Career Suggestion

Chiropractor

Chiropractors diagnose issues and treat joints, soft tissue and spinal conditions to help relieve aches and pains, and improve mobility.

Average salary (a year)

£0.0 to £0.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 40.0 variable

You could work

in your own business managing your own hours

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You'll need to do a degree or postgraduate master's course recognised by the General Chiropractic Council .

This involves 3 to 4 years of full-time study and 1 year working under supervision.

You might be able to take an Access to Science course if you do not have the academic entry requirements for a degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

  • 3 A levels or equivalent

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Volunteering

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

More Information

Registrations

you'll need to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council before you can work as a chiropractor

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a chiropractor from the General Chiropractic Council and the British Chiropractic Association .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of biology
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As a chiropractor, you could:

  • talk to clients about their symptoms and carry out a physical assessment
  • check movement, posture, sleeping patterns and stress
  • create a personalised treatment plan and explain procedures
  • treat back, leg, neck and shoulder areas with hands-on techniques
  • provide treatment over a number of sessions if necessary
  • monitor a client's progress and keep accurate case notes
  • refer clients to medical practitioners when required
  • promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle

Working environment

You could work in a therapy clinic or at a client's home.

Most chiropractors are self employed.

With experience, you could:

  • set up your own practice
  • move into training or research
  • specialise in an area like sports medicine, rehabilitation or neurology

Related careers

Back to course details