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| Category: Chiropractic Schools |
Date published: September 25, 2008 |
Chiropractic Information and Resources
by CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
 What exactly is chiropractic?
This unique healthcare system has been taught at chiropractic schools for over a century in these United States. Focusing on three elements of healing, chiropractic is comprised of diagnosis, treatment, and preventive methods within the scope of practice. While the philosophies of chiropractic may seem a bit odd to conventional medical wisdom, the general consensus (in the field) is that musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders may potentially affect overall health and wellbeing.
Professional doctors of chiropractic (D.C.), who have completed in-depth training at one of the chiropractic schools in North America, will employ a number of diagnostic methods in order to establish the appropriate treatment regimen. In almost all cases, a chiropractor will take X-rays to determine if there are any subluxations (misaligned/dysfunctional vertebral segments) along the patient's spine. Beyond X-rays in a typical chiropractic consultation, a licensed chiropractor will interview his patient to establish the individual's health history, concerns, and health expectations.
Common chiropractic treatments include spinal manipulation (also known as spinal adjustments), soft-tissue manipulation (bodywork), and personal health and wellness counseling (including exercise and nutritional recommendations).
Educational Resources
All chiropractors must be licensed in North America in order to practice. The field is regulated by independent state boards and other governing agencies; so it is important that prospective candidates explore all necessary avenues in pursuit of this alternative medicine career. Currently, there are 16 accredited* chiropractic educational programs, as well as two chiropractic schools in the United States. (*Accreditation by the Council on Chiropractic Education) In addition to extensive prerequisite education (generally comprised of 90 undergraduate hours), chiropractors must have completed a minimum of 4,200 hours of chiropractic education and training.
Chiropractic schools offer students a wealth of in-depth studies, including health sciences and other education like applied kinesiology, biochemistry, cell biology, pathology, physiology, gross anatomy and neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, clinical biomechanics, physiotherapy, radiology; and of course, chiropractic history, philosophy, and applications, among other specializations.
Because communication skills are critical in fields of healthcare like chiropractic, students in chiropractic schools must also learn the fundamentals of clinical psychology, case management, and nutritional counseling.
Chiropractic Career Outlook
Graduates of chiropractic schools, who have become fully licensed to practice, can expect a healthy career outlook. While over 50 percent of chiropractic doctors are self employed, many work as instructors, researchers, and in other healthcare facilities. Prospective employment of licensed chiropractic practitioners has a faster-than-average growth projection of 14 percent through the year 2016. Though average earnings are roughly $65,000+ annually, more experienced chiropractors have the potential to earn above $100,000.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), let professional training within fast-growing industries like chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore chiropractic schools near you.
Sources:
ACA (American Chiropractic Association)
BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
HolisticJunction.com
Chiropractic Information and Resources
© Copyright 2009
Media Positive Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Former staff writer for HolisticJunction.com, Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Natural Healing Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.
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