You are the future of Chiropractic, and StudentDC.com is dedicated to your success. These resources will help you plan and prepare for your education, your practice, and your career.

NOTE: Except as explicitly designated, the resources included here are not part of the Chiropractic Economics Web site. Some of them are nonprofit, while others include advertising. We present them for you as information sources; we do not make any claims about their presentations and Web sites.

Career Development
Colleges
Financial preparation
Job search
Practice startup
Checklists
TOOLBOX

Career Development

Listening Skills Test
Check your ability to listen by taking this online test. Use the results to improve your listening skills in conversations with patients.
http://www.psychtests.com/tests/career/listening_skills_access.html

Conventions and Seminars for Career Development
Make a plan within the next six months to visit one of these events.
www.studentDC.com/conventions

Tap into your creativity to improve your practice and your life
Included on this site are some creativity exercises and tools to give you ideas for marketing and practice growth and development.
http://creatingminds.org/tools/tools_implementing.htm

For inspiration, encouragement, and renewal
Check the free online movies on this website for some positive quotations that will lift your spirit and encourage you.
http://www.simpletruths.com

Use humor to be a more effective speaker
Learn about using humor in your speeches and to liven up your discussions with patients.
www.humorpower.com

Will it fly?
Find out instantly if you are ready to perform important business tasks; 214 modules quiz you on your knowledge of accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources, insurance, legal, marketing, operations, and product. If you are not ready, the Web site will seamlessly provide the knowledge needed to get up to speed.
www.willitfly.com

Professional Discounts and Percentage Pay for Independent Contractors  
An article in Chiropractic Economics discusses the Stark Law and its impact on fees for independent contractors.
http://www.chiroeco.com/article/2004/issue15/15legal.php

A Web site for young entrepreneurs
Based on the book Zero to One Million by Ryan P.M. Allis, this link is to their “young entrepreneurs” Web site.
http://www.zeromillion.com/young/

Secrets of Successful Entrepreneurs
Here’s a great article listing 10 things you need to do in order to be successful as an entrepreneur.
http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol19/secrets.htm

Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
A nonprofit association of government agencies that license and regulate doctors of chiropractic
www.fclb.org

U.S. Department of Labor, Chiropractic
From the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a classic reference about occupations from A to Z. Compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.bls.gov/oco/ocos071.htm

Finding a chiropractic school
http://www.studentdc.com/Colleges

Entrepreneur Test
Assess your entrepreneurial abilities with this questionnaire
www.communityfutures.com/cms/Entrepreneur_Test.15.0.html

Discovering Your E-Type
Advice for your successful small business by Rhonda Abrams: What type of entrepreneur are you? Find out about Rhonda’s nine.
www.rhondaonline.com/content/hmrArticles_view.asp?sect=column&did=518

Entrepreneurial Test
Should You Be An Entrepreneur? Studies of successful entrepreneurs reveal common characteristics—family backgrounds, experiences, motivations, ...
http://marriottschool.byu.edu/cfe/startingout/test.cfm?format=print

Personal SWOT Analysis
Mind Tools Career Coaches give you the focused personal help you need to make the most of your career
www.mindtools.com/swot.html

Colleges

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
6100 Leslie Street
Toronto, Ontario M2H 3J1
Telephone: (416) 482-2340

Cleveland Chiropractic College: Kansas City
6401 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
Phone: 816-333-8230

Cleveland Chiropractic College: Los Angeles
590 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: 213-660-6166

D’Youville College
One D’Youville Square
320 Porter Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 881-3200
President: Sister Denise A. Roche, GNGH, Ph.D

Life University, School of Chiropractic
1269 Barclay Circle
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 800-394-5433 (404-424-0554)

Life Chiropractic College West
25001 Industrial Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545
Phone: 800-788-4476, 510-780-4500
Fax: 510-780-4525

Logan College of Chiropractic
P. O. Box 1065 1851 Schoettler Road
Chesterfield, MO 63006-1065
Phone: 800-533-9210

National University of Health Sciences
200 E. Roosevelt Road
Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: 630-629-2000

New York Chiropractic College
2360 State Rt. 89 P. O. Box 800
Seneca Falls, NY 13148-0800
Phone: 315-568-3000

