Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine and other bones and muscles. They also believe in using natural and conservative methods of health care, without the use of drugs or surgery. The field continues to grow and offers a variety of career options. Certified chiropractors can expect a good salary and a flexible schedule.
Education and Training
Chiropractors
need to have excellent analytical skills, as they must be able to assess a
patient’s health problems and create treatment plans that can include physical
manipulation, therapy, medication and more. A high degree of empathy and
patience are also useful when working with patients.
Certified chiropractors
typically complete four years of study from an accredited chiropractic college.
This includes classroom and laboratory study in anatomy, physiology, public
health, chemistry, pathology, microbiology, and chiropractic techniques.
Then,
they must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam, which covers
a wide range of medical science topics and is administered twice a year. After
that, all states require aspiring chiropractors to pass a background check and
obtain licensure.
Many
chiropractic programs include an internship that allows you to gain hands-on
experience in your chosen field before becoming a practicing doctor. This gives
you a chance to determine which specialties are most appealing to you and help
avoid career burnout.
Practice Management
Chiropractors
are often called upon to help patients with a wide variety of health issues.
Depending on their experience, they can choose to work in a clinic or practice
independently.
Regardless
of whether they are in a solo or multi-provider office, chiropractors can
optimize their appointment scheduling with online tools that cut down on
paperwork. Integrated EHR and practice management software like ClinicMind
offers automated workflows, accurate claim submissions and secure but shareable
patient records.
A
chiropractic practice can be a challenging and time-consuming environment,
especially when patients are busy and want to schedule their appointments
quickly. That’s why many practices use appointment profile templates that
pre-determine the length of an appointment based on the type of encounter.
Besides
scheduling, chiropractors also need to meet the continuing education
requirements in their state. These can vary from state to state, but most
states require passing scores on the NBCE exam.
Marketing
Whether
you are a beginner or experienced chiropractor, you can take advantage of many
marketing opportunities to grow your practice. These may include networking,
search engine optimization (SEO), and online reputation management.
Networking
is a powerful chiropractic marketing tool that can help you build relationships
and gain referrals from other health professionals. You can also promote your
services to local businesses and human resources departments.
For
example, you can offer ergonomics/spine health workshops or specialized on-site
treatments for employees at certain times to ease workplace stress. This can be
a powerful way to increase bookings and boost your bottom line.
You
can also advertise special deals and discounts through social media, and
Facebook is a popular choice. However, you should partner with a digital
marketing company for chiropractors to ensure that your ads are targeted and
engaging.
Community Involvement
One
of the most effective ways for certified chiropractors
to grow their business is to get involved in their community. Whether it's a
small fundraiser or a large, national event, being active in your community can
help attract patients and build brand awareness for your practice.
Many
of the community involvement opportunities available to Certified chiropractors
can be free or low-cost. They can also help your team build a positive culture
that extends beyond the office walls.
Chiropractic
is a profession that's well-known for its focus on patient health and wellness.
In fact, a growing number of patients are seeking treatment from chiropractors
for a variety of health concerns.
If
you are looking for a great way to become more involved in your community,
consider volunteering at your local church, school or other non-profit
organization. This can be a fun and rewarding experience for you, your family
and your practice.