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Finding a job in chiropractic
If you are graduating and not sure if you’re ready to start or buy your own practice, you’re probably thinking you will need to find a job in chiropractic. Search carefully, because you will probably be asked to sign a contract that will probably obligate you to work for a specific doctor for several years. You will most likely be required to sign a noncompete agreement, so you won’t be able to leave and set up a competing practice for several years after you leave.
A suggestion: If you are not sure if you want an associate or independent contractor position, check both types of listings. In many cases, doctors will list in both categories or they may not be sure of the difference between independent contractor and associate status. Read other articles in the "Job Search" section here on StudentDC.com to find out more about the differences between associate and independent contractor status.
Here are some good sites with information on current employment possibilities in chiropractic offices:
* One of best places to find information on chiropractic positions is Chiropractic Economics classified section.
* Another good site for chiropractic jobs is NCMIC’s “Buyers and Hires” section, which is open to both policyholders and other individuals.
* The ChiroCareers Web site includes a resume-builder but does require you to register with them.
* Planet Chiropractic also has an employment classified section.
Many of the chiropractic colleges offer a service to alumni by placing ads for associate and independent contractor positions on their web sites. Here are some of these sites:
National University of Health Sciences
Northwestern Health Sciences University
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Southern California University of Health Sciences
If you are searching online, use bookmarks to keep track of good possibilities. As you search, make note of the specific requirements for each position and highlight those that most closely match your own skills and abilities. Create a list of questions to ask during an initial phone interview.
At some point in the process, make plans to meet some of the doctors you have talked to. Don’t commit to any one doctor until you have an opportunity to review a contract. In other words, keep your options open until you find the perfect opportunity.
If you can’t find a satisfactory position in the area where you want to locate, consider a "blanket" search letter to chiropractors in the area, asking if they would be interested in an associate. Follow up your letter with a phone call asking about interest. Sometimes the timing is right, or your letter will strike a responsive chord.
Jean Murray has an MBA and a PhD in small business management and has been counseling small business owners since 1974. She is a business professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic and principal of Planning for Practice Success (P4PS). Jean can be contacted at 866-940-7526 or through her Web site, www.dcpracticesuccess.com.
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