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Chiropractor

Kaikorohiti

Chiropractors treat disorders related to the spine and nervous system to relieve pain and improve the function of nerves, muscles and joints. 

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Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, health education, physics, physical education and maths.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree

Useful experience

Useful experience for a chiropractor includes health care work and leadership roles in school, sports clubs or the community.

What you will do

Chiropractors may do some or all of the following:

  • question, examine and x-ray the patient
  • discuss methods of care with the patient
  • adjust patients' spines
  • advise patients on posture, ergonomics and function
  • advise patients on other factors that affect spinal health such as diet, exercise and lifestyle
  • refer patients to other health care professionals
  • do chiropractic work with animals.

Skills and knowledge

Chiropractors need to have knowledge of:

  • the human body, particularly the spine and nervous system
  • diseases and illnesses, particularly relating to the spine and joints
  • up-to-date chiropractic information and methods
  • radiographic techniques and interpretation.

Chiropractors also need to have business skills if they are self-employed.

Pay

Chiropractors with up to five years' experience usually earn

$48K-$60K

per year

Chiropractors with more than five years experience usually earn

$60K-$150K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Job opportunities for chiropractors are good as there is high demand for qualified chiropractors.
Length of training
5
years of training required.

Industry

Health

Chiropractors treat disorders related to the spine and nervous system to relieve pain and improve the function of nerves, muscles and joints. 

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a chiropractor you must:

  • complete a Diploma in Applied Science 
  • then complete a Bachelor of Chiropractic (BChiro) degree.

The New Zealand College of Chiropractic recommends the Diploma in Applied Science Pre-Chiropractic at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

If you wish to study your diploma elsewhere, you will need the diploma approved by the New Zealand College of Chiropractic first.

The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 means that if you have certain serious convictions, you can’t be employed in a role where you are responsible for, or work alone with, children. 

Chances of getting a job

The number of chiropractors is growing because:

  • more New Zealanders are willing to try alternative health care methods
  • ACC are funding chiropractic treatment
  • using modern technology is leading to posture problems
  • New Zealanders are ageing and looking to alternatives to treat age-related health problems.

Chiropractors appear on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled chiropractors from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 504 chiropractors worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Most chiropractors self-employed

Most chiropractors (over 84%) are self-employed and have private practices. The remainder of chiropractors are employed at:

  • private practices
  • natural health care clinics
  • education institutions as teachers
  • chiropractic institutions, doing research.

Find out more about training

New Zealand College of Chiropractic
(09) 526 5678 - admissions@nzchiro.co.nz - www.chiropractic.ac.nz

Progression and specialisations

Chiropractors can do postgraduate training and move into teaching and research roles. They can also progress into management roles, or establish their own practice.

Chiropractors may specialise in chiropractic radiology.

Chiropractic radiology
Chiropractic radiologists diagnose bone disorders from looking at x-rays.

Working conditions

Chiropractors:

  • usually work regular business hours. Chiropractors who support sports teams may be required to work overtime or during weekends
  • usually work in private clinics and health centres.

Physical Requirements

Chiropractors need to be reasonably fit and healthy.

Useful personal qualities

Chiropractors need to be:

  • patient and understanding
  • concerned for and wanting to help others
  • good communicators
  • motivated
  • good at organising and planning their own work.

They also need to have an awareness and understanding of a range of cultures and ages.

Industry

Health

Chiropractors treat disorders related to the spine and nervous system to relieve pain and improve the function of nerves, muscles and joints. 

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