Northwestern Health Sciences University
2501 West 84th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone:612-888-4777

Palmer College of Chiropractic
1000 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
Phone: 800-722-3648

Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida
4777 City Center Parkway
Port Orange, FL
Phone: 866-585-9677

Palmer College of Chiropractic West
90 E. Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: 866-303-7939

Parker College of Chiropractic
2500 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
Phone: 800-438-6932 (GET-MYDC)

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic
P. O. Box 1452
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Phone: 803-578-8770

Southern California University of Health Sciences
16200 E. Amber Valley Drive
Whittier, CA 90609
Phone: 800-221-5222 (562-902-3309)

Texas Chiropractic College
5912 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, TX 77505
Phone: 713-487-1170

University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic
75 Linden Ave.
Bridgeport, CT 06601
United States of America
Phone: 203-576-4278

Western States Chiropractic College
2900 N.E. 132nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97230
Phone: 503-256-3180

Financial preparation

If you have poor credit or a low FICO score
Here is a step-by-step guide to repairing your credit rating.
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20010906a.asp

Guilt-free Budgeting: No Blame, No Shame
How to achieve guilt-free budgeting and take control of your finances.
http://financialplan.about.com/cs/budgeting/a/GuiltFreeBudget_2.htm

Living a Better Life: The Free Money Saving Tips Ezine
Twenty budgeting tools and calculators.
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/budgetingtools.htm

Making a Family Budget
Before you start planning for the cash needs of your new business, you must determine how much cash you will need to survive.
http://www.officedepot.com/renderStaticPage.do;jsessionid=0000Qh_Xt5h0qtkCZK-
19ATS033:10rpd7mn9?context=/content&file=/BusinessTools/text/P01_2150.jsp

Free household budgeting work sheet
Once you start regularly entering your income and bills in this interactive spreadsheet, you'll get a good idea of your household cash flow and where you have work to do.
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/debt/debtmanageguide/home-budget-tool1.asp

Home Budget Calculator
By entering your income and monthly expenditures, you can see how much you have left to save and where your money is being spent. In addition, you can click the "view report" button to compare your budget breakdown to our targets, which can help identify areas for improvement.
http://www.finance.cch.com/sohoApplets/HomeBudget.asp

Another source of funds for practice startup
Check out this Web service, which matches borrowers and lenders. Pay special attention to the importance of credit ratings.
http://www.prosper.com

Avoiding business plan mistakes
This slide show from Inc. magazine reviews the top mistakes made in writing business plans.
http://www.inc.com/slideshow_INC/slideviewer.cgi?list=biz-plan-mistakes&refresh=15

An Online Fill-In-The-Blanks Business Plan
New England Business Services (formerly Deluxe) has created a step-by-step business plan that you can create yourself online.
http://www.nebs.com/nebsEcat/business_tools/bptemplate/index.jsp

Business Startup Preparation Evaluation
Another questionnaire from NEBS that asks you questions to determine your readiness to start into practice.
http://www.nebs.com/nebsEcat/business_tools/todo/index.jsp

Evaluating a Business Credit Card
The creditcards.com Web site lets you compare credit cards based on features, like low introductory interest rates, mileage, and fees.
http://www.creditcards.com

SBA’s Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative
Learn about this loan program for veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small businesses.
http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress/sba_patriot_expressloan.html

Adventures In Education (AIE)
Get focused on your career goals, get the money you need to finish, and get a job. Featured: Student Loan Inquiry; Ask TG™; FAFSA; Calculators; Scholarships; News Archive; Internet Resources; State Education Resources.
www.AIE.org

CONFUSED ABOUT LOAN CONSOLIDATION?
Have questions about consolidating? Should you? Which consolidation is best?  College Guidance Center focuses on teaching students smart repayment strategies to help students get started on the right foot and off to a healthy financial future.  We are an objective resource for students to find the best incentive programs and avoid marketing pitfalls with their student loan debt.
www.CollegeGuidanceCenter.org

Credit Repair Information
Some tips on cleaning up your credit before you apply for that startup loan, from Nolo.com.
www.nolo.com/resource.cfm/catID/93EAAECE-AF69-4BB6-
9F4497BE703302E9/213/208/218/

