Chiropractors help their patients by treating concerns such as injuries and chronic pain. Using spinal adjustments and other chiropractic techniques allows these healthcare professionals to provide relief to many people. It can be a great career path for people who are interested in healthcare, especially those who are drawn to holistic or natural treatment methods. This rewarding profession can also be the right choice for people who are interested in an independent career because many chiropractors open their own practices.
Dr. Thompson Maesaka, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and owner of the neurologic rehab clinic, the Neural Connection in Edina, Minnesota, told us that working as a chiropractor can be a good choice for people who are drawn to caring for others.
“I think it’s a great profession if you like helping people and are more inclined to seek out natural remedies as opposed to Western approaches.”
New Jersey can be a smart spot for chiropractors to practice. The compact state offers small towns as well as access to two of the nation’s largest metro areas (Newark and Jersey City). According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chiropractors in the state enjoy one of the highest average annual salaries in the profession.
Chiropractors in New Jersey need a license. Before you can apply for state licensure, you’ll need a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited school. You’ll also need to take licensure exams.
Requirements for becoming a chiropractor in New Jersey
There are a few steps to complete before you can work as a chiropractor in New Jersey:
Earn your undergraduate degree:
Most chiropractic programs will ask that you have an undergraduate degree from an accredited school before you apply.
Complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree:
You’ll need a DC degree to work as a chiropractor in New Jersey.
Take your exams:
In New Jersey, chiropractors are required to take national exams from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the New Jersey Jurisprudence exam.
Apply for a New Jersey license:
You’ll need to send proof of your education, exam results and a licensure fee when you apply.
Education and training requirements
You’ll need to complete a chiropractic degree from an accredited school before you can practice in New Jersey. The primary degree for chiropractors is called a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). This degree typically takes four years to complete.
The admissions requirements for a DC program will vary depending on the school. However, you’ll typically need at least a bachelor-level degree from an accredited school. A strong GPA can help you build a strong application. Some schools may also ask that you take steps such as coming to campus for an interview, sending in an admissions essay or providing letters of reference.
Dr. Maesaka shared that the admissions process for a DC program can sometimes move quickly, noting, “When I went to tour the school, it was five days before the new term started, and they told me if I got my transcripts and submitted my application fee, I could start the next term.”
CD program coursework
The exact courses you’ll take depend on the school you choose, but all accredited programs offer courses that meet national standards. This means that you can count on coursework that covers:
Anatomy
Physiology
Neuroscience
Spinal radiology
Bone and joint imaging
Chiropractic history
Chiropractic ethics
Chiropractic theory
Physiopathology
Soft-tissue technique
Musculoskeletal system
Orthopedics
Pain management
Emergency treatments
Some schools also offer courses that will help students prepare for owning a private practice. This might include:
Business management
Fiance
Marketing
Dr. Maesaka said that chiropractic programs can be challenging, but that these challenges can help you start your career with the knowledge you need. “I believe a program’s rigor gives you a foundation to be an effective clinician. It’s kind of up to you to figure out how to use it.”
Exam and licensing requirements in New Jersey
Chiropractors in New Jersey are required to hold a license in order to practice. Before you can apply for licensure, you’ll need to take and pass a series of exams. New Jersey asks that all chiropractors take:
You’ll need to send the New Jersey State Board of Chiropractic Examiners additional information once you pass your exams:
Transcripts from your DC program
A $125 application fee
A $350 licensure fee
A completed criminal background check
Continuing education requirements
New Jersey chiropractors are required to apply for license renewal every two years. 15 credits of continuing education are needed during each renewal cycle. Of these hours, two must be in nutrition and two must be in New Jersey ethics. Additionally, only six hours can be completed online.
Legal considerations for chiropractors in New Jersey
The New Jersey State Board of Chiropractic Examiners sets regulations for chiropractors in the state. It’s important for professionals who practice in the state to have a complete knowledge of these laws. Chiropractors who own private practices have additional laws they are required to follow.
