Chiropractor
You would help people with aches, pains and injuries feel better by using your hands to move and adjust their joints and bones.
About the job
What it's like
You would treat people with aches, pains and injuries by handling their limbs and body and moving their joints and bones.
You would use your hands, rather than drugs or surgery, to make them feel better and enjoy a better quality of life.
You’d move and adjust the person’s joints, bones and soft tissue, like muscles and tendons, to help them control their pain or to prevent injuries from happening again. You would probably focus on manipulating the spine.
Your patients may be suffering as a result of an accident, stress, illness or lack of exercise. The most common problems include:
neck, back and shoulder pain
sciatica and leg problems
issues due to sports injuries
joint and muscle pain caused by poor posture
You might also work with people suffering from migraine or asthma, and babies who have colic.
You’d chat with the patient to find out more about their problem and their lifestyle. You’d make sure that their condition was suitable for treatment or decide whether they need to see a doctor.
If you think you can help them you would:
discuss their symptoms and health problems in detail
examine them sometimes using x-rays or blood tests
find out about any previous medical diagnoses
design a programme of treatment to meet their individual needs
You may also give them advice on lifestyle, diet and exercise to support their recovery.
Hours
As a self-employed chiropractor, you would usually set your own working hours. However, to meet the needs of clients, you may need to work some weekends and evenings.
Environment
You could be based at a health clinic or therapy centre. You may carry out treatments at several locations, such as clients' homes or sporting events.
Travel
It would be helpful to have a driving licence as you may carry out treatments at several locations, such as clients' homes or sporting events.
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Related industries
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Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Human Biology
You must have successfully completed a General Chiropractic Council (GCC) recognised degree (SCQF level 9/10). There are currently no General Chiropractic Council (GCC) recognised courses in Scotland.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) elsewhere in the UK usually requires National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers (SCQF level 6) including Biology and another science subject, preferably Chemistry. Some courses may ask for Advanced Highers (SCQF level 7).
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding of health and wellbeing.
It would also beneficial to have qualifications in physiology and anatomy.
If you are qualified in medicine or other healthcare professions, you can take a shorter course to allow you to use chiropractic as well as conventional medicine.
You will need to pass a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Chiropractor'
