Doctor of Chiropractic
Curriculum Overview
The Doctor of Chiropractic program consists of seven 15 week and three 17 week trimesters, typically completed in three and a half years. The earliest trimesters consist of a strong foundation of basic sciences integrated with introductory chiropractic and clinical courses. These courses lay the groundwork for further study in the clinical sciences, as well as clinical internship.
Students begin learning “hands-on” chiropractic techniques beginning in their first trimester, and progress to supervised in-class adjusting. Chiropractic therapies that are taught are broad-based, but stress those adjusting and manipulative procedures that have been proven most effective. These adjusting skills are complemented by related therapeutics such as physiological therapeutics, nutrition counseling, exercise training, rehabilitation, and mobilization procedures.
Graduates of NWHSU are prepared to practice as first-contact, primary care chiropractic physicians. The diagnostic acumen and therapeutic skill sets required for primary care clinicians requires a strong background in the basic sciences, as well as current and relevant studies in the clinical sciences. NWHSU students are trained to work in cooperation with other health care providers in interdisciplinary practices. Opportunities are also available for interns to spend time as observers in a variety of clinical settings, including local medical practices.
Course Load
The breadth, depth and rigor of courses and resulting study load in each term of the curriculum at NWHSU is similar to that in other health care professional schools. As a result, students should expect substantially heavier loads at NWHSU than at colleges where they completed their pre-chiropractic studies. Due to the nature of the chiropractic program of study, all students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment. However, in the event that a student requires a term off due to unforeseen circumstances, they may request a leave of absence.
Course Sequence
Trimesters 1 and 2 emphasize the basic sciences, and introduce students to chiropractic principles and methods, radiology, and business foundations. Beginning in the first trimester, students will participate in clinical observations. In Trimesters 3, 4, and 5 students will complete the basic science sequence and progress into the clinical sciences, including diagnosis and care options. At the same time, students will progress through a clerkship experience in trimesters 4 through 6 in the De Rusha Clinical Education Center.
In Trimesters 7 through 10 students will participate as an intern in university clinics or a private practice affiliated with the College of Chiropractic.
Electives
Students are required to take a minimum number of electives beginning in the seventh trimester. Electives include courses in chiropractic methods, cases studies, research, diagnostic imaging, geriatrics, strategic planning, issues in social biology and others.
Graduation Requirements
The Doctor of Chiropractic degree is granted to those candidates who have:
- Completed the required course of study, of which the past five terms have been in residence at Northwestern Health Sciences University;
- Completed the required 222.58 total credits;
- Demonstrated competency in clinic and completed internship and field experience requirements;
- Earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better;
- Fulfilled all financial obligations to the University;
- Recommended for graduation by the faculty.
Graduation Rate
Please refer to our website for the most recent graduation rate statistics.
The College of Chiropractic makes no guarantee of employment for students upon completion of the program.