Chiropractic Care on the Rise, May Be Best Career Option

The employment growth rate of chiropractors and the chiropractic care field is expected to increase faster than the average of all other fields through 2020.

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Despite optimistic media reports that the economy is on the rebound and more robust than it has been in recent years, finding a job—never mind a career—is still difficult.

Consider this: fully 77 percent of positions added to the market this year have been part-time, according to economic analysts. Yet, there is one occupation that is on the rise.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, jobs in chiropractic care will increase 28 percent by 2020—placing this field at a much faster rate of growth than other professions.

Below are the reasons Careercast.com ranks these specialists in spinal health and overall well-being No. 11 (out of 200) on its 2013 annual "Jobs Rated," report:

• Personal Satisfaction. There is an enormous amount of gratification in knowing that you're providing patients with relief from debilitating and life-altering injuries to the head, back, neck and other joints. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health reports "chiropractic patients were found to be more satisfied with their back care providers after four weeks of treatment than were medical patients."

• Market Demand. For years, the West has been taking a page from the East's notebook and opting for nonsurgical and drug-free based treatments—the essence of chiropractic care. Additionally, the market has a built-in clientele as active baby boomers grow older. "Time and again, we've seen patients spared surgery through chiropractic care," says David O'Bryon, JD, CAE, executive director of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, who recently launched a strategic partnership with the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (www.yes2chiropractic.org). "Chiropractic's whole-patient approach enlists the body's own healing processes, naturally."

• Career Flexibility. Owning your practice not only means you're in charge, but allows you other options, including, but not limited to, associating with an established chiropractor, teaching, conducting research, working within an on-site corporate health clinic and specializing in up-and-coming fields like sports performance.

For more information about a career in chiropractic, visit www.discoverchiropractic.org.