Chiropractors work with the skeletal system, adjusting bones as necessary to relieve pain and promote good health. Student chiropractors may be excited to get their first job; however, before signing an employment contract, the student chiropractor should examine it carefully to make sure the office isn't taking advantage of him and that he will be happy in the position.
Type of Employment
Your contract will designate you as either an employee or an independent contractor. If you are an independent contractor, most of the time you are not entitled to employee benefits and are responsible for paying estimated taxes and self-employment tax. In addition, your employer is not liable if you harm a patient or injure yourself on the job. Thus, if your new employer wants to employ you as an independent contractor, think carefully about whether you are ready for such an arrangement.
Payment Arrangements
Some employment contracts specify that you will be paid a percentage of all the funds the practice takes in, based on how many patients you see, while others pay you a flat fee regardless of how many patients you see. As a new chiropractor, you may want to go with a straight salary. It may be difficult for you to bring in new patients until you are more established, and you may take longer with each patient until you learn use chiropractic techniques more efficiently. Thus, if you are paid based on the number of patients you see, you may not make very much money.
Work Duties
Make sure the contract specifies what you are expected to do. Some chiropractors expect new associates to actively market themselves or the office, while others expect associates to do the menial duties such as cleaning up after each patient. Your contract should specify that you are expected to see patients as well as enumerating your non-patient duties.
Vacations and Benefits
Your contract should list what employment benefits, if any, you are entitled to. You may be entitled to health insurance, a 401k plan or other benefits. If your contract does not specify whether you are entitled to vacation pay or when you may take your vacation, ask to have this information included. If you sign a contract that does not address these issues, you are not entitled to benefits or to vacation time.
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