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Chiropractors

O*NET files this work under Chiropractors: people who assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. With a code of SRI, this is mostly a job for people drawn to helping, teaching or caring for people. Realistic interests also help, rated 5.5 out of 7. The preparation level is extensive preparation, typically graduate school and often five years or more of related experience. O*NET’s skill data points to speaking, active listening, and social perceptiveness as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system. If you want helping, teaching or caring for people, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

Main tasks

  • Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.
  • Obtain and record patients' medical histories.
  • Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
  • Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
  • Maintain accurate case histories of patients.
  • Consult with or refer patients to appropriate health practitioners when necessary.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and active listening.

May not suit you if

  • You find a full day of dealing with people draining.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.3 out of 7 here.
  • You want to be working in the field within the next few years.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code SRI takes the three highest, and Social comes first here.

Preparation

Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Doctoral Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Chiropractic Doctor (DC)
  • Chiropractic Neurologist
  • Chiropractic Physician

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.