Functional Medicine Chiropractor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of holistic health care, the demand for Functional Medicine Chiropractors is progressively growing.

As health and wellness take precedence, each stride in this field calls for proficient individuals who can holistically improve, maintain, and protect our physical well-being.

But let’s unpack this: What’s truly expected from a Functional Medicine Chiropractor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of functional medicine chiropractics,

You’re at the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Functional Medicine Chiropractor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Functional Medicine Chiropractor Duties and Responsibilities

Functional Medicine Chiropractors use a patient-centered approach, combining their knowledge of chiropractic care and functional medicine to identify the root cause of health complaints and develop individualized treatment plans.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with patients to understand their health concerns
• Performing detailed examinations, including assessments of the musculoskeletal system and neurological function
• Utilizing specialized diagnostic tests to identify root causes of health complaints
• Developing individualized treatment plans that may include spinal adjustments, nutritional counseling, exercise therapy, and stress reduction techniques
• Performing chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment and function
• Keeping detailed patient records of health history, diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress
• Referring patients to other healthcare professionals when necessary
• Communicating complex health and wellness information to patients in an understandable way
• Providing advice on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and exercise to promote overall health and well-being
• Continually learning about advancements and research in functional medicine and chiropractic care to provide the best possible care to patients

 

Functional Medicine Chiropractor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Functional Medicine Chiropractor to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for diagnosing and treating patients who are experiencing health problems related to the musculoskeletal system.

You will be tasked with creating personalized treatment plans using non-invasive holistic methods, such as diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and nutritional supplementation.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough patient assessments to determine underlying causes of pain and discomfort.
• Create and implement personalized treatment plans that include lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and exercise programs.
• Perform spinal adjustments or manipulations.
• Provide patients with guidance on sleep, relaxation, exercise, and diet habits.
• Work closely with other healthcare providers, when necessary, to ensure optimal patient care.
• Stay updated on the latest industry research and trends.
• Comply with all the professional, ethical, and legal regulations set by the chiropractic profession.
• Ensure patient records are accurately maintained and updated.

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited institution.
• Active license to practice as a Chiropractor.
• Proven experience in a clinical setting.
• Extensive knowledge of functional medicine and holistic health.
• Excellent patient management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Functional Medicine Chiropractor
• Work Environment: Healthcare facility with a focus on holistic health and wellbeing. Some local travel may be required for continued education or seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinic Director.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, and is in line with industry standards.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Functional Medicine Chiropractor Do?

Functional Medicine Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who apply a unique approach to traditional chiropractic medicine.

Their focus is on the comprehensive evaluation of their patients’ health, taking into account the interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors.

They use their expertise to identify and address the root cause of the disease rather than simply treating the symptoms.

This often involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s lifestyle, dietary habits, mental health, and physical condition.

In terms of treatment, Functional Medicine Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments, massage, heat therapy, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modification advice.

They utilize these techniques to restore the body’s balance and improve the overall health of the patient.

Functional Medicine Chiropractors also work closely with other healthcare professionals and may refer patients to other specialists if necessary.

For example, if a patient’s condition is linked to dietary issues, they may refer them to a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Moreover, they are responsible for educating their patients on how to maintain their health and prevent future health problems through proper nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other wellness strategies.

Functional Medicine Chiropractors are often self-employed in private practices, but they can also work in hospitals, clinics, and integrated healthcare centers.

 

Functional Medicine Chiropractor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Functional Medicine Chiropractor should possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:

• Extensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, and the ability to apply this knowledge in the treatment of a variety of conditions.
• Proficiency in functional medicine principles and chiropractic techniques to diagnose and treat health issues primarily related to the musculoskeletal system.
• Excellent manual dexterity and physical stamina to perform adjustments and treatments efficiently and safely.
• Strong problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose patients’ conditions and develop effective treatment plans.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical terms and procedures to patients, and to listen and respond to their health concerns.
• Interpersonal skills for building strong relationships with patients, encouraging their trust and confidence.
• Ability to use electronic health records and medical software to document and monitor patient’s health progress.
• Continual learning to stay updated with the latest research and techniques in functional medicine and chiropractic care.

 

Functional Medicine Chiropractor Experience Requirements

Functional Medicine Chiropractors are usually required to complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program from an accredited chiropractic college.

