Interview scorecard template

Chiropractor interview scorecard

Evaluate Chiropractor candidates across 4 weighted areas: clinical competence, patient safety and protocol, patient communication, and working in a clinical team. Clinical competence leads at 35%, so probe adjusting technique range: Diversified, Gonstead, Activator, flexion-distraction, drop table. Ask about caseload mix, licensure and board exams (NBCE parts), and soft tissue or rehab. Use the rubric to compare role-specific evidence consistently.

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healthcare clinicalchiropracticmusculoskeletalpatient intakespinal adjustment
TL;DR
For clinical competence, look for evidence the candidate names specific techniques with patient presentations for each, holds current state licence and NBCE credentials, describes weekly caseload numbers. For patient safety and protocol, look for evidence the candidate cites concrete cases where they withheld cervical manipulation, documented informed consent, and referred out with clear clinical reasoning. Apply the written 1–5 anchors to every answer, record the evidence behind each rating, and use the factor weights to reach a consistent overall assessment.
Complete evaluation framework

What to assess and how to score it

Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.

01
Evaluation factor

Clinical competence

35% weight

Probe adjusting technique range: Diversified, Gonstead, Activator, flexion-distraction, drop table. Ask about caseload mix, licensure and board exams (NBCE parts), and soft tissue or rehab adjunct work.

Evidence to listen for

  • Command of the procedures, anatomy, and equipment the role requires
  • Holds current registration or certification
  • Knows normal from abnormal and what to do about each
  • Recognises when a case is outside their scope

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Unsafe knowledge gaps; registration missing or lapsed.

2
Needs Improvement

Knowledge gaps that would affect patient care.

3
Satisfactory

Competent for standard cases; needs support on complex ones.

4
Very Good

Strong clinical knowledge; safe and reliable across the usual range.

5
Excellent

Names specific techniques with patient presentations for each, holds current state licence and NBCE credentials, describes weekly caseload numbers.

02
Evaluation factor

Patient safety and protocol

30% weight

Test red flag screening: cauda equina, vertebral artery insufficiency, fracture, malignancy. Ask when they ordered imaging, deferred adjustment, or referred to a physician or emergency care.

Evidence to listen for

  • Follows identification, infection control, and documentation protocol without prompting
  • Can describe an error or near miss and what they did
  • Escalates deterioration early
  • Treats protocol as protection rather than bureaucracy

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Casual about protocol; would not report an error.

2
Needs Improvement

Inconsistent protocol adherence; slow to escalate.

3
Satisfactory

Follows protocol reliably; documentation sometimes thin.

4
Very Good

Protocol is instinctive; escalates early and reports honestly.

5
Excellent

Cites concrete cases where they withheld cervical manipulation, documented informed consent, and referred out with clear clinical reasoning.

03
Evaluation factor

Patient communication

20% weight

Assess how they explain subluxation findings, care plans, and realistic timelines without overpromising. Look for handling of patients who expect one visit to fix chronic pain.

Evidence to listen for

  • Explains a procedure to an anxious or confused patient
  • Handles distress, pain, or refusal without losing control of the interaction
  • Respects privacy and dignity in practice, not just in principle
  • Works with families and carers

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Dismissive of patients; no bedside awareness.

2
Needs Improvement

Task-focused; struggles with distressed patients.

3
Satisfactory

Adequate rapport; less confident in difficult interactions.

4
Very Good

Calm, clear, and respectful with anxious or difficult patients.

5
Excellent

Translates imaging and exam findings into plain language, sets measurable goals, and manages expectations on visit frequency honestly.

04
Evaluation factor

Working in a clinical team

15% weight

Check coordination with massage therapists, physical therapists, primary care and insurers. Ask about SOAP note quality, EHR systems used (ChiroTouch, Jane), and coverage during absence.

Evidence to listen for

  • Hands over cleanly and completely
  • Challenges a colleague when patient safety requires it
  • Takes direction from clinicians without deferring blindly
  • Handles shift work and pressure without becoming difficult to work with

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Poor handover; cannot work in a clinical team.

2
Needs Improvement

Handover gaps; avoids raising concerns about colleagues.

3
Satisfactory

Reliable team member; handover adequate.

4
Very Good

Clean handovers and willing to speak up on safety.

5
Excellent

Describes documented referral loops with named providers, clean SOAP notes surviving audit, and smooth handovers within a multi-provider clinic.

Evidence-led prompts

Interview questions for a Chiropractor

Use these prompts to surface evidence for the weighted factors above and compare candidates against the same role-specific criteria.

  1. 01

    What are your qualifications, and where are you registered to practise?

  2. 02

    How long have you been practising, and in what kind of clinic settings?

  3. 03

    Do you hold certifications in particular chiropractic techniques?

  4. 04

    Do you take a full history and examination before beginning any treatment?

  5. 05

    How do you decide when imaging is warranted for a patient?

See the complete Chiropractor question set
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