Bishop Viard College
Chiropractor Kaikorohiti
Chiropractors treat disorders related to the spine and nervous system to relieve pain and improve the function of nerves, muscles and joints.
Chiropractors must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of New Zealand and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.
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.
Chiropractic radiology
To specialise in chiropractic radiology you need to:
- complete the three-year Residency in Diagnostic Imaging at New Zealand College of Chiropractic
- sit the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology exam.
Physical Requirements
Chiropractors need to be reasonably fit and healthy.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for a chiropractor includes health care work and leadership roles in school, sports clubs or the community.
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.
Skills
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.
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.
Subject Recommendations
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, health education, physics, physical education and maths.
Related Courses
Chiropractors can earn around $48K-$60K per year.
Pay for chiropractors varies depending on experience and responsibilities.
- Chiropractors with up to five years' experience usually earn between minimum wage and $60,000 a year.
- Chiropractors with more than five years' experience can earn up from $60,000 to $150,000.
Source: New Zealand College of Chiropractic, ‘2019 Survey of the Chiropractic Profession: Analysis of Survey Data’, accessed May 2021, (www.chiropractic.ac.nz).
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.
Years Of Training
5 years of training required.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.
- AUT University website - Diploma in Applied Science(Pre-Chiropractic)
- NZ College of Chiropractic website - the Bachelor of Chiropractic
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.
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