This typically involves four years of undergraduate study focusing on sciences, followed by four to five years of more advanced study.

Most chiropractic programs incorporate a year of clinical internship, where students gain practical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.

This hands-on experience is crucial for building the practical skills required in this profession.

After completing their degree, chiropractors may choose to specialize in functional medicine.

This will involve additional training and possibly certification in functional medicine, which can be obtained through several institutions offering postgraduate programs.

Once certified, functional medicine chiropractors may need 1 to 2 years of experience in a clinical setting to gain the practical skills necessary to address complex health issues from a functional medicine perspective.

They may gain this experience through residency programs, fellowships, or working under the supervision of an experienced functional medicine chiropractor.

Candidates with more than 5 years of practical experience may have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to run their own practice or lead a team of healthcare professionals.

This level of experience can also help chiropractors build a strong reputation and establish a solid patient base.

Some positions, especially in hospitals or larger healthcare organizations, may require candidates to have additional qualifications or experience in areas such as nutrition, lifestyle counseling, or specific therapeutic techniques.

Therefore, continuous learning and skill development is often encouraged in this profession.

 

Functional Medicine Chiropractor Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Functional Medicine Chiropractor requires a significant amount of formal education.

It typically involves a four-year bachelor’s degree, with a focus on science subjects such as biology and chemistry.

Following undergraduate studies, aspiring Functional Medicine Chiropractors must attend an accredited chiropractic college to complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program.

This usually takes four years and involves coursework in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and chiropractic procedures.

In addition, to specialize in functional medicine, chiropractors generally undergo further training and education in this field.

This could be a postgraduate program or specific courses focusing on the principles of functional medicine.

In order to practice, all chiropractors, including those specializing in functional medicine, must be licensed.

This typically requires successful completion of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam.

Some states may also require further examinations or continuing education for license renewal.

Functional Medicine Chiropractors may also choose to earn certifications in nutrition, herbology, acupuncture and other holistic health practices to enhance their practice and provide a comprehensive care approach.

Continuous education is important in this role due to the evolving nature of functional medicine.

This could include attending workshops, seminars, and courses in emerging areas within the field.

 

Functional Medicine Chiropractor Salary Expectations

A Functional Medicine Chiropractor earns an average salary of $68,640 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can differ significantly based on the level of experience, additional certifications in functional medicine, location, and the size of the practice or clinic they are associated with.

 

Functional Medicine Chiropractor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Functional Medicine Chiropractor need?

Functional Medicine Chiropractors need a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited chiropractic college.

They also need to be licensed to practice in their state.

This usually involves passing certain examinations.

Additional qualifications in functional medicine, which often encompass courses in nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology, are also beneficial.

 

What skills are necessary for a Functional Medicine Chiropractor?

A Functional Medicine Chiropractor should have excellent communication skills to effectively understand patient’s complaints and explain treatment plans.

They also need to have good problem-solving skills to determine the best treatment approach for each individual patient.

Manual dexterity and physical stamina are key as well, due to the hands-on nature of many chiropractic adjustments.

 

What duties does a Functional Medicine Chiropractor have?

On a typical day, a Functional Medicine Chiropractor may conduct patient examinations, which include reviewing the patient’s health history and performing physical tests.

They may also perform chiropractic adjustments, offer advice on lifestyle, diet, and exercise, and keep detailed patient records.

They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care.

 

What qualities make a good Functional Medicine Chiropractor?

A good Functional Medicine Chiropractor is empathetic and patient-focused, aiming to understand the entire health history and lifestyle of their patients to provide holistic care.

They are also committed to continued learning, staying updated with the latest in both chiropractic and functional medicine fields.

Good analytical skills to interpret test results and determine treatment plans are also crucial.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Functional Medicine Chiropractor?

Hiring a Functional Medicine Chiropractor can be challenging due to the specific skill set and qualifications required for the role.

It’s important to ensure that candidates not only have the necessary chiropractic qualifications but also a solid understanding of functional medicine principles.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits, along with a supportive and inclusive work environment, can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a functional medicine chiropractor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about adjusting spines.

It’s about shaping healthier futures, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive functional medicine chiropractor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this rewarding field.

But why pause here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every patient’s health is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create healthier futures. Together.

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