Question: I will graduate from high school in June and would like to find out about chiropractic medicine. Maybe I could start as an assistant. Is there a training program I can look into?
—Julieann

Response: Yes, you could start as an assistant. Most programs are short (less than one year), requiring a short internship.

Chiropractic Assistants aid chiropractors during the physical examination of patients. They give specified office treatments and keep patients' records in addition to helping the chiropractor lift and turn patients under treatment.

Assistants also give physiotherapy treatments and may take and record the patient's blood pressure, assist in X-rays, and give first aid. They provide back and front office support to Chiropractors. For back office, they may do basic examinations or therapeutic massage. They must be familiar with Chiropractic theory and terminology, knowledge of anatomy and physiology. For front office, they may do bookkeeping and payroll.

Employment Outlook:
Much faster than average growth is projected through 2006 for Medical Assistants, including chiropractic assistants. Beginners who have completed training programs and experienced workers will find it easy to obtain jobs. Los Angeles College of Chiropractic receives approximately five calls per week from doctors wanting trained assistants.

Salary Range:
In Los Angeles, $8.00 to $10.00 per hour or $1,400 to $1,733 per month. In California, entry pay may range from $1,083 to $1,800 per month. With experience, pay may increase to $2,295 per month.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT
projected 2002 annual salaries in the Los Angeles area according to Economic Research Institute:
YEARS EXPERIENCE 10th PERCENTILE TIME SERIES MEDIAN 90th PERCENTILE
5 $ 22,126 $ 24,940 $ 30,722
3 $ 20,264 $ 22,821 $ 28,136
1 $ 18,302 $ 20,589 $ 25,413

Training Options and Costs:
The Southern California University of Health Sciences
(formerly known as Los Angeles College of Chiropractic-LACC)
Whittier, CA
www.scuhs.edu
(800) 221-5222; (562) 902-3379
(562) 902-3340
Program Director and Job Referral Source: Peggy Gripe
This college offers a 13-week Chiropractic Assistant certificate program, which meets from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Courses cover front office procedures, physical therapy, X-ray, anatomy, CPR, nutrition, patient psychology, and resume preparation. The program is offered twice a year, starting in September and February. Cost: $575 for total program, plus a $30 registration fee.

The average starting salary is $8.00/hour. Ms. Gripe keeps a referral list of graduates seeking work for when she receives inquiries from potential employers. Part time positions are frequently available, the definition of "part time" depending on the particular employer. Job referrals are also available by subscribing to the SCUHS Information Exchange, a bi-monthly newsletter. Six issues, for three months, are available for $5.00 by sending a check to SCUHS Information Exchange, P.O. Box 1166, Whittier, California 90609-1166.

Events:
Whole Life Exposition & Conference
(800-551-3976
www.wholife.com
This three-day, international event takes place annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The expo offers the opportunity to network with visionary teachers and authors, as well as a comprehensive marketplace of leading-edge products, tools, and services in the areas of natural health, personal growth, and sustainable living (use of ecologically sound products), all under one roof. Yearly expos are being planned for four other cities around the country as well. Whole Life also offers ongoing workshops throughout the year.

— • —  
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

You may e-mail questions to swmcareer@aol.com.