Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who provide treatments such as adjusting the spine and joints. They treat chronic pain, skeletal disorders, neuromuscular diseases, orthopedic conditions, injuries and more. Roles for chiropractors are on the rise nationwide. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is projecting a 9.5% growth through 2034.
Dr. Thompson Maesaka, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and owner of the neurologic rehab clinic, the Neural Connection in Edina, Minnesota, told us that part of this growth is due to greater numbers of people turning to solutions such as chiropractor care in recent years.
“A larger percentage of the population seems to be moving away from relying on drugs for pain relief and is more open to more natural or ‘alternative’ solutions. The collective awareness of the side effects of prescription pain medication, especially opioid dependence, has opened people’s eyes to the other options for pain relief, chiropractic being one of them,” Dr. Maeska said.
In Arizona, chiropractors play a key role in the healthcare industry. The Grand Canyon State ranks 14th in population but 12th in employment of chiropractors. Plus, it’s not just the demand that’s slightly higher than expected. Arizona’s chiropractors earned a median annual salary of $95,580 in 2023. This puts them just ahead of chiropractors nationwide, who earned a median salary of $79,000.
Chiropractors in Arizona are required to have a license. Before you can apply for licensure, you’ll need to earn an accredited doctoral degree. Read on to learn what you can expect during a chiropractic degree program in Arizona, what other steps you’ll need to take and what your career might look like after you graduate.
Requirements for becoming a chiropractor in Arizona
There are several key steps on the path to becoming a chiropractor in Arizona.
Complete your undergraduate education:
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school before applying to most chiropractic schools. It can help to major in areas such as biology or health sciences.
You can apply for licensure once you’ve completed your education and passed your exams.
Education and training requirements
You’ll need to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree to work as a chiropractor in Arizona. DC programs typically take four years to complete. The Council on Chiropractic Education accredits DC programs in the United States.
The exact classes that make up a DC degree program will depend on the school you choose. However, you can count on coursework that covers:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biology
Neuroscience
Spinal radiology
Bone and tissue imaging
Chiropractic history
Chiropractic philosophy and ethics
Musculoskeletal care
Pain management
Pathophysiology
Emergency care
Orthopedics
Many D.C. programs also include courses designed to prepare students to open private chiropractic practices. This might include:
Marketing
Finance
Business management
Admission to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree program
Requirements usually depend on the school. You’ll commonly need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You might also need to complete an admissions interview and submit materials such as an essay and letters of recommendation.
Some programs will ask that you’ve completed college-level courses in biology or healthcare-related courses, but this isn’t always the case. An educational or professional background in healthcare isn’t always required. However, Dr. Maesaka explained that it can be a big help.
“There are background or undergraduate degrees that make learning the material easier. The learning curve is generally less steep if you have a science-related undergraduate degree, like biology, chemistry, physiology or kinesiology,” Dr. Maesaka said.
Work experience isn’t typically an admissions requirement, but Dr. Maesaka told us that experience before you enter a DC program can help you during your education and after you leave school. “Any work experience is helpful. I’d say anything sales or marketing can help. I had a personal training and startup background, so most of the business aspects of owning a practice came naturally,” Dr. Maesaka said. “In terms of experience relevant to the clinical side, any previous experience working in a chiropractic clinic, either as a CA or massage therapist, tends to do well. Customer service employees also tend to do well, as they’re used to long hours of being ‘on’”.
Fieldwork and internships
Most programs will include a fieldwork or internship element. This will give you hands-on experience that can prepare you for your career. The details can depend on your specific school.
Chiropractic licensing requirements in Arizona
Chiropractors in Arizona are required to hold a license. The State of Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners oversees licensure in the state. In order to earn an Arizona chiropractic license, you’ll need to:
Complete an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic degree program
Take and pass parts one through four of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) licensure tests
Take and pass the Arizona jurisprudence exam
Pay a $272.00 application fee and a $100 licensure fee
Complete a criminal background check
Pay a $22 finger-printing fee
Arizona will grant licenses to chiropractors who’ve achieved licensure in other states. Chiropractors who already have an out-of-state license can gain an Arizona license as long as they:
Have taken at least parts one and two of the NBCE exams
Have no disciplinary action against their licenses
Have held an active license for five of the last seven years
Take and pass the Arizona jurisprudence exam
Pass a background check
Continuing education requirements for chiropractors in Arizona
Arizona asks that chiropractors renew their licenses each year. In order to renew, you’ll need to complete 12 hours of continuing education. Classes need to be taught by approved educators, and chiropractors will need to send proof of courses with their license renewal paperwork.
Legal considerations for chiropractors in Arizona
It’s important for chiropractors in Arizona to understand the rules that apply to their practice. Some rules in the state apply to all chiropractors who treat patients. Other rules are specific to chiropractors who wish to set up a private practice. Regulations are set by the Arizona Board of Chiropractor Examiners, and a detailed description of all rules can be found on their website.
