What Does a Chiropractic Assistant Do?

A chiropractic assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor. They are trained to perform many of the same tasks as their supervising doctor, but they do not have the same level of training or education.

Chiropractic assistants may be involved in all aspects of patient care, from initial evaluation through treatment and rehabilitation. Their duties may include taking detailed medical histories, performing physical exams, administering diagnostic tests, providing treatments such as massage and spinal adjustments, and assisting with other procedures such as X-rays or ultrasound scans.

Chiropractic Assistant Job Duties

Chiropractic assistants have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Taking x-rays of patients when needed, following established protocols for safety
• Performing massage therapy on patients to aid in recovery from neck pain and other musculoskeletal issues
• Collecting data on patient health history, including family history of disease, previous injuries or surgeries, allergies, and current medications or supplements being taken
• Taking notes during patient examinations and updating patient records with information about the visit
• Maintaining inventory of supplies such as x-ray films, bandages, and braces
• Assisting chiropractors during treatment sessions by preparing treatment areas and equipment, taking notes during examinations, and providing administrative support during office hours
• Providing information about treatment options available at a chiropractic office, including the benefits of chiropractic care and the risks associated with treatments
• Collecting and processing insurance billing information, including filing claims and following up with patients regarding payment arrangements
• Conducting initial screenings of patients to determine their suitability for chiropractic care

Chiropractic Assistant Salary & Outlook

Chiropractic assistants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the type of chiropractor they work for, and the geographic location of their job.

• Median Annual Salary: $31,500 ($15.14/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)

The employment of chiropractic assistants is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

The number of chiropractors is expected to increase over the decade, largely because of consumer demand for alternative types of healthcare services. As more people recognize the benefits of chiropractic care, demand for chiropractic services will increase and, in turn, lead to greater employment demand for chiropractic assistants.

Related: 25 Chiropractic Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Chiropractic Assistant Job Requirements

A chiropractic assistant candidate needs to satisfy several requirements for the position, including:

Education: Chiropractic assistants need at least a bachelor’s degree. The most common majors for aspiring chiropractic assistants are kinesiology, exercise science or physical therapy. These programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry and physics.

Training & Experience: Most chiropractic assistant positions require previous experience in a healthcare setting. This experience can be in a medical or clinical setting, such as a hospital or a physician’s office. It can also be in a support role, such as a medical secretary or a medical assistant.

Some chiropractic assistant programs offer on-site training programs that prepare students for the role of a chiropractic assistant. These programs typically last between six and 12 months and include hands-on training in a clinical setting.

Certifications & Licenses: Chiropractic assistants need to be certified in CPR and first aid. They also need to be aware of the risks of the profession and be comfortable with the basics of emergency treatment.

Chiropractic Assistant Skills

Chiropractic assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication skills: Communication skills are an important part of a job as a chiropractic assistant. You will be communicating with patients, doctors and other assistants on a daily basis. You will need to be able to listen to and understand the needs of patients and doctors, as well as relay information to them in a clear and concise manner.

Attention to detail: When working with patients, it’s important to have excellent attention to detail. This is because you may be recording patient information, entering data into a computer or filling out paperwork. You may also be responsible for organizing patient files or keeping the treatment area clean.

Organization: A chiropractic assistant needs to be organized to ensure they can complete all of their duties in a timely manner. This includes keeping the treatment room clean, keeping track of patient files and insurance information and keeping track of the supplies the chiropractor needs.

Flexibility: A chiropractic assistant’s job requires them to be flexible in their schedule. This is because they may be needed at any time of the day or night. They may also be asked to work on weekends or holidays. Being flexible in your schedule can help you find work and keep it.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. As a chiropractic assistant, empathy can help you relate to patients and make them feel comfortable. For example, if a patient is nervous about their first chiropractic appointment, you can use empathy to reassure them and make them feel more comfortable.

Chiropractic Assistant Work Environment

Chiropractic assistants work in chiropractic offices, which are typically small businesses. They work closely with the chiropractor and other office staff, such as receptionists and billing clerks. Chiropractic assistants typically work a standard 40-hour week, although some may work part time. They may also be required to work evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of their patients. The work environment is usually clean, well lit, and quiet. Chiropractic assistants must be able to stand for long periods of time and to lift and move patients, so they must be physically fit and strong.

Chiropractic Assistant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how chiropractic assistants work. Chiropractic assistants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

More Focus on Preventative Care

Preventative care is becoming increasingly important as people become more aware of the importance of early detection and treatment of diseases. This trend is having a major impact on the chiropractic industry, as more people are turning to chiropractors for help with pain management and prevention.

Chiropractic assistants can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in preventive care services. This includes educating patients about the benefits of regular checkups, helping them set up appointments, and providing other support.

More Use of Technology

The use of technology in chiropractic offices is increasing as more practitioners realize the benefits of using it.

Chiropractic assistants can take advantage of this trend by learning how to use technology in their work. This includes learning how to use software such as electronic health records, billing systems, and patient portals. In addition, they should also be familiar with the use of social media in marketing and advertising.

A Greater Emphasis on Patient Education

As patients become more educated about their healthcare options, they are looking for professionals who can provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions.

This trend is especially true in the chiropractic field, where patients are often seeking out alternative treatments that are less invasive than traditional medicine. Chiropractic assistants can meet this demand by becoming experts in patient education, so that they can provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.

How to Become a Chiropractic Assistant

A career as a chiropractic assistant can be both rewarding and fulfilling. It’s important to consider what you want out of your career before embarking on this path. Do you want to work in a clinic setting or do you prefer to work with patients one-on-one? Do you want to specialize in a certain area of the body, such as the spine or neck?

No matter which direction you choose, it’s important to have a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, as well as basic math skills. You should also be comfortable working with people and have excellent communication skills.

Advancement Prospects

The chiropractic assistant is a key member of the chiropractic team. As such, there are many opportunities for advancement within the profession.

Many chiropractic assistants start out as receptionists or office managers and, with experience, move into positions such as insurance billing coordinator, marketing director, or practice consultant. Some chiropractic assistants go on to become chiropractors themselves.

Those who are interested in a more hands-on role may become certified chiropractic technicians or licensed massage therapists. These positions require additional training and education but offer the opportunity to work more closely with patients and be more involved in their care.

Chiropractic Assistant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we are passionate about helping our patients feel their best. We are looking for a chiropractic assistant to join our team and assist our chiropractor in providing quality patient care. The ideal candidate will be outgoing, friendly, and have a positive attitude. They should be able to multitask and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. They should also be able to take direction well and be a team player. Prior experience as a chiropractic assistant or in the medical field is preferred but not required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Greet patients in a warm and friendly manner, making them feel welcome in the office
• Schedule appointments, answer phones, and take messages according to office protocol
• Verify patient insurance benefits and coverage prior to their appointment
• Prepare patients for their chiropractic visit by taking their history and vital signs
• Assist the doctor during examinations and treatments
• Perform therapeutic procedures such as applying heat or cold packs, electrical stimulation, and traction
• Educate patients on proper at-home care following their treatment plan
• Keep accurate and up-to-date patient records
• Handle billing and collections according to office policy
• Maintain a clean and organized office
• Order supplies and maintain inventory
• Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling staff meetings and preparing correspondence

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a chiropractic assistant program
• 1-2 years experience as a chiropractic assistant or related field
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and multitask
• Strong attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Experience with electronic health records
• Knowledge of insurance billing and coding
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word