Chiropractic higher education faces a unique convergence of clinical training and entrepreneurial challenge. As most chiropractic graduates pursue self-employment, they must not only master patient care but also navigate the complexities of running a business—often while managing significant student debt. The intersection of finance, business acumen, and chiropractic education reveals innovative approaches and ongoing gaps that business-minded institutions and journals should address.

The Financial Realities for Chiropractic Graduates

Chiropractic students frequently graduate with substantial student loan debt, and more than 60% of new Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) become self-employed, often requiring additional commercial loans to launch their practices. Despite these financial pressures, many students report unrealistic income expectations and low confidence in their financial management skills. Surveys reveal that DC students often lack foundational knowledge in budgeting, risk assessment, and long-term investment, which can hinder their transition from student to successful practitioner.

Business Education: A Critical Need

The need for robust business training in chiropractic curricula is well documented. Practicing chiropractors and students alike consistently identify gaps in their education regarding accounting, finance, human resources, and practice management. While some programs have added elective business courses, these are often insufficient to address the depth of knowledge required for real-world success.

At institutions like Logan University, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preparing students not only for clinical excellence but also for financial independence. By emphasizing a more comprehensive approach to business training, Logan University exemplifies the kind of leadership needed to close the gap between education and entrepreneurial success.

A 2020 survey found that while students felt relatively well-prepared in ethics and employee management, they were only somewhat prepared in business plan creation and practice startup skills. This highlights the necessity for comprehensive, sequenced business education integrated throughout the chiropractic curriculum.

Innovative Curriculum Models

Logan University has taken significant steps to support students in developing practical business skills. From workshops on practice management to integrated coursework on entrepreneurship and financial literacy, Logan is fostering a new generation of chiropractors who are both clinically and financially prepared.

By embedding business education throughout its chiropractic program, Logan University aims to empower graduates to launch and grow their practices immediately—equipped with the tools to succeed in both patient care and private practice management.

Smart Financial Management for Chiropractic Entrepreneurs

Beyond formal education, chiropractic entrepreneurs must master ongoing financial management to thrive. Key strategies include:

• Tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Revenue per patient, retention rates, overhead percentages, and net profit margins are essential metrics for practice health.

• Budgeting and Expense Management: Categorizing expenses, optimizing fees, and controlling overhead can significantly impact profitability.

• Building Reserves: Establishing an emergency fund and maintaining a working capital line of credit provide stability during unexpected challenges.

• Continuous Review: Regular financial reviews and adjustments are crucial as practices grow and evolve.

Opportunities for Business Schools and Journals

The chiropractic profession offers fertile ground for collaboration between business schools and chiropractic universities. Opportunities include:

• Developing joint MBA/DC programs or certificates focused on healthcare entrepreneurship.

• Creating industry-wide, online business education platforms tailored to the unique needs of chiropractic professionals.

• Encouraging research and publication on best practices in chiropractic business management, financial literacy, and practice sustainability.

As the chiropractic field continues to grow, the integration of business and financial education into chiropractic higher education is paramount. Institutions such as Logan University are leading the charge by equipping students with the tools to manage both patient care and the financial demands of private practice. By doing so, universities can ensure their graduates are positioned for long-term success—benefiting not only practitioners but also the communities they serve.