Licensure/Certification In all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are specific laws governing the practice of chiropractic and prescribing requirements for licensure. Most of the licensing jurisdictions recognize or utilize the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate. Salary The average annual wage for Chiropractors in Florida in 2006 was $73,079. Educational Programs A program is not offered in Florida. Currently, 16 colleges in the United States are accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education to offer degrees in chiropractic. Professional Associations American Chiropractic Association Florida Chiropractic Association

Chiropractic is a form of healing based on the idea that the human body has an innate self-healing ability and seeks balance. Chiropractic health offers the patient the advantages of a conservative, natural method of healing without the use of drugs or surgery. The primary form of treatment is spinal manipulation or adjustment. When problems in the joints interfere with proper functioning, doctors of chiropractic employ manual adjustment of the spine, so nerve and skeletal systems are allowed to function properly.

Chiropractic Physician

The doctor of chiropractic corrects, reduces, mobilizes, or immobilizes joint abnormalities, particularly of the spine and pelvis, to normalize structural and functional relationships and relieve attendant neurologic, muscular and vascular disturbances. Adjunct therapy may include traction, massage, hot or cold compresses or baths, infrared or ultraviolet light, ultrasound and other modalities common to the healing arts. Personal qualifications include an ability to manage time and work independently without supervision, a strong desire to serve the sick, manual skill and dexterity, and a keen sense of observation.

Areas of Specialization
While general practice is the first choice of many chiropractors, there is ample opportunity to develop in a specialized field. A chiropractor may specialize in working with a specific age group such as children or elderly or industrial or sports injuries, orthopedics, government and rehabilitation organizations. Teaching and research also offer career opportunities.

Work Environment
Chiropractors may practice independently in their own offices or join with other well-established doctors of chiropractic in a joint clinical setting. They determine working hours and arrange these hours by appointment, but may be available for emergency treatment of their patients at other times.

Job Outlook
The number of Chiropractors employed in Florida in 2006 was 5,972. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 6,905,an annual average growth rate of 2.0 percent.

Length of Training/ Requirements
The State of Florida requires a minimum of four years of college focusing on the basic sciences for entry into an accredited chiropractic college. Chiropractic colleges are governed and accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and Commission on Accreditation. Once in chiropractic college, students must complete four to five academic years of professional study including classroom, laboratory and extensive clinical experience. The student spends the first two years mastering the fundamentals such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, bacteriology and pathology. The remaining two years are devoted to working with patients in applying chiropractic principles. Upon completion of the college program, the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic is awarded.

Advancement
Research and development have created new areas of service for chiropractors. Teaching is an increasingly important role and offers advancement through academic standing and seniority.