Best Banks Listing
Entrepreneur Magazine recently published a list of “best banks” (those friendly to small businesses); search for banks by state.
www.entrepreneur.com/bestbanks

Family Monthly Budget
Commerce Clearinghouse has a monthly budget in Excel format to help you determine your family’s monthly expenses.
www.finance.cch.com/tools/fammonbudget_m.asp

SBA loan programs for women or minorities or other special groups
Information on programs and services in support of women entrepreneurs, veteran's business development, Native Americans, and special minority programs.
http://www.sba.gov/services/specialaudiences/index.html

Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae is the United States' largest college student loan company, providing federally guaranteed student loans, and offers resources to assist students, parents and guidance professionals with the financial aid process.
http://www.salliemae.com/

AnnualCreditReport
Site set up by the big three credit reporting agencies in the United States, to furnish free annual credit reports, as required by federal law
www.annualcreditreport.com

FreeCreditReport
Free credit reports and credit scores from Experian
www.freecreditreport.com

FICO® Score Estimator
Answer these ten easy questions for a free estimated range for your three FICO® scores, ...
www.myfico.com/FICOCreditScoreEstimator/Default.aspx

How to read and understand your credit report
This article recommends contacting all three credit reporting agencies, and comparing the information found on them
www.bankrate.com/brm/news/pf/20001127a.asp

Personal Financial Statement
Free, downloadable form from the U.S. Small Business Association online library
www.sba.gov/sbaforms/sba413.pdf

How to Get a Small Business Loan
From About.com guide to small business (Canada) Susan Ward
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/financing/a/getbusinessloan.htm

Writing a Business Plan
Business plan preparation from the Connecticut Community Investment Corporation (a non-profit organization)
www.ctcic.org/docs/WRITINGYOURBUSINESSPLAN.doc

Job search

CrackInterview
64 Interview answers you need to know.
http://www.crackinterview.info/64Answers.htm

Conducting a Job Search
This site includes information on all aspects of the job search process.
http://www2.monstertrak.com/help_manuals/jobmanual/

Employment Agreement Provisions
Read this article by attorney Deborah Green for suggestions about working as an associate.
http://www.chiroeco.com/article/2000/Aug/Leg1.php

Interviewing Tips
Before you go on that interview for an associate position, check out this Chiropractic Economics article.
www.chiroeco.com/article/2006/Issue11/PD2.php

123-Jobs.com
Resume, interview, and job letter workshop
http://www.123-jobs.com/M-Resume.shtml

eRésumés.com
eResumes provides free sample resumes, resume writing services, resume cover letters, help, tips and templates
http://www.eresumes.com/eresumes_practice.html

Sample Resumes
From the University of California, Davis’, Career Resource Manual
http://icc3.ucdavis.edu/iccdocs/UCD_Placement_Manual_0405.pdf

Resume Writing
An excellent general resume format from Washington College’s Career Development site
http://career.washcoll.edu/interviewingtips_resume.php

Resume Tutor
A program designed to walk you through the steps of formatting your resume
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/careerdev/resources/resume/

Microsoft Office Resume Templates
Microsoft Office Template Gallery offers free, downloadable templates for resumes, cover letters, and other documents
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/default.aspx

Practice startup

CityFeet
Find commercial real estate listings, office space, commercial real estate brokers, and commercial real estate news. Select “medical office” and see what is available in your city.
www.cityfeet.com

Comparing Business Legal Entities
If you like visuals and charts, this one may be of value. It compares various forms of legal structure – corporation, LLC, etc.
http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/starting_business/entitieschart.html

Tips for making your practice logo great
Before you decide on a practice logo, read these tips from a designer about creating an effective logo.
http://www.eye2eyegraphics.com/articles.html

Choosing a Business Name FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about choosing and registering a
successful business name.
http://www.nolo.com/siteIncludes/printerfriendly.cfm/objectID
/566550BB-8B2B- 4CAD-A03752295A38EB58/111/228/195/FAQ/

Buying a Business
Tips to consider when buying a business
http://www.allbusiness.com/buying-exiting-businesses/purchasing-a-
business/4007-1.html

Chiropractic Toolbar
This free browser add-on contains quick resource links for chiropractors, students, and staff.
www.chirotoolbar.com

