In practice they diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors believe interference with these systems impairs normal functions and lowers resistance to disease. Their care is holistic, stressing the patient's overall well-being. The average workweek for chiropractors is about 42 hours, although longer hours are not uncommon. Solo practitioners set their own hours, but may work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients.
Chiropractic offices can stand alone or be part of health or medical clinics.
In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice, earnings are relatively low in the beginning, and increase as the practice grows. A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required to be considered. The first 2 years are primarily academic including courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Biomechanics, Imaging techniques and Chiropractic Principles. The third year introduces clinical rotations in a variety of fields including subspecialites like Clinical Psychology, OB-GYN, Pediatrics, Dermatology and Geriatrics. The final year consists of clinical externships.