Life University's College of Chiropractic is the flagship academic program of Life University - a comprehensive university which features first-credit degree programs at the Bachelor, Master and Doctoral levels. With a long tradition and commitment to chiropractic excellence Life’s graduate are well known in the profession for excellence in the art of adjusting techniques and clinical experience. Life’s Doctor of Chiropractic program is unlike other programs in several important and distinctive ways – we call them the stepping stones to your success - stepping stones that position you to succeed as a primary care provider in today's changing health care system.
Here is what Life’s Doctor of Chiropractic program offers:
- Chiropractic Philosophy. Society is realizing there’s something lacking in its commonly held view of health and disease; that model holds that most problems come at the human family from outside, and most health care solutions, such as drugs and surgery, likewise must come from outside. Since its inception, Life has embraced a quite different model of health and the causation of disease. Underpinning this model are distinct philosophical assumptions that the body is inherently self-healing and has an enormous capability to deal with stresses from its external environment. The nervous system is especially involved in that ability to heal and relate to the environment, and interference to the nervous system results in lack of coordination, malfunction and ultimately the disease process. Chiropractic care focuses on removing interferences to the nervous system, thus empowering the human to fulfill his or her potential, not just warding off disease but getting to true health and positive development in all aspects of life. Philosophy is not just a few courses, it is the underpinning of all Life’s courses!
- Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology The nervous system impacts all organs and tissues of the body, however, the human skeleton, as well as muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body also impact the nervous system. At LIFE we strive to provide a “diplomate level” education in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, with a comprehensive required course sequence and electives. The result is you understand more thoroughly how the nervous system and the entire body work together to maintain health and fulfill potential. Of course, this knowledge adds to your effectiveness—not to mention your credibility—as a chiropractic professional. We’re talking about more than being able to have an intelligent conversation with a neurosurgeon at a cocktail party. Rather you’ll be prepared to work in the inter-disciplinary environment so characteristic of present and future chiropractic practice.
- Technique and Biomechanics. Life’s chiropractic program teaches five complete “systems” approaches to assessing, analyzing and adjusting the spine; this curriculum allows students to be comfortable and competent clearing spines of vertebral subluxations from children to seniors to individuals with special needs and to highly trained athletes. The five core system techniques include: Full Spine, Gonstead, Thompson, Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) and Life Upper-Cervical Specific. Other technique instruction is readily available in electives and on-campus as well as off-campus seminars. LIFE students will also possess extensive knowledge of biomechanics and the ability to translate their understanding to deliver more accurate and effective chiropractic adjustments.
- Clinical Care. Beginning on the first day of the first quarter, students become involved with patient care programs and processes. You’re “in clinic” from the beginning, receiving hands-on experience. In addition to your student clinic and outpatient clinic experience in the Center for Health and Optimal Performance, LIFE University offers the Clinic Performance Excellence Art and Knowledge (PEAK) program—placing senior students in the offices of off-campus doctors who provide high-contact mentorship in a “real life” professional setting.
- Business Education. The primary complaint of past graduates from all chiropractic colleges was that they were not prepared for the business of the profession. In response, Life’s chiropractic program has developed arguably the most comprehensive business preparation program in chiropractic education. Beginning in first quarter and every quarter thereafter, students receive over 22 credits of course work taught by highly credentialed business faculty from the LIFE College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. In their last 12 months, students select one of three professional practice management companies for a year-long practice management program at no additional tuition charge.
- Study Abroad. Life’s Global Initiatives is an international partnership for health care and education. As a 14th quarter LIFE student, you’ll have the opportunity to travel the world for an invaluable education and cultural insights. These are not just quick hit-and-run trips but rather you’ll select a country and actually practice there for three months; successive students will sustain continuity of care for the local residents. Whether in Costa Rica or China, and soon in West Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and Europe, Life University offers you an educational experience with a global perspective.
- Preparation for Licensure. Life has sequenced the chiropractic curriculum so that National Boards can be taken close to the time that the material has been learned. Highly credentialed faculty conduct review sessions, and pre-qualifying tests provide practice for success.
The administration of Life University is committed to providing an educational experience that results in your professional success. Many colleges rightfully boast of strong educational programs—chiropractic education has come a long way in the profession’s 100-plus-year history. But too often students are left floundering upon graduation, finding it difficult to connect what they’ve learned in the classroom and clinic with the demands of real patients, third party reimbursement, running an office, marketing and all the rest. Life’s comprehensive approach to what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of professional practice truly sets us apart.
Career Information
Historically, the chiropractic profession has been open and available to all qualified and interested persons, regardless of sex, race, or creed.
In the health care marketplace, chiropractic has been a powerful and highly competitive force. Public acceptance and consumer confidence in chiropractic is at an all-time high. As public understanding of the positive benefits of chiropractic care increases, so does consumer demand for chiropractic services.
As a primary contact health care profession, chiropractic needs only to point to private sector demand and marketplace viability for economic validation. Thousands of American consumers spend out-of-pocket cash for chiropractic care, even when traditional medical care is available through insurance or government programs at a subsidized cost or, in some cases, no cost at all. This choice is made due to benefits received from chiropractic care.
Employment prospects for the graduates of the Doctor of Chiropractic program
Job prospects are expected to be good for persons who enter the practice of chiropractic. Employment of chiropractic is expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations through the year 20014 as consumer demand for alternative medicine grows. Chiropractors usually remain in the occupation until retirement; few transfer to other occupations.
As with any service profession your earning potential is directly related to your ability to provide meaningful, caring and compassionate service to those in your community. As such, chiropractors earning potential varies depending on one type of employment (hospitals and health centers); size of community and geographic locations; and climate for reimbursement of services.
Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors were $69,910 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,710 and $118,280 a year.
In 2005, the mean salary for chiropractors was $104,363, according to a survey conducted by Chiropractic Economics magazine.
From the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 edition, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. |