Professional conduct and ethical guidelines
There are pre-defined violations of professional conduct and ethics that will lead to action against a New Jersey chiropractor’s license. The New Jersey Board can impose multiple penalties depending on the violation, including fines, licensure suspension and license revocation. Violations of professional conduct listed in New Jersey law include:
False advertisement
Sexual harassment
Sexual misconduct
Breach of patient confidentiality
Treating outside the scope of practice
Billing for tests that do not diagnose conditions treatable by chiropractic care
Insurance and liability
New Jersey law states that chiropractors must have malpractice insurance. Many agencies offer malpractice insurance, and chiropractors can search for the policies that best suit their needs. Chiropractors who own a private practice will also need to follow insurance laws and regulations that apply to small businesses. These laws can vary by city, so it’s best to look up the specific rules in your area.
Working as a chiropractor in New Jersey
How much can chiropractors earn in New Jersey?
Chiropractors in New Jersey earn some of the highest wages in the country. The Garden State ranks 5th on the BLS’s list of top-paying states for chiropractors. However, wages can vary throughout the state. Your specific town or city in New Jersey can make a difference in your earnings. Take a look at median salaries by percentage and hourly in NJ:
Chiropractors
10%$72,430
25%$76,430
50%$101,460Median
75%$120,780
90%$174,990
Median Hourly Wage$49
Job growth9.5%
Total Employment490
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
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.
Two New Jersey locations fall within some of the nation’s largest metro areas, the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area and the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area. Both areas made the BLS’ top 10 list for highest employment of chiropractors in the U.S.
Finding employment opportunities in New Jersey
The healthcare industry is growing, and chiropractors are predicted to play a key role in that gain. The BLS projects a 9.5% increase in growth for chiropractors through 2034. That’s 6,100 positions across the country.
Growth in the field isn’t limited to the number of roles alone. Dr. Maesaka told us that chiropractors have expanded their treatments and techniques to meet the changing needs of their patients.
“[Patients want] people who can teach them how to be healthier and avoid ongoing pain, not someone who can simply take it away,” Dr. Maesaka said. “Thus, chiropractors are becoming more diverse in terms of tools they use with patients and not only relying on an adjustment to temporarily mask pain symptoms.”
In New Jersey, chiropractors might find roles in locations such as:
Clinics
Wellness centers
Rehabilitation centers
Private practices
Pain management clinics
Setting up a private practice in NJ
Opening a private practice is a popular option for chiropractors. In New Jersey, you’ll need a business license to operate a chiropractic practice. You’ll also need to register with the state board. There are a few different business structures available to chiropractors in New Jersey. The right one for you will depend on your practice and its size. For instance, if you will be working on your own, New Jersey will allow you to create a Sole Proprietorship Business. If you will be employing another person, such as a medical administrative assistant or a chiropractic assistant, you might need to create a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Dr. Maesaka explained that chiropractors who have private practice are “half business owner and half clinician.” He said some challenges come along with managing a small business while providing patient care.
“If you’re looking for a job where you can clock in, clock out and leave it at the office, it’s not for you,” Dr. Maesaka said. “It’s not just showing up, using your skills and going home. You have to work on the business just as much, if not more, than you work on the practice.”
Staying up to date on industry developments and trends
It’s important to stay up-to-date in any industry. Professional organizations can be a great way to make sure to hear about the latest news and developments in the chiropractic field. They can also be a good way to meet other chiropractics and build connections. New Jersey chiropractors can consider these organizations to help them network and stay on top of new regulations and developments:
Association of New Jersey Chiropractors (ANJC): ANJC offers events, classes, advocacy and more for chiropractors in the state.
Garden State Chiropractic Society (GSCS): GSCS is dedicated to promoting and protecting chiropractic practice in New Jersey. Members can attend meetings, events and an annual convention.
Getting started
A solid education can help you build a great career, no matter what field you’re considering. If you’re interested in a healthcare role that offers the chance to provide patient care holistically, and that gives you opportunities for professional independence, becoming a chiropractor could be a smart choice. The right school may be the first step on your path to this growing healthcare career. You can use the ‘Find Schools’ button to look for a program that can help you meet your goals.
