We've recently updated our service. Because of this, you'll need to reset your password to log in. It's quick and easy!Reset Password

Chiropractor

You would help people with aches, pains and injuries feel better by using your hands to move and adjust their joints and bones.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£670

Average

Monthly

£2,903

Average

Yearly

£34,840

Average

2,700

people are currently employed

Low growth

100 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would treat people with aches, pains and injuries by handling their limbs and body and moving their joints and bones.

You would use your hands, rather than drugs or surgery, to make them feel better and enjoy a better quality of life.

You’d move and adjust the person’s joints, bones and soft tissue, like muscles and tendons, to help them control their pain or to prevent injuries from happening again. You would probably focus on manipulating the spine.

Your patients may be suffering as a result of an accident, stress, illness or lack of exercise. The most common problems include:

  • neck, back and shoulder pain

  • sciatica and leg problems

  • issues due to sports injuries

  • joint and muscle pain caused by poor posture

You might also work with people suffering from migraine or asthma, and babies who have colic.

You’d chat with the patient to find out more about their problem and their lifestyle. You’d make sure that their condition was suitable for treatment or decide whether they need to see a doctor.

If you think you can help them you would:

  • discuss their symptoms and health problems in detail

  • examine them sometimes using x-rays or blood tests

  • find out about any previous medical diagnoses

  • design a programme of treatment to meet their individual needs

You may also give them advice on lifestyle, diet and exercise to support their recovery.

Hours

As a self-employed chiropractor, you would usually set your own working hours. However, to meet the needs of clients, you may need to work some weekends and evenings.

Environment

You could be based at a health clinic or therapy centre. You may carry out treatments at several locations, such as clients' homes or sporting events.

Travel

It would be helpful to have a driving licence as you may carry out treatments at several locations, such as clients' homes or sporting events.

Other careers that you might like

  • Art therapist
  • Dance movement psychotherapist
  • Dramatherapist
  • Music therapist
  • Orthoptist
  • Osteopath
  • Play therapist
  • Psychotherapist
Browse all job profiles

Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Healthcare
View all industries

Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • time management
  • social conscience
  • respecting
  • empathising
  • problem solving
  • verbal communication
  • listening
  • supporting
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Biology

  • Care

  • Human Biology

You must have successfully completed a General Chiropractic Council (GCC) recognised degree (SCQF level 9/10). There are currently no General Chiropractic Council (GCC) recognised courses in Scotland.

Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) elsewhere in the UK usually requires National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers (SCQF level 6) including Biology and another science subject, preferably Chemistry. Some courses may ask for Advanced Highers (SCQF level 7).

Qualifications that demonstrate understanding of health and wellbeing.

It would also beneficial to have qualifications in physiology and anatomy.

If you are qualified in medicine or other healthcare professions, you can take a shorter course to allow you to use chiropractic as well as conventional medicine.

You will need to pass a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check.

Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland

Find the perfect course to boost your career.

View all courses

Search jobs and apprenticeships

View work opportunities