  Information for Pre-Chiropractic StudentsChiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors are primary care physicians who consider the person as an integrated being. Chiropractic does not use drugs or surgery. There are currently 16 colleges of chiropractic medicine accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) in the United States. UWM offers all of the prerequisite coursework necessary for students to apply to chiropractic schools/colleges throughout the country. Although specific requirements may vary among schools, generally speaking the following courses are required:
UWM and the Northwestern Health Sciences University-College of Chiropractic Medicine (Minnesota) are pleased to announce a guaranteed admission program effective Fall 2005. Qualified students have the option of completing 90 credits at UWM and then progressing directly to NWHSU to complete their Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees or they may complete their Bachelor's degree at UWM prior to entering the chiropractic program. For details about this excellent opportunity, please contact the pre-chiropractic advisor. Due to the variance in admission requirements, it is very important that students consult with the pre-professional health advisor every semester. In order to practice chiropractic medicine in Wisconsin, you must earn a bachelor's degree prior to earning your Doctor of Chiropractic medicine degree. The pre-chiropractic advisor will discuss with you a suggested timeline of activities. According to the "2008-09" Occupational Outlook Handbook, chiropractors held about 53,000 jobs in 2006. Most chiropractors work in a solo practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic institutions, or work in hospitals and clinics. Approximately 52 percent of chiropractors were self employed. Many chiropractors are located in small communities. However, the distribution of chiropractors is not geographically uniform. This occurs primarily because new chiropractors frequently establish their practices in close proximity to one of the few chiropractic educational institutions. Employment is expected to grow faster than average because of increasing consumer demand for alternative health care. Job prospects should be good. Employment of chiropractors is expected to increase 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. Projected job growth stems from increasing consumer demand for alternative health care. Because chiropractors emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, chiropractic care is appealing to many health-conscious Americans. Chiropractic treatment of the back, neck, extremities, and joints has become more accepted as a result of research and changing attitudes about alternative, noninvasive health care practices. The rapidly expanding older population, with its increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, also will increase demand for chiropractors. Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors were $65,220 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,710 and $96,500 a year. In 2005, the mean salary for chiropractors was $104,363 according to a survey conducted by Chiropractic Economics magazine. In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice, earnings are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice grows. Geographic location and the characteristics and qualifications of the practitioner also may influence earnings. Salaried chiropractors typically receive heath insurance and retirement benefits from their employers, whereas self-employed chiropractors must provide for their own health insurance and retirement. For more information about the Pre-Chiropractic studies at UWM, please contact Patricia Cobb (Pre-Professional Health Advisor) at (414) 229-3922 or email here at: pacobb@uwm.edu. If you would like to make an appointment to see Ms. Cobb, please call (414) 229-4654. Links to Chiropractic Programs. |