Professional conduct and ethical guidelines
The Arizona Board of Chiropractor Examiners will take action against a license in certain circumstances. This includes numerous violations of ethics and professional conduct spelled out in the state’s guidelines. Violations mentioned in the regulations include:
Using a false name while practicing
Using fraud or deception to obtain a license
Posing as another chiropractor or healthcare provider
Deceiving or defrauding the public
Consistent and excessive use of alcohol, narcotics or stimulants that interfere with the ability to provide safe and appropriate care
Claiming that to provide cures or treatments known to be impossible
Engaging in false advertising
Participating in any type of insurance rebate or financial scheme
Repeated malpractice, gross malpractice or any malpractice resulting in a patient’s death
Conviction of any misdemeanor for a moral offense
Conviction for any felony
Practicing chiropractic treatments in any way that harms patients, the public or the chiropractic community
Providing services that are outside of the scope of your license
Engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with patients
Insurance and liability
Chiropractors in Arizona aren’t required to hold malpractice insurance. However, it can be a good idea for chiropractors in the state to look into policies, especially if they own private practices. Chiropractors with a private practice might also need small business insurance. The exact requirements for small business coinsurance can vary by county and city. It’s always important to ensure you understand the rules in your locality when you’re setting up an office.
Working as a chiropractor in Arizona
How much do chiropractors make in Arizona?
Your annual salary in Arizona will depend on a variety of factors. For instance, your year of experience, the specialty you practice and your city can all play a big role in your income. According to the BLS, chiropractors in Arizona earned a median annual salary of $95,580 in 2023. That’s just above the national median of $79,000.
Salaries across the state can vary, however. Take a look at median salaries by metro area:
Chiropractors
10%$46,330
25%$73,530
50%$95,580Median
75%$104,000
90%$104,000
Median Hourly Wage$46
Job growth9.5%
Total Employment1,180
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
$98,450
$46,330
$104,000
Tucson, AZ
$91,530
$48,110
$95,220
Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ
$76,040
$52,060
$98,560
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Job outlook and finding employment opportunities
The BLS predicts a nationwide growth in opportunities for chiropractors over the next decade. It’s been projected that about 6,100 new chiropractor jobs will be created by 2033. Arizona is already one of the top states in the nation for chiropractors. In fact, the Phoenix metro area currently ranks 7th among cities among US cities for total employment of chiropractors.
Across Arizona, chiropractors might find roles with:
Health centers
Rehabilitation facilities
Chiropractic offices
Pain management practices
Setting up a private practice
Many chiropractors in Arizona choose to set up a private practice. There are several steps to follow if you choose to go this route. You’ll be asked to register your practice with the state board and pay set yearly fees. The state board will need to be kept informed of your practice details and of any changes to them. For instance, the board requires notification if you hire a new employee or move to a new office space.
Dr. Maesaka said that owning a private practice allows for professional freedom.
“If you find a niche or a style of practicing that resonates with you, you have total freedom to start a clinic that does those things.” Dr. Maesaka explained. “This is starkly contrasted with a similar profession, physical therapy, which has much more strict guidelines in terms of how you practice.”
Building your Arizona chiropractic career
The standard scope of practice for chiropractors in Arizona doesn’t include therapies such as acupuncture, massage, ultrasound, cryotherapy or traction. However, many chiropractors in the state choose to earn additional education and certification so that they can offer these therapies. Certifications are available from the NBCE and include:
Acupuncture: An acupuncture certification requires 100 additional hours of approved education and a certification exam.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy includes pain management treatments such as massage, traction and cryotherapy. Chiropractors can earn this certification with an additional 120 hours of approved education and a certification exam.
Resources for staying up to date on industry trends
It’s always a good idea to build connections in your professional field. Chiropractic associations and organizations can be a great way to do this. They can also help you stay updated on the latest industry news. In Arizona, chiropractors can consider joining:
Arizona Association of Chiropractic (AAC): The AAC advocates for chiropractors in the state. They also offer membership benefits such as conferences, networking opportunities and more.
Arizona Chiropractic Society (ACS): The ACS offers information for chiropractors in Arizona. They work to bring chiropractic concerns to the state legislature.
Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners (ABCE): The ABCE oversees chiropractors in the state. They’re the primary source for information on licensing, continuing education, laws and more.
Getting started
Working as a chiropractor can be a great choice for people who want to provide healthcare treatments and who are looking for independence in their professional lives. The ability to open a private practice can allow chiropractors to build a business as they build their careers. If you’re interested in joining this growing healthcare profession, you’ll need a strong education from an accredited school. When you’re ready, the find schools button can help you get started on the education path to becoming a chiropractor in Arizona.
