Graduation day is a major milestone. But once the celebrations fade, reality kicks in you’re now a licensed chiropractor navigating a competitive job market.
Making the transition from student to working DC can feel overwhelming. There are licenses to obtain, resumes to write, interviews to prep for, and most importantly a career path to choose.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bridge the gap between student and professional, and find your ideal first chiropractic job.
Step 1: Get Licensed ASAP
Before you can treat patients, you need your state license. It’s the first (and often slowest) step, so don’t delay.
To-dos:
- Check licensing requirements for your target state
- Schedule remaining NBCE Part IV or jurisprudence exams
- Submit all documentation early
- Follow up regularly with your state board
Tip: Some clinics may interview you before you're licensed, but won’t officially hire until you’re approved, so start the process early.
Step 2: Polish Your Resume
Your resume doesn’t need decades of experience to shine. Clinics want to know you’re trainable, passionate, and ready to contribute.
Highlight:
- Techniques you’ve learned (Diversified, Gonstead, Webster, etc.)
- Clinical rotations or externship experience
- Soft skills like communication, professionalism, and adaptability
- Any leadership roles or involvement in clubs and events
Bonus: Include any CE seminars attended during school, it shows initiative.
Step 3: Start Networking Early
The best job leads don’t always appear online they come from real people in your professional circle.
Networking strategies:
- Attend state and national chiropractic conventions
- Join alumni networks and professional associations
- Engage in Facebook or LinkedIn groups for chiropractors
- Visit local clinics and ask about observation or shadowing opportunities
The earlier you build your network, the more career doors will open now and later.
Step 4: Set Realistic Goals
Before applying to every job you see, get clear on your priorities.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want mentorship or more independence?
- Am I open to relocating or staying local?
- What techniques or clinic styles do I prefer?
- What does work-life balance mean to me right now?
Clarity helps you find jobs that truly fit rather than just chasing offers.
Step 5: Use Specialized Chiropractic Job Boards
Generic job sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter often bury chiropractic listings or miss them entirely. Use a platform built specifically for your profession.
Try:
- ChiroJobs.com – Tailored for chiropractors and students
- School job boards
- Association listings (state or national)
What to look for:
- Clinic culture and patient volume
- Technique compatibility
- Mentorship opportunities
- Transparent compensation and benefits
Set alerts so you’re the first to know when the right opportunity appears.
Step 6: Be Flexible
Your first chiropractic job doesn’t have to be your dream clinic. What matters most is that it offers:
- A chance to apply your skills
- A supportive environment to keep learning
- Feedback to help you grow clinically and professionally
You’re building a foundation not locking in your forever job.
Final Takeaways
✅ Get licensed early don’t let paperwork hold you back
✅ Showcase your strengths even if you’re “entry-level”
✅ Connect with the chiropractic community it’s full of opportunity
✅ Know what you want, but stay open to surprises
✅ Use tools like ChiroJobs.com to find your best-fit role
Start strong, grow smart.
Your chiropractic journey begins with your first post-grad role make it count.
Explore the latest DC opportunities now at ChiroJobs.com.