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 necessitate 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. In trimester 6 and 7, students will begin to apply their clinical knowledge and skills during their first internships within the De Rusha Clinic.

In Trimesters 8 through 10, students will progress to the Community Internship Program (CBI) as an intern in a university clinic or a private practice affiliated with the College of Chiropractic.

Electives
Students are required to take a minimum of 5.75 elective credits to include 1.5 credits of Methods Enrichment, 2.0 credits of Practice and Professionalism, 0.75 credits of Health Promotions, and 1.5 credits of additional electives chosen from any subject area.