Become An Animal Chiropractor: A Rewarding Career Guide
Have you ever considered a career that combines your passion for animals with your interest in healthcare? Becoming an animal chiropractor can be a highly rewarding profession that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. In this article, we will explore the world of animal chiropractic care and provide a comprehensive guide on how to pursue a career in this field.
What is Animal Chiropractic Care?
Animal chiropractic care is a holistic approach to veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in animals. Animal chiropractors use spinal manipulation and other manual therapies to restore balance and function to the animal's body, promoting overall health and well-being.
Benefits of Animal Chiropractic Care
Animal chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for animals, including:
- Improved mobility and flexibility
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Improved digestion and bowel function
- Boosted immune system function
- Reduced stress and anxiety
How to Become an Animal Chiropractor
To become an animal chiropractor, you will need to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Degree
The first step to becoming an animal chiropractor is to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited chiropractic program. Chiropractic programs typically take four years to complete and include both classroom and clinical training.
Step 2: Gain Experience Working with Animals
While pursuing your DC degree, it is essential to gain experience working with animals. You can do this by volunteering at animal shelters, working with veterinarians, or participating in animal-related internships.
Step 3: Complete an Animal Chiropractic Program
After earning your DC degree, you will need to complete an animal chiropractic program. These programs are designed to provide advanced training in animal chiropractic care and typically take one to two years to complete.
Step 4: Obtain Certification
To become certified as an animal chiropractor, you will need to pass the Certified Animal Chiropractor (CAC) exam. The CAC exam is administered by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) and is designed to test your knowledge and skills in animal chiropractic care.
What to Expect as an Animal Chiropractor
As an animal chiropractor, you can expect to work with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Your day may include:
- Conducting examinations and assessments to diagnose mechanical disorders
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Performing spinal manipulation and other manual therapies
- Educating owners on animal care and nutrition
- Collaborating with veterinarians and other animal healthcare professionals
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary and job outlook for animal chiropractors are promising. According to the AVCA, the average annual salary for an animal chiropractor is around $80,000. The demand for animal chiropractors is also expected to increase as more pet owners seek alternative and holistic approaches to animal healthcare.
Conclusion
Becoming an animal chiropractor can be a highly rewarding career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can pursue a career in animal chiropractic care and enjoy a fulfilling and challenging profession.
What is the difference between a veterinarian and an animal chiropractor?
+A veterinarian is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of animals, while an animal chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in animals.
How long does it take to become an animal chiropractor?
+It typically takes 4-6 years to complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program and an additional 1-2 years to complete an animal chiropractic program.
What is the average salary for an animal chiropractor?
+The average annual salary for an animal chiropractor is around $80,000.