If you’re a chiropractic student or recent graduate, the thought of starting your own chiropractic practice might seem daunting.
But performing adjustments for another chiropractor may not be exactly what you want to do, either. If you find yourself in this position, you probably don’t realize that there are other options out there that don’t involve starting a new practice or working a regular chiropractic shift as an associate.
If you’re interested in nutrition and willing to do something a little bit out of the box, one smart option is to work as a nutrition consultant for an existing chiropractic practice. All chiropractors study nutrition in school, so this isn’t as far-fetched as it might sound.
To get started, find an established practice that is looking to expand their clinic’s treatment repertoire. In this position, you would focus on the dietary aspects of healing while the other doctor (or doctors) perform routine adjustments.
By pursuing this option, you can get started immediately, without building your own business from scratch. This has a number of important benefits: You’ll start making money, changing lives, and pursing your passion immediately. Though you can always venture out and start a nutrition-based practice on your own, you don’t have to take that leap if you’re not ready.
Immediate income
If you work as a nutrition consultant for another chiropractor, you’ll start getting paid right away. This isn’t necessarily true if you start your own business””you’d have to do the long hard work of attracting new clients through marketing efforts.
For the same reason, it could take several months (if not years) to see a return on your investment. And some chiropractors never do. So, if you’re not ready to take this risk, take a job working for another chiropractor.
Immediate changes
You probably didn’t go to chiropractic school because you wanted to be a millionaire””you wanted to change people’s lives. And though this is absolutely possible in your own practice, it can take months or years to get started on the path to profitability.
If you want to change more lives right away, take a job working as a nutrition consultant. You won’t have to wait years to feel like you’re making a difference””you can start feeling that way on day 1.
Immediate pursuit of passion
As a nutrition consultant, you’ll have the opportunity to use your education in a unique and rewarding way. You’ll have time to focus on each patient individually, listen to their concerns, and design nutritional plans to meet their needs.
If you’re passionate about nutrition, this type of alternative employment opportunity will allow you to shine through your work. Consulting about nutrition can make a dramatic difference in your patients’ lives””and be enormously satisfying for you as a doctor. Over time, you’ll get to see your patients progress toward better health, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Immediate freedom
Ultimately, working as a nutrition consultant for another doctor can provide an immediate source of income, allow you to start changing lives right away, and give you the freedom to pursue your passion.
Working in this capacity can also help you develop the types of skills you’ll need to open your own practice someday.
So, if you’re excited about nutrition and ready to dig your heels in and get to work, start looking for job openings in chiropractic clinics near you. If you don’t know whether a particular clinic might be open to incorporating nutrition, just ask. If you’re able to land a job as a nutrition consultant in a chiropractic clinic, you’ll reap the rewards for years to come.
Todd G. Singleton, DC, is an author, speaker, and consultant in practice for more than 25 years. He has an all-cash nutrition practice in Utah specializing in weight loss, neuropathy, spinal decompression, knee pain, and other nutritional deficiencies. He teaches fellow chiropractors how to add these modalities to their practices. He can be contacted at 801-903-7141 or through singletonsystems.com.
