Career Suggestion

Chiropractor

Chiropractors manipulate joints, bones and soft tissue to help clients control pain or prevent injuries from re-occurring.

Average salary (a year)

£0.0 to £0.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 39.0 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 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 degree entry requirements.

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:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As a chiropractor you could:

  • talk to clients about their symptoms, make sure their condition is suitable for treatment and design a treatment programme
  • treat back, leg, neck and shoulder pain
  • help clients with sports injuries, poor posture or joint and muscle pain
  • carry out examinations like X-rays or blood tests
  • give advice on lifestyle, diet and exercise to support recovery

Working environment

You could work in a therapy clinic.

Most chiropractors are self employed.

With experience you could:

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

Related careers

Back to course details