Chiropractor

Career path and progression

Most chiropractors are self employed.

With experience you could:

• set up your own practice
• move into education or research
• specialise in an area like sports medicine, rehabilitation or neurology

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• knowledge of how the human body works
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Chiropractors need a deep understanding of human anatomy, including the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and how joints, bones, muscles, and soft tissues work together. This knowledge is essential for diagnosing problems, carrying out physical examinations, and designing effective treatment programmes.
• Physical Education - Chiropractors regularly treat sports injuries, postural problems, and joint or muscle pain, so understanding how the body moves during physical activity is really important. Knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and injury prevention directly supports the advice they give clients on recovery and lifestyle.

Also relevant

• Physics - Chiropractors apply forces to joints and the spine during manual adjustments, so understanding mechanics, leverage, and how forces act on the body is genuinely useful. They also use X-ray imaging to examine patients, which relies on principles of radiation and wave physics.
• Chemistry - Chiropractors order and interpret blood tests as part of their diagnostic work, which requires an understanding of biochemistry. A foundation in chemistry also supports their broader study of how the body functions at a cellular and molecular level.
• Psychology - Chiropractors work closely with clients who may be in chronic pain or feeling anxious about treatment, so understanding human behaviour and emotional responses is important. They need to build trust, manage expectations, and motivate clients to follow recovery plans – all of which draw on psychological insight.
• Business - Most chiropractors are self-employed or run their own practices, so they need to manage finances, attract clients, and handle the day-to-day running of a business. Understanding marketing, pricing, and customer service helps them build a successful and sustainable practice.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Chiropractors advise clients on diet and lifestyle as part of supporting their recovery and overall wellbeing. Understanding nutrition – including how different nutrients affect inflammation, bone health, and tissue repair – helps them give practical, evidence-based guidance.