Understanding Options: From Chiropractic College to Career
Today, competencies, not degrees, are the most important factors when entering the workforce according to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation study released in February 2020. At CUKC, we don’t think students should have to choose between the two.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is offering chiropractic students more opportunities to gain early exposure to career possibilities.
On Friday, March 6, 2020, the CUKC College of Chiropractic is hosting the second annual Chiropractic Career Expo at its Overland Park, Kan. campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The CUKC Dining Hall will be filled with alumni and doctors of chiropractic looking to network with soon-to-be chiropractors.
“This is an exciting time for our profession. Changes in healthcare delivery are expanding career opportunities for chiropractors,” Dr. Richard Day, director of clinical operations for the CUKC Chiropractic Health Center said.
The majority of chiropractors (64%) in the United States do own a private practice. However, a sole proprietorship is just one option open to doctors of chiropractic. According to the 2019 National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) survey and report, Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2020, other typical options include:
- being employed by other healthcare professionals or organizations (17%)
- joining a multidisciplinary healthcare facility (15.1%)
- or working with a partner (13%).
The CUKC Chiropractic Career Expo is one of the newest ways the College prepares graduates for their career.
At the expo, students and doctors may discuss preceptorships. Preceptorships are similar to apprenticeships and provide on-the-job training. Such opportunities can lead to employment as associates or partners after the student graduates.
Other students may network at the event to explore becoming an associate for another chiropractor after graduation. As an associate, or paid employee, the graduate works in a chiropractic office while gaining valuable experience in all aspects of running a practice.
Students who plan to open a private practice after graduation may want to consider purchasing an existing chiropractic practice from an alum. Instead of hand-selecting everything from the chiropractic equipment to the waiting room furniture, chiropractors who choose this move-in-ready option may find that it’s an ideal fit. Acquiring an established practice also includes assuming the practice’s existing patient base.
For students eager to pursue opening an independent chiropractic clinic, networking at the expo is also beneficial. Gaining insight into other doctors’ experience with equipment suppliers, acquiring a loan, choosing a business location, and more, can prove invaluable for new chiropractors. Students may also discover used equipment, office furniture, and other items available for purchase through networking at the event.
At CUKC, the College of Chiropractic has been educating leaders in the chiropractic profession for nearly 100 years. In addition to chiropractic coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and the new expo, CUKC students may gain career training and knowledge through:
- seminars
- student internships
- campus club activities
- professional job shadowing
- and the Success Strategies program.
“There are a variety of career options available to today’s chiropractic graduates,” Day said. “We’re excited to offer this expo for students and doctors to connect and build lasting professional relationships.”
CUKC chiropractic students who graduate within the next four to twelve months are encouraged to dress professionally and bring resumes and intern business cards to the event. A photographer will take free headshots for use on websites and in business promotions.
Resources
Hiring in the Modern Talent Marketplace, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation 2019
Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2020, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
The State of American Jobs, Pew Research Center 2016