Another way to pay and report payroll
Online services are becoming more popular among businesses. Here’s one that integrates with your accounting package and keeps you in compliance with tax reporting and payment.
http://www.paycycle.com/external/home.jsp

Don’t forget business insurance
In this recent (2003) Chiropractic Economics article, the author discusses all types of business insurance, including general liability and malpractice.
http://www.chiroeco.com/article/2003/issue5/finance.php

Buying Disability Insurance
While this insurance may not be at the top of your list of things to do, consider buying disability insurance soon after you open your practice. This article has good information.
http://sbinformation.about.com/od/insurance/a/disability.htm

Tips on Buying Yellow Pages Ads
BusinessTown.com gives advice on buying Yellow Pages ads when you’re starting your business. Check out their home page for many other informative articles on startup.
http://www.businesstown.com/advertising/yellowpages-advice.asp

What the SBA Web site can do for you
This independent federal government agency, formed in 1953, assists small businesses with startup and operations, and provides help with financing. studentDC.com provides this overview of the site, highlighting the items especially useful for new chiropractors.
http://www.studentdc.com/Resources/SBAWebSite.php

E-Myth Worldwide
For 30 years, E-Myth has been helping small business owners achieve success.
http://www.e-myth.com/

National Standards to Protect the Privacy of Personal Health Information
The U.S.Department of Health & Human Services provides these sample business associate contract provisions in response to numerous requests for guidance.
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/contractprov.html

Deductible Startup Expenses
See this link for a discussion by Commerce Clearinghouse regarding deducible startup expenses.
www.finance.cch.com/text/c60s15d215.asp

Office Setup
A Chiropractic Economics article including a checklist for equipping your office.
www.chiroeco.com/article/2006/Issue11/PM1.php

Tax Guide
The IRS has a good small business website, with lots of useful information.
www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html

Obtaining your NPI Number
As soon as you get your license, you’ll need to obtain a National Provider Identification Number. Here is the link.
https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do

Medicare Provider Enrollment form for sole proprietors
After you have received your NPI, you must then complete the appropriate Medicare provider enrollment form (CMS-855). If you’re a sole proprietor, you’ll use the 855i form.
www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms/downloads/cms855i.pdf

Medicare Provider Enrollment form for groups, corporations, multi-member LLC’s
If you are not a sole proprietorship you’ll use the 855b form.
www.cms.hhs.gov/CMSforms/downloads/cms855b.pdf

Medicare Carriers
Your CMS-855 form must be submitted to the appropriate carrier (the entity which processes enrollment applications), depending upon your state. The list of carriers by state is detailed in this link. www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/downloads/contact_list.pdf

General Medicare Enrollment Information
This link inside CMS includes general information on Medicare Provider Enrollment.
www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/

Marketing Basics
This article from Chiropractic Economics discusses the basic “Four P’s” of Marketing.
www.chiroeco.com/article/2006/Issue5/MKT1.php

PhoneSpell
Mnemonic phone number services help you pick a toll free vanity 800 phone number (or new local or mobile vanity number) or tell you what your existing number already spells.
www.phonespell.org

Chamber of Commerce.com
Find any chamber of commerce, in the United States and overseas, for relocation, neighborhood, and business information.
http://www.chamberofcommerce.com/public/index.cfm

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS
This nonprofit organization is an advocacy group for small and independent businesses. Its Business Toolbox is a library of small business information.
www.nfib.com/page/toolsHome

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The SBA is a federal agency whose mission is “to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business.” It has recently redesigned its Web site to make it easier for you to find what you need. In particular, note the 25 online courses (in the Resources tabs). Look up your local SBA office and set up an appointment to talk with a representative.
http://www.sba.gov

ABOUT.COM
This online directory uses expert guides—people who are experts in their field—to offer practical advice and solutions and show you the best Web sites on any topic. See their guide to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
http://entrepreneurs.about.com.

