Before applying to a Doctor of Chiropractic medicine program, it is important to learn about the potential career outcomes, what a chiropractic physician does, as well as the job security and average salary.
There are different types of chiropractors, where they work, if it is private practice, who is the primary client market, all of which are important factors that play a role in developing your career. For example, becoming a sports chiropractor differs from the traditional route of becoming a DC physician. More students are choosing to become chiropractic professionals due to employment demand, higher pay averages, and the opportunity to help people optimize and maintain their health.
Career Outcomes
The University of Western States prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. The University of Western States is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions counselor.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics annual data update
Chiropractic Career Outlook
- More than 40 percent of all chiropractic physicians are self-employed and own their own business.
- The median salary for a chiropractic physician is $79,000, with the top 10% earning about $150,000 per year. This salary average does not include self-employed, owners, or business partners of unincorporated businesses.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of chiropractic physicians is expected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than most occupations.
- Chiropractic physicians in the U.S. receive 190 million patient visits annually.
- More than 40 percent of all chiropractic physicians are self-employed and own their own business.
- The chiropractic profession is ranked the second most profitable small business by Forbes.
- Ranked the #1 profession with the best job security by MarketWatch.
Data from Discover Chiropractic, MSN, Salary.com and MarketWatch.
What are UWS DC Program Outcomes?
Undergraduate Completion and Prerequisite Fulfillment
Prospective students can complete prerequisite courses through UWS. These are 100 percent online and designed to fulfill the entrance requirements for the DC program. UWS also offers a Bachelor of Science in human biology that students can take concurrently with the DC program. This program applies required courses from the DC program to the bachelor’s degree so students can complete their undergraduate degree without having to take any extra courses. Some states require a bachelor’s degree for licensing.
NBCE Exam Preparation
UWS is an accredited, evidence-informed institution. The Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum thoroughly prepares students to succeed in taking the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams. Successful completion of the NBCE exams is necessary to become licensed in almost all U.S. licensing jurisdictions.
Board Scores and Job Outlook
UWS students consistently perform well-above average on both U.S. and Canadian national board exams and experience low student loan default rates (which means our students are getting high-quality jobs very quickly).
Chiropractic Licensure
The UWS DC program qualifies graduates for licensure in all U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions and in other foreign countries. Chiropractic licensure regulations vary from one jurisdiction to another and are subject to change. Students following the chiropractic career path should contact individual licensing boards for information on the most current and accurate requirements of a particular area. Visit our professional licensure disclosure page to read more about licensure by state.
For information on licensure regulations, please visit the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards website.
Chiropractic Licensure in the United States
Upon graduation from the Doctor of Chiropractic program, the next step is to obtain a license in the state in which the student intends to practice. Most states use all or part of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) competency exams.
The NBCE’s stated purpose is to evaluate the entry-level competencies of applicants for chiropractic licensure. The chiropractic college graduate is expected to have taken and passed Parts I, II, III, and IV of the National Boards to earn eligibility to sit for the chiropractic licensing exam in most states.
The UWS College of Chiropractic degree requirements do not require students to take the National Board Examinations, but failure to do so will make a student ineligible for a chiropractic license in most states.
Chiropractic Licensure in Canada
The Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) conducts competency exams for individuals seeking a chiropractic license in Canada.
View the most recent UWS student performance data for the CCEB exams here.