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| Job Outlook | | Job prospects are expected to be good for persons who enter the practice of chiropractic. Employment of chiropractors is expected to increase 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations as consumer demand for alternative healthcare grows.
Chiropractors emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. As a result, chiropractic care is appealing to many health-conscious Americans. Chiropractic treatment of back, neck, extremities, and other joint damage has become more accepted as a result of recent research and changing attitudes about alternative healthcare practices. The rapidly expanding older population, with their increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, also will increase demand.
Demand for chiropractic treatment is also related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. Although more insurance plans now cover chiropractic services, the extent of such coverage varies among plans. Increasingly, chiropractors must educate communities about the benefits of chiropractic care in order to establish a successful practice. In this occupation, replacement needs arise almost entirely from retirements.
Chiropractors usually remain in the occupation until they retire; few transfer to other occupations. Establishing a new practice will be easiest in areas with a low concentration of chiropractors.
Chiropractors held about 53,000 jobs in 2006. Approximately 52 percent of chiropractors are self-employed. Most chiropractors are in solo practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors.
A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic institutions, or work in hospitals and clinics. Many chiropractors are located in small communities. There are geographic imbalances in the distribution of chiropractors, in part because many establish practices close to chiropractic institutions. |
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| More Information | | International Chiropractors Association, World Chiropractic Alliance, American Chiropractic Association |
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| References | | Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Chiropractors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos071.htm
O*NET OnLine, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/report?r=1&id=299 |
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