SCORE (SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED PROFESSIONALS)
SCORE is a nonprofit organization that assists businesses with startup and operations, online and in person with 389 chapter offices nationwide. Be aware that they will offer general business advice, but they probably won’t know about chiropractic practices.
http://www.score.org

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (SBDC’S)
The SBA contracts with community colleges, universities, and other organizations to provide assistance to small business owners. Access these services here.
http://www.sba.gov/sbdc/index.html

ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE
Specifically for the small business owner or those planning to start a new or additional business, this site includes “Help & How-To,” “Grow Your Business,” an “Encyclopedia” of business terms, and business “Tools & Services.”
www.entrepreneur.com

INC. MAGAZINE
“The Daily Resource for Entrepreneurs” provides ideas that can be used in running a small business. This magazine covers financing, marketing, taxes, and managing people. Plus, advice from consultants and interviews with successful small company executives.
www.inc.com

BUSINESS WEEK MAGAZINE
BusinessWeek Magazine gives in-depth coverage of the latest trends in technology, finance, and management. Insight and analysis articles are designed to help with both personal and professional success.
Look for the online courses in business subjects, like Web marketing and hiring employees.
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/

Find Your Spot
A relocation service that rates places according to personal preferences such as weather, culture, cost of living, local economies and education
http://www.findyourspot.com/Default.asp

A business valuation for all occasions
An article from Chiropractic Economics
www.chiroeco.com/article/2003/issue12/finance2.php

Selling the Chiropractic Practice
Why a Qualified Broker May Be Your Best Bet. An article from Chiropractic Economics
www.chiroeco.com/50/timeline/1990/1990selling.html

Practice for Sale
Chiropractic Economics “Practice for Sale” classified section
www.chiroeco.com/classifieds/Prac4Sale.php

Buyers and Hires
NCMIC’s free online classified advertising service for DCs
www.buyersandhires.com

edStats
The gateway to statistics from more than 100 U.S. Federal agencies
www.fedstats.gov

Synergos Technologies, Inc, ERsys, Earth Resource System
Demographic, lifestyle, and economic data covering over 1,300 U.S. cities portrayed as thematic maps, informative reports, detailed tables and colorful charts.
www.ersys.com

City Data.com
Stats about all US cities - maps, race, income, photos, education, crime, weather, houses, etc.
www.citydata.com

Housing and Urban Development State of the Cities Data System
Specific cities' historical census data, current employment statistics, and county business patterns
http://socds.huduser.org/quicklink/screen3.odb?citystring=1212875

Use demographics to build your patient rolls
An article from Chiropractic Economics
www.chiroeco.com/article/2003/issue9/marketing1.php

Competitor vs. Colleague
An article from Chiropractic Economics
www.chiroeco.com/50/market/competitor.html

These DCs collaborate while competing:
Chiropractic co-opetition
An article from Chiropractic Economics
www.chiroeco.com/article/2004/issue9/9careerprofile.php

3 unrealistic expectations in managing your practice
An article from Chiropractic Economics
www.chiroeco.com/article/2004/issue15/15pracmgt4.php

Effective Competitive Analysis
From American Express Small Business. By knowing the actions of your competitors, you will have a better understanding of how you can position your business.
www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,15565,00.asp

A perfect fit: Office design invites walk-in traffic
An article from Chiropractic Economics
www.chiroeco.com/article/2004/issue1/officedesign.php

Checklists

Physical facilities and entryways
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/Facilities.php

Office areas/rooms
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/Office.php

Accounting
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/Accounting.php

billing processes
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/Billing.php

Appointment scheduling processes
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/Appointment.php

Insurance processes
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/Insurance.php

Employee Relations Processes/Benefits/Policies
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/EmployeeRelations.php

Marketing Processes
www.studentdc.com/CheckLists/MarketingProcess.php

TOP

TOOLBOX

Projects: Planning to Succeed in Practice
Each issue of studentDC.com includes a project with practice-planning elements you can begin working on while you’re still in school. Now we’ve put all the projects together in one place.
http://www.studentdc.com/Resources/toolbox/projects.php

Practice Budget Calculator
Calculate and chart your monthly expenses and income. Provided by Foot Levelers
www.studentdc.com/Resources/toolbox/pracCalc.xls

Evaluate Your Entrepreneur Potential
It's often difficult to determine if your dreams of being a sole practitioner fit with your personality and style. Take this test to help answer more questions for yourself.
http://www.studentdc.com/Resources/toolbox/Entrepreneur.php

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