Physiotherapist Vs. Chiropractor

[champion_qh]

Hi folks,

I'm now thinking about a big question in my life. Should I apply for Physical therapy school or Chiropractic school?? For the stuff I will learn, it doesn't matter too much. I like both. Both school have Doctor degree and about 4 years studying. I more concern about the career future. Right now, PT is more well known. But one of my friends in Chiro school told me Chiro will replace PT in 5 years and Chiro makes a way more $$ than PT (is US, Chiro could make 10K a year). He totally encouraged me to apply for Chiro school. My friend is in States. I'm not sure whether there is any big difference between US and CAN. But I don't mind of going to US to work. While, at the other hand, I also have heard some physicians questioned about Chiro's treatment. They don't think it's a scientific treatment for patients and it could be harmful.

I'm close to my graduation and hesitate about which one I should pick up. Anyway, I do want a career with a solid future, of course, big money. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

[Jump]

I do know that about a year ago OHIP dropped support for Chiropractic care. There was a big rally about it and everything. I was seeing a chiropractor at the time it happened. I was paying $10 a session and it was to go up to $20 a session but the guy I was seeing was extremely nice that he didn't jack up the price I had to pay.

Anyway, tough choice. Physiotherapists are equipped to take care of a more broad range of injuries and disabilities while chiropractors focus more on the manipulation of the spinal column.

I couldn't really tell you which profession makes more money though. Maybe someone else can find out on google. I do know through personal experience that it cost almost 4 times as much to go see a physiotherapist than a chiropractor. Physio charged my insurance company $80 a visit while Chiro was $20 but they weren't covered by my insurance.

[wanted]

Hi folks,

I'm now thinking about a big question in my life. Should I apply for Physical therapy school or Chiropractic school?? For the stuff I will learn, it doesn't matter too much. I like both. Both school have Doctor degree and about 4 years studying. I more concern about the career future. Right now, PT is more well known. But one of my friends in Chiro school told me Chiro will replace PT in 5 years and Chiro makes a way more $$ than PT (is US, Chiro could make 10K a year). He totally encouraged me to apply for Chiro school. My friend is in States. I'm not sure whether there is any big difference between US and CAN. But I don't mind of going to US to work. While, at the other hand, I also have heard some physicians questioned about Chiro's treatment. They don't think it's a scientific treatment for patients and it could be harmful.

I'm close to my graduation and hesitate about which one I should pick up. Anyway, I do want a career with a solid future, of course, big money. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

Better of working at McDonalds and the like for a salary like that. :|

[Neb]

I had the same debate a few years ago. I end becoming a PT. There are alot of changes going on as you mentioned above. You really have to find out more about both professionals. It depends what background you are coming from too. If you have a more scientific background, and believe in evidence based treatments. Then PT might be the way to go. It really depends what you believe in, it would be hard to practice in something you dont' fully believe, and you are right about alot of GPs not believing in chiros, becuase there have been soooo many horror stories about them, I get patients everyday telling me stories about their visits to chiropractors.

I am bias of course, but I think money wise both professions will earn you decent amount of money if you are working in the private sector. The PT side will give you more opportunities esp in hospitals, insurance companies etc.. And the scope of practice is larger, becuase of the neurological, cardiorespiratory and orthopedic components.

I hope this helps. Go talk to a Chiro and ask him about the philosophy behind their treatments.

Chiro schools are much more common in the US, so you are almost guranteed to get in. If you choose to go that route.

Good luck.

[TrevorK]

I've been to both - my impression is that if you're a chiro you have a greater potential for running your own one man business, without any large costs.

However with Physio, you'll need a lot of specialized equipment (At least the place I went to had it) to even start. Or you'll be forced to work for someone else.


This may play a role in your decision - as it is a huge part of your work environment.

[champion_qh]

The only striking difference to make me think twice is the money. My friend told me that a Chiro can make US$ 20K more than a PT annually. He also told me the market for PT is going down, making less money, less referral.....Chiro has stronger connection with Physicians...blah,blah,blah...I just don't want when I get out from PT school and found I made a wrong choice.

Thanks for all valuble comments. I think I will go to talk with a Chiro.

[TrevorK]

.Chiro has stronger connection with Physicians...blah,blah,blah...

I've yet to meet a physician who recommends a chiro.

Everyone I went to for my back recommended physio and didn't have good things about a chiro to say....

[aquariaguy]

Didn't read all the posts, but the blind guy I volunteer with, is a physiotherapist. He went thoruhg a course to get his certificatin. He works in a chriopractic office, who is like a doctor (real MD's don't like chiros). Anyways, chrios you have to go to chiropractic college of canada (on lesley/steeles) i think. But yea, chiros. get paid more.

[CSK'sMom]

I've yet to meet a physician who recommends a chiro.

Everyone I went to for my back recommended physio and didn't have good things about a chiro to say....

Then you haven't met either of my 2 doctors. ;)

[Big Brother]

I vote Physio. Most patients (like me) prefer something less invasive. Plus, there are more job opportunities i think.

[Shiifty]

Want to make money or be respected? Most people think of chiro's like lawyers. Go be a physiotherapist and make a difference in the world. :cheesygri

[tony_hong78]

Anyone has an idea how much more a Chiro can make than a PT? or any website I can find this info? If a Chiro can make $20 K more a year, then I will vote for Chiro. I guess there is also a diff between US and Canada.

P.S. why PT makes such less money now :?:


Want to make money or be respected? Most people think of chiro's like lawyers. Go be a physiotherapist and make a difference in the world. :cheesygri

[TrevorK]

Anyone has an idea how much more a Chiro can make than a PT? or any website I can find this info? If a Chiro can make $20 K more a year, then I will vote for Chiro. I guess there is also a diff between US and Canada.

P.S. why PT makes such less money now :?:

Chiro's make more because they typically run their own shop.

My chiro charges $30/treatment. So if he received 2 treatments/hour for 8 hours/day he'd make $480/day. Which is $2400/week. Even after adding in business costs (Which are minimal - he doesn't have any employees and no high-tech equipment) he still would make a healthy salary.

On the other hand, I generally see physiotherapist's teamed up with Sports Medicine Doctors - so I assume the doctor owns the clinic. The equipment a physiotherapist needs is also much, much more extensive than a chiropractor...

[blink]

You could try jobfutures.ca

http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3142.shtml for PT
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/312.shtml for Chiro lumped with Optometrists

I'm not sure if time in school is an issue...

But post-grad, chiro is another 4 years. PT would be a 2 year Masters (and for the OP, PT is not a doctoral degree).

[champion_qh]

4 years in the Chiro school is really a pain in the neck.

Most PT schools in Canada are Master level, some are bachelor's still

While, most PT schools in US are Doctor level, some are Master levell

Seems US school is ahead of Canada in this area

All Chiro schools are Doctor level as far as I know, and in Canada, we only have one Chiro school in ON

While it's a hard decision to make to choose PT or Chiro. I talked with both PTs and Chiros, but still it doesn't help me much. Everyone stands for his own career, isn't it?





You could try jobfutures.ca

http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3142.shtml for PT
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/312.shtml for Chiro lumped with Optometrists

I'm not sure if time in school is an issue...

But post-grad, chiro is another 4 years. PT would be a 2 year Masters (and for the OP, PT is not a doctoral degree).