A chiropractic medical practice treats patients with health problems related to the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractic assistant is a medical assistant who works under the direction of a chiropractor, and performs a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to ensure a chiropractic office is running smoothly.

Education

This occupation has no formal educational requirements, but employment opportunities may increase for those who obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many vocational schools and universities offer certificate programs for chiropractic assistants, which may also increase employment opportunities and salary.

Administrative Duties

Administrative responsibilities include greeting patients and giving them appropriate medical history and insurance forms to complete, as well as answering phones and scheduling appointments. These professionals also record patients' medical and treatment information, and receive payment or health insurance information for billing purposes. Other administrative duties include maintaining patient records, filing and ordering supplies for the practice.

Clinical Duties

To prepare for new patients, a chiropratic assistant prepares exam and treatment areas by cleaning the areas and ensuring appropriate supplies in available. This also includes escorting patients to exam areas, reviewing paperwork to ensure accuracy and completion, and explaining any required procedures to prepare the patient before the chiropractor's exam and treatment.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 29 percent growth for all medical assistant occupations through 2022. Growth is expected because of technological advances in health care, as well as the growing awareness of medical conditions and the need to treat those conditions. Changes in health care and a growing elderly population also contributes to expected growth. This will increase the need for medical assistants to help medical professionals run their practices smoothly.

Salary

Salary and other benefits for chiropractic assistants can range extensively depending on the employer. Although the BLS reports the average annual salary for medical assistants was $30,780 in 2013, Indeed.com reported an average annual salary of $40,000 in 2014 for chiropractic medical assistants.

Medical Assistants salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $50,580 ($24.32/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $35,850 ($17.24/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $26,930 ($12.95/hour)