How to Study for a Chiropractic Assistant Exam
Not all State Boards of Chiropractic in the United States require that chiropractors' support staffs pass the chiropractic assistant (CA) exam. Still, many newly hired assistants take six to 12 hours of instruction by board-approved instructors. While many states have no specified requirements, many chiropractors provide additional training due to concerns over medical liability. A study plan may help a CA master valuable information leading to certification, where necessary.
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Instructions
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Studying for the Exam
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Before you begin your study, complete the instruction or courses required by your state Board of Chiropractic Examiners or the chiropractor who hires you. States that require certification will provide the materials such as instructional hand-outs at classes. They will give you ordering information for their study guide or instruction manual.
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Set aside time and space for studying. Have a look at your calendar and decide how much time you need to master the content of your chiropractor or states guide CAs. Develop your plan. You may decide that daily study for an hour each day will suffice. Whatever your plan, keep to it. Make sure that you set aside ample time to master the information contained in the guide.
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Read the CA study guide completely. You need not slow down writing notes or memorizing the material during the first look. This exercise helps familiarize you, giving you the scope and a general "feel" for the information.
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Give yourself enough time to study in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. On the second look at the material, review each section of the guide. This is a good time to take notes or make flash cards if these activities are helpful. You may find some sections more challenging than others.
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Consider your options: more study or ready to test? If you reach a section that seems confusing, ask the chiropractor for assistance. At the end of your study time, ask yourself whether or not you have mastered the information. Feel free to take more time. Let the doctor know when you are ready. The chiropractor will arrange an appropriate spot (usually in the clinic) and give you the exam. Typically, the exam is an open-book, multiple-choice test and takes less than 45 minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
There are many ways to approach study and several different styles for learning. In general, learning styles fall into four categories. An awareness of your learning style and unique approach to study will increase chances for your success. Your plan and your dedication will help you master the material.
Open-book tests can give you a false sense of security. If you do not master the information you may waste precious time looking up answers or second guessing the answers you give. Be sure to study the material because passing the exam is a major part of a larger picture.
While the chiropractor needs staff members to provide assistance with patients, he or she also needs assistants who will help manage the clinic and interact with insurance agencies or other health care professionals. Once you complete instruction, pass the exam and receive your certification you will begin a rewarding and important professional role.
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