A lot of chiropractors work with sports teams and athletes to get them to perform to the best of their ability. Other chiropractic carers work in education, rehabilitation, specialise in sports medicine, neurology, or research. Typically, treatment will tend to involve spinal adjustments or spinal manipulative therapy. This is mainly focussed around identifying joints in the spine that are restricted and areas of the spine that are not flexible in the way that they should be and getting those areas moving again. There is an increasing demand in this field of work such as public health in NHS hospitals, in private practice, the armed forces, GP surgeries, nursing homes or in academia and research.

What are the university entry requirements for a Chiropractic degree?

To become a chiropractor involves completing a relevant degree at university. To apply to universities for a place on a Chiropractic degree course, you should have, or be working towards achieving a health science Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at level 3 with a merit profile or above. Access to Health Science Professions is the level 3 entry requirement to be accepted. To enhance your university application it is a good idea to be working in the health care field or gain experience by working with a chiropractor. You will need to pass the Enhanced background checks. You will be dealing with real patients in clinical settings, working in hospitals and incorporate your own case studies.

What is the role of a chiropractor?

Chiropractors care for patients with health problems associated to the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments, manipulation, and other techniques to manage areas such as back and neck pain.

What personal attributes are needed to become a chiropractor?

A chiropractor will need to have strong communication skills to ensure patients’ needs are met as well as to show empathy for the issues the person is going through. Being able to focus on the patients’ needs often requires a relaxed and informal and environment where a treatment plan can be developed.

Like any profession in health care, having the ability to emphasise and communicate well goes hand in hand with actual treatment. The ability to share in more depth about nutrition, the nervous system, exercise, movement and skeletal-muscular system will include the patient in the treatment plan. 

What are the pay and working conditions?

The majority of chiropractors are self-employed, allowing you flexibility on the hours you work. Part-time work is possible. Often the working hours will reflect your clients' needs and many practices offer flexible opening times i.e., early in the morning, in the evening and at weekends. Chiropractors can work either alone, with a group of practitioners or alongside related practitioners such as massage therapists or physiotherapists. It is possible to work from home, close to home or overseas where UK chiropractic qualifications are internationally recognised. The opportunities are wide and far reaching with some chiropractors working in several practices to suit them. Chiropractic Care is   rewarding for those seeking a professional and satisfying health professional role. 

Salary:

• • • Starting salaries are around £30,000. With experience this can rise to £50,000.
    • Chiropractic clinics generally charge patients between £30 and £50 per session. Fees charged will vary depending on your location and the length of treatment.
    • Financial rewards can be good, and if you have the right combination of skills and experience and own a large practice employing others you may be able to earn between £80,000 and £100,000 once fully qualified.

Did you know?

• • • Chiropractic Care is recognised world-wide, giving you the opportunity to work in different Countries. 
    • Chiropractic adjustments often come (but not always!) with a “popping” noise but this is not the bone cracking. It is infact the release of gas from a joint and the movement of gas causes the popping noise. 

How is your degree funded?

Studying to become a Chiropractor allows you to apply for the standard student support package in the form of a student loan. Students on healthcare courses may spend time travelling beyond the locality for a period of time. Students on these clinical placements are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs during their time at university. Scholarships, bursaries or grants may also be available for example, through the university or your place of work. 

If you would like to complete an Access to HE in chiropractic care with Academy Online Learning and obtain the level 3 Access Diploma in Health Science Professions for university entry, please complete the online enrolment form or contact us for more information by phone or email. Studying and achieving this level 3 entry requirement qualification provides a flexible way of study as it is fully online and is recognised and accepted widely by UK universities.