What you need to know about becoming a chiropractor
Are you interested in a career as a chiropractor? You’ll be helping people achieve their optimum health, which makes this a satisfying job. From conducting physical examinations to providing information on the best health practices, there’s plenty of responsibilities that accompany this career. Looking for a job? Find vacancies on Job Mail today.
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What are the duties of a chiropractor?
When someone has a mechanical issue with their musculoskeletal system, they head to a chiropractor. The chiropractor is responsible for diagnosing and treating problems that are associated with the musculoskeletal system. They use manual manipulation and other helpful techniques to get the job done.
When these professionals are treating a patient, they take their overall well-being and lifestyle into account. If you decide to become a chiropractor, you can expect to perform the following duties:
- Recording medical histories
- Conducting physical examinations
- Taking and analysing X-rays
- Conducting neurological tests
- Carrying out spinal analyses
- Assembling treatment plans
- Adjusting parts of the body
- Using supportive therapies, e.g. acupuncture
- Maintaining clinical records
- Offering recommendations on overall well-being and lifestyle problems
- Making referrals to other medical practitioners as required
- Attending conferences
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What are the pros and cons of this career?
If you enjoy working with people, this may be the right career for you! You’ll have the pleasure of helping people achieve better daily health. When you’re successful in relieving a patient from pain or helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s satisfying. While this job requires hard work, it offers you the flexibility to set your own business hours if you’re in private practice.
The downside of this job is that in some cases it’s difficult to help someone and to get the results you want. This career also comes with hard work as you’ll be involved with treatment plans, so it’s difficult to take time off. You can also expect to work long hours. Acquiring clients and establishing a practice takes time and effort. You’ll need to build a good reputation for yourself so that you get referrals.
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Educational requirements
To work in this profession, you’ll need to have a Masters of Technology: Chiropractic. This postgraduate qualification is completed over a period of six years. During this degree, you can expect to learn more about anatomy and physiology. You’ll also develop your diagnostic capabilities and learn adjustment techniques. In your fifth year of studies, you’ll start to work with patients.
A specified number of hours working in the clinic is necessary before you can graduate. You’ll be required to complete an internship program and register with the AHPCSA before you can practice as a qualified chiropractor.
Studies are available at most universities across South Africa.
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What do chiropractors need to succeed?
- Self-motivation
- Analytical capabilities
- Good communication skills
- Kindness and caring
- Good physical well-being and hand dexterity
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- Responsibility
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Where can you find a job?
Chiropractors can find employment with educational institutes where they’re hired to lecture students or to carry out research. It’s a common option for chiropractors to become self-employed by setting up a private practice. You’ll need to find an office space and invest in basic equipment if you want to launch your own practice.
You can also choose to work as an associate with an experienced chiropractor who has already established their business. This is an opportunity to learn more and gain confidence just after you graduate.
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Now that you know more about what a chiropractor does, you can develop the skills that are required to succeed in this career. If you’ve already graduated, you can find employment opportunities on Job Mail.
