How much do chiropractors make?
(3 discussions)
If I were to become a chiropracter, what classes would I need to take in highschool and college? How much money do they make? Can I work right away right after college? How long do I have to study to become a chiropractor?
3 comments
DC student
If money is your motivation you should not be a DC. DC’s can make a lot of money, 100K+ per year is not uncommon but it is a lot of work and takes a lot of time. Most people become Chiropractors because of a positive experience or because they want to help others. I suggest going to a Chiropractor as a patient and then maybe shadowing one to see if it is something you may like to do. As far as education, study Biology, Chemistry pretty heavily. Myself and most of my classmates are Biology majors but there are people with various other degrees as well in the program. After getting your undergraduate degree you would enter a DC program at an accredited Chiropractic College, there are over 15 in the US. The programs are 3 and 1/3 years in length and you will take the 4 national board exams before graduation. Around your 7th trimester (the year is divided into 3 parts or trimesters) you will be working in student clinic on other students performing adjustments and making diagnosis under supervision of a liscenced DC. After you graduate you will need to take your state board before you can practice in whatever state you wish to operate in. Feel free to ask more questions I am in the middle of my education so I am up to date on what needs to be done to get into school.
doc4bax
During high school if would be good to develop a strong science base (chemistry, physics and biology). In college you would take college chemistry part one and two with labs, part one and two college physics with labs, organic chemistry one and two with labs, anatomy and physiology one and two with labs and all the other prerequisites for entrance. A biology degree is ideal for undergrad. Yes, you can go to work right after chiropractic graduation once you passed all your board exams and obtained your state license to practice. Chiropractic education is eight academic years (four years undergrad and four year doctorate education). The amount of money you make is entirely up to you. It is not an easy task. When exiting Chiropractic College you are on your own. Unlike medical school, you are left to fend for yourself after graduation. Meaning, you are left to start a practice on your own. Owning your own practice can be very financially rewarding, that is if you are business savvy and know how to make it work. Again, it’s not an easy task. Over 50% of chiropractic graduates fail in practice their first year. The best thing to do is to work for a seasoned doctor and learn the ropes. Of course income will be rather pathetic working for someone else but will help when its time to go solo. Don’t kind yourself, earning a doctorate in chiropractic does not guarantee you a solid six figure income, it takes time and lots of hard work. Most chiropractors who are in private practice earn six figures. I would say the norm is take home pay of 100K-150K. There are chiropractors out there that earn well beyond this. It all depends on personal motivation.
DC student
Doc4bax, Actually part of what you said about prerequisites are incorrect. Anatomy and physiology one and two with labs while a good idea to take in undergrad are not required for entrance. I didn’t have them and I entered just fine. Unless the ACC has voted to make changes, which they probably won’t do for a while.