Chiropractor
What the work is
Diagnoses, manages and prevents mechanical disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, and the effects these disorders have on the function of the nervous system and general health.
Would you enjoy the work?
These are the main tasks in the official description. Mark how each one sounds to you.
- Diagnoses neuromusculoskeletal disorders
- Assesses patients' medical histories, symptoms and physical condition
- Orders and interprets diagnostic tests to support chiropractic care
- Designs, implements, monitors and assesses treatment plans, including manual adjustments, manipulations and other therapeutic techniques
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records
- Educates patients and their caregivers in therapeutic procedures such as home exercises and lifestyle changes, to enhance patients' health and wellbeing
- Collaborates with other Health Professionals to provide comprehensive care
Try it
A simulation and a case study from this kind of work, set in a small chiropractic clinic with a reception area and two treatment rooms. They are fictional.
The kind of days you could have
Good days
- A patient who could not play with their kids walks in smiling a few weeks later
- A family member brings a friend because they trusted you
- A diagnosis you made correctly because you asked one more question
Hard days
- A patient who wants the same thing every visit, whether or not it is what they need
- Needing to say this is outside what I can treat to someone who hoped for an answer
- Running your own business when appointments are cancelled and costs keep coming
Written by Career Calling as a general guide. Real roles vary by employer and place.
Work a mission
Step into a simulated workplace in this field, with a brief from your manager.
Description and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, 2024, Version 1.0 (opens another site), occupation 262131, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. The skill guide above is our plain English summary.