financial aid is available, and we accept applications on a rolling basis. Together, we can start something great.