Overview
A chiropractic assistant helps chiropractors in a private setup. Their main duties include managing patients, answering the phone, medical billing, and looking out for finances. If you are a person that can form a positive relationship with the patients, you are already a potential candidate for a chiropractor’s office job. If you want to pursue this career path, find out everything in the guide below to get started
Chiropractic Assistant’s Role in the Clinic
Chiropractic assistants work at chiropractors’ offices to assist them in running the clinic. Most chiropractic assistants help their chiropractors by managing patients and the office.
The responsibilities include:
- Greeting the patients upon arrival.
- Ensuring that the waiting area is comfortable and in good condition.
- Attending phone calls and responding to emails.
- Scheduling appointments.
- Taking and recording personal and medical details of the patients.
- Verify patients’ health insurance and billing methods.
- Monitor the equipment and supplies.
- Keep examination room clean and conduct necessary preparation before appointments.
- Assisting in screening assessments like taking the patient’s blood pressure, weight, or x-rays.
Skills
Chiropractic assistants must have good communication skills and an understanding of computer programs, filing methods, and medical paperwork. They need to be team players to achieve common organizational goals and make an effective impression to ensure a good client base.
Other essential skills include:
- Good at multi-tasking
- Ability to effectively communicate medical concepts to patient
- Efficient customer service skills
- Problem solving skills
- Self-discipline
- Patience
Work Schedule and Typical Hours
The working hours usually depend on the chiropractor’s office schedules—most medical assistants work full time, some may work on evenings, weekends, or during holidays.
Growth Of The Job
According to the latest data, chiropractic assistant professionals can expect a growth rate of around 19% from 2019-2029. Due to increasing awareness of treatments for neuromuscular disorders, these chiropractic assistants will have high demand. Employment for chiropractic assistants can be found in private practices, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
Chiropractic Assistant Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is enough to work as a chiropractic assistant. Some states require certification through completion of an examination under the state’s Chiropractic Examiners Board.
To get a certified chiropractic clinical assistant qualification from the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board, you must complete high school, post-secondary education program, and an examination. Many institutions now offer post-secondary programs and associate degree levels for chiropractic assistant positions.
The post-secondary certification program in the United States offers a syllabus that includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, business, medical terminology, and recording vital signs.
Some of these certifications are:
- Certified Chiropractic Assistants
- Advanced Chiropractic Assistants
- Basic Assistants
Experience in the relevant chiropractic field, computer skills, and other soft skills would make an applicant more likely to get the job. Most chiropractic assistants can also get on-the-job training in some states.
How Much Do Chiropractic Assistants Get Paid?
According to the latest data, chiropractic assistants earn an average annual salary of $28,139 per year, or $13.53 per hour, in the United States.
The following states have the highest average hourly wage for medical assistants in the U.S:
- District of Columbia
- Alaska
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- Minnesota
- Connecticut
- Oregon
- New Jersey
- New York
FAQS
What does an assistant wear in the office?
They most often wear scrubs, which is frequently required.
Can an assistant perform an examination?
No, the chiropractic assistant doesn’t do examinations but will assist the chiropractor.