Chiropractors

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1011
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 11
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
• Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate case histories of patients.
• Advise patients about recommended courses of treatment.
• Analyze x-rays to locate the sources of patients' difficulties and to rule out fractures or diseases as sources of problems.
• Counsel patients about nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, or other matters.
• Consult with or refer patients to appropriate health practitioners when necessary.
• Recommend and arrange for diagnostic procedures, such as blood chemistry tests, saliva tests, x-rays, or other imaging procedures.
• Suggest and apply the use of supports such as straps, tapes, bandages, or braces if necessary.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, ACOM Solutions RAPID EMR, Acrendo A.I.med, Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR, Adjustment tables, Advantage Software Chiropractic Advantage, Arthrodial protractors, Babinski percussion hammers, Balance boards

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Pediatric Surgeons
• Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
• Neurologists
• Cardiologists
• Naturopathic Physicians
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• General Internal Medicine Physicians
• Acupuncturists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Chiropractors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.