How To Become A Chiropractic Assistant
A chiropractic assistant is responsible for helping in a clinic alongside a chiropractor. This position is a great introductory role to the field of chiropractic. In this position you will be setting up the office, handling billing, and other routine tasks for the chiropractor. This is a good choice for somebody who enjoys medicine and holistic health. An experienced chiropractor will help train you in this field.
Why Become A Chiropractic Assistant
A chiropractor is a medical professional who specializes in the neuromuscular disorders of the body. A chiropractor often treats patients by making manual adjustments and manipulations to a client’s back, neck and spine. Through this method, the goal is to reduce pain, improve functionality of the muscles and joints, and improve overall health.
As with many medical professions, assistants are needed in a chiropractic office. Chiropractic assistants have many useful duties, such as answering telephones, filing paperwork, medical billing, transferring patients to doctor’s office, cleaning office supplies, maintaining the office, cleaning gowns and items used in office, and other duties as necessary.
This field is a great choice for somebody who loves medicine and has a passion for healing people. This person must be patient and compassionate, as people who are coming into the office will be in a great deal of pain. It is a good job for somebody who is interested in learning more about the field of chiropractic.
Chiropractic Assistants should possess the following qualities and skills:
- Enjoys Working on a Team
- Helpful
- Detail Oriented
- Pleasant Personality
- Patient
- Compassionate
- Computer Skills
- Medical Knowledge
Chiropractic Assistant Work Environment
Chiropractic assistants work in an office environment. Clients come throughout the day to visit the chiropractors. These offices may be large or small.
Chiropractors and their assistants are often on their feet throughout the day, going from room to room, visiting many patients. Medical professionals may decide their own hours; the hours can be quite long. Chiropractor assistants may need to work on the weekends.
Chiropractic Assistant Salary
The salary for a chiropractic assistant was an average of $27,748 in 2016, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many chiropractor assistants have a high school diploma. A chiropractor assistant can earn more money by earning additional education in college. There are community colleges, bachelor degrees, and certification programs that are geared towards the medical field.
Chiropractic Assistant Career Outlook
The field for chiropractic assistants is expected to grow by 23 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is significantly faster growth than other occupations in the United States.
Medical professions will always be a necessary part of our economy. Assistants are a valued part of any medical profession. With many new healthcare reforms being rolled out, people are taking control of their health and seeking out medical providers. People are becoming interested in alternative forms of healthcare and wellness, such as chiropractic. People are living longer today, and there is a large population of senior citizens to care for. These people will go to chiropractic offices seeking treatments for their ailments. All of these are positive reasons for the outlook in chiropractic assistants.
Chiropractic Assistant Degree
For people looking to become a chiropractor, a job as a chiropractic assistant is a great first step. This is a job that help you gain insights into the field of chiropractic and learn if you truly do enjoy this work. It is a great way to network with people in the field and potentially find a job as a chiropractor.
Step 1: High school education. A chiropractor’s office will want a minimum of a high school diploma or GED in order to apply for the position. This will allow you to have basic math, reading and writing skills necessary for the job.
Step 2: Get certified. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer programs that are perfect for this career choice. Some such programs include medical billing, medical assisting, health care administration, health sciences, nursing, and many more programs to choose from. These programs will help give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. Some of the classes you will take are on medical terminology, ethics, office technology, insurance processing and more.
Step 3: Get training as a clinical assistant. You can receive more advanced training in the field of chiropractic. You will learn human biology, anatomy and physiology. You’ll learn how to have a conversation with a patient, take notes, assess symptoms and make a diagnosis. This is a great training to receive if you are interested in learning more about chiropractic. Research to find out what programs are in your area.
Step 4: Consider becoming a chiropractor. You already have spent a lot of time in a chiropractic office and know a lot about the field. You love this job and what you do. Continue going back to school to become a full time chiropractor, where you can use your experience and skills all of the time.
