Becoming a chiropractor?

[Anonymous]

What would you think if your child, a biology major, said this was her desired career path/grad school?

[Anonymous]

I would think better of it now than I would have years ago. Chiropractic is more professionalized than it used to be. It's supposedly harder to get into chiro school than used to be true. Chiropractors may have better business luck in practice than they used to, given that insurance has to cover at least some levels of chiropractic care in every state now (didn't used to be), although who knows whether this Administration's HHS might try to directly or indirectly roll that back. I question whether all chiropractic schools are equal; my recollection from a discussion years ago is that the ones in NY and near Chicago are regarded as being leading.

My #1 fear about anybody going into a health profession that requires a long graduate school period is, student loan debt. The amount that would be in issue is just terrifying.

[Anonymous]

Tuition alone will be approximately $120,000 for 4 years of school. Additional costs of living expenses.

I would be concerned about starting salaries. The chiros around me (do not live in the DC area) all seem to be in business by themselves therefore need to rent a space, equipment etc. I would insist that your student shadow and talk to a few chiropractors to understand the realities.

[Anonymous]

Has she considered becoming an osteopath? Similar school of thought, but much greater career prospects.

[Anonymous]

#1 fear is student loan debt
#2 fear is cost of malpractice insurance

[Anonymous]

Why does she want to be a chiropractor? Has she ever seen one for a medical issue? A bio major could continue to a few graduate level professions like, physician's assistant, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The one I mentioned take about 2 years.

[Anonymous]

I know someone who just started chiro school. Lots of hard work, and large debt looming. Like a P.O. notes, hope earning prospects keep improving. As an athlete - but hardly pro level- it was of real interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has she considered becoming an osteopath? Similar school of thought, but much greater career prospects.

An osteopath is essentially interchangeable with an MD.

[Anonymous]

I would not be encouraging. Chiropractors are still viewed as quacks. Why waste money on pursuing a career where people are always going to view you like the used car salesman of the medical field?

I would try and encourage her to follow a different path in the medical field.

[Anonymous]

OP what about Physiotherapy? I think U of Delaware has a good program.

[Anonymous]

Physiotherapy is a great option to consider. Demand is so high that most are being imported from abroad and do not have to go through some of the steps required for other professions when it comes to getting a visa or a green card. For us locals, this means a profession with great demand.

[Anonymous]

What IS physiotherapist? Is that a standalone career in the us?

[Anonymous]

Physical therapists are the credible alternatives to chiropractors. This would be a great option-- long accident recovery taught me serious respect for PTs' professionalism and knowledge. And they reduce people's pain!