Chiropractor

Chiropractors, or doctors of chiropractic (D.C.), are concerned with the proper function of the nervous system as it relates to the body as a whole. This approach to health care stresses the patient's overall health and well-being. Chiropractors use natural, nonsurgical health treatments such as heat, ultrasound, massage, light, diet, water, exercise, and rest. Postural and spinal analysis, involving correct alignment of the vertebrae, is unique to chiropractic. Chiropractors are not permitted to prescribe drugs or use surgery to treat their patients. Chiropractors may take diagnostic x-rays as a part of their treatment methods, but Texas law prohibits their use of x-ray or radium therapy.

Work Environment
Approximately 70 percent of chiropractors work in private practice and generally establish their own hours and work habits. They may also work with other health care professionals in a group- practice setting, in affiliation with a hospital or clinic, or in home health care.

Job Outlook
There are approximately 200 job openings in Texas each year for licensed chiropractors.

Length of Training/
Requirements
To become a licensed chiropractor in Texas, an applicant must graduate from a college that is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The educational requirements call for a minimum of two years of college-level study in an accredited institution of higher learning and graduation from a four-year college of chiropractic that meets the standards of professional education. Before graduating, a chiropractic student must also complete a program in clinical experience.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $63,000 - $87,000+.

Educational programs
Parker College of Chiropractic
2500 Walnut Hill Ln.
Dallas, TX 75229-5668
800/438-6938
Fax: 214/352-8425

Texas Chiropractic College
5912 Spencer Hwy.
Pasadena, TX 77505
713/487-1770

Professional Associations
American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
703/876-8800

International Chiropractors Association
1110 North Glebe Rd., Ste. 1000
Arlington, VA 22201
703/528-5000

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners(credentialing board)
901 54th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80634
970/356-9100

Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
333 Guadalupe St., Tower III, Ste. 258
Austin, TX 78701
512/305-6700

Texas Chiropractic Association
815 Brazos, Ste. 420
Austin, TX 78701
512/477-9292

Health Career Pages information is one of many health careers resources available from AHEC centers. Please contact your regional center for further information and career counseling services.