Advisors and pathways
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' career handbook: what each occupation does and how to become one.
Every field shows you its source and the date its page was captured. Where the publisher mentions chiropractic, you read its words, quoted; where we found no mention, you see the date and every page we read. Absence in what we checked is not absence at the publisher.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of the jobs in the United States.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/occupational-information-included-in-the-ooh.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Each occupational profile describes the typical duties performed by the occupation, the work environment of that occupation, the typical education and training needed to enter the occupation, the median pay for workers in the occupation, and the job outlook over the coming decade for that occupation.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/occupational-information-included-in-the-ooh.htm · captured 2026-10-08
is an online publication that has information on hundreds of occupations in the United States.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/teachers-guide.htm · captured 2026-10-08
The OOH is divided into clusters of similar occupations.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/teachers-guide.htm · captured 2026-10-08
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific career guidance or advice.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/ooh-faqs.htm · captured 2026-10-08
OOH research is conducted by economists in the Employment Projections program at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/ooh-faqs.htm · captured 2026-10-08
The OOH is a rich resource for those seeking career guidance.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/teachers-guide.htm · captured 2026-10-08
students can use valuable occupational information to help them make career choices.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/teachers-guide.htm · captured 2026-10-08
As a teacher, you can help your students plan their future.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/teachers-guide.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Knowing how to prepare to enter an occupation gives jobseekers and students an idea of how to become a doctor, flight attendant, or wind turbine technician, for example.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/occupational-information-included-in-the-ooh.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Jobseekers and career planners should learn an occupation’s working conditions, including the typical workplace, the expected level of physical activity, and typical working hours.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/occupational-information-included-in-the-ooh.htm · captured 2026-10-08
How to Become a Chiropractorhttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and get a state license.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors typically need a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Every state requires chiropractors to be licensed.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors must have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractic programs generally require applicants to have completed coursework in sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as general education studies.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractic students gain supervised clinical experience in areas such as diagnosis, spinal assessment, and adjustment techniques.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Some chiropractors complete postgraduate programs that lead to diplomate credentials.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
All states require chiropractors to be licensed, although requirements vary by state.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
At a minimum, all require the completion of an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program and passing an exam.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
All states require practicing chiropractors to earn a specified number of hours of continuing education credits to maintain a chiropractic license.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Contact your state’s board of chiropractic examiners or health department for more specific information about licensure.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors must listen to patients and explain procedures clearly both orally and in written reports.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors must evaluate each patient’s needs and recommend treatment based on those needs.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors must pay attention when diagnosing and treating patients to avoid mistakes that could harm them.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors must have good coordination when performing manual adjustments to a patient's spine and other joints.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors often care for people who are in pain.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors must be personable in order to put patients at ease and expand their practice.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractorshttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulating the spine and musculoskeletal system.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Completing a D.C. program typically takes about 4 years, in addition to at least 3 years of undergraduate study.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Educationhttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
A D.C. degree usually takes 4 years to complete.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Admission to D.C. programs requires at least 3 years of undergraduate education, although applicants commonly have a bachelor’s degree.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Typical bachelor’s degrees for prospective D.C. students include biologyhttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
healthcare and related fields, or kinesiology, exercise physiology, or other subjects focusing on physical movement.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
A D.C. program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, and similar subjects.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Courses in business management, such as marketing and finance, also may be included.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
D.C. programs may offer a dual-degree option, in which students earn either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in another field while completing their D.C.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
These programs provide additional training in specialty areas, such as orthopedics, acupuncture, and pediatrics.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrationshttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
States also may require candidates to pass a background check and state-specific law exams, called jurisprudence exams.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStophttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Important Qualitieshttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data pagehttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Communication skills.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
They must also decide when to refer patients to other healthcare professionals.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Detail oriented.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Dexterity.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Empathy.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
They must be understanding and sympathetic to their patients’ problems and needs.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Interpersonal skills.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Healthcare Occupationshttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm · captured 2026-10-08
Workers in these occupations help clients maintain and improve wellbeing.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm · captured 2026-10-08
OCCUPATION GROUPShttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/ · captured 2026-10-08
Healthcarehttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/ · captured 2026-10-08
OCCUPATION. Every occupation the handbook lists in its Healthcare group, in the order the page serves them.
Athletic Trainers
Audiologists
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Chiropractors
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Dental Assistants
Dental Hygienists
Dentists
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Dietitians and Nutritionists
EMTs and Paramedics
Exercise Physiologists
Genetic Counselors
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Home Health and Personal Care Aides
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Massage Therapists
Medical Assistants
Medical Dosimetrists
Medical Records Specialists
Medical Transcriptionists
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
Nursing Assistants and Orderlies
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
Opticians
Optometrists
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Pharmacists
Pharmacy Technicians
Phlebotomists
Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
Physical Therapists
Physician Assistants
Physicians and Surgeons
Podiatrists
Psychiatric Technicians and Aides
Radiation Therapists
Radiologic and MRI Technologists
Recreational Therapists
Registered Nurses
Respiratory Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Surgical Assistants and Technologists
Veterinarians
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians