FAQ College of Chiropractic

 

1.      What educational background do I require to enter Chiropractic College?

All chiropractic colleges have the same requirements that are established by the Council of Chiropractic Education.  Minimally this is three years of undergraduate education (90 semester credits or 135 quarter credits) with a distribution in biological sciences, physical sciences and humanities.  For specific requirements check with the admissions department at Life University.

 

2.      How does chiropractic education differ from medical education?

While the basic science education in chiropractic is virtually identical to the courses you would take in medical school, chiropractic focuses on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, biomechanics and, of course, chiropractic clinical skills.

Being on the conservative and preventive end of the health care spectrum, those clinical skills utilize natural means—such as spinal adjustments by the capable hands of the chiropractor—rather than resorting to drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic education centers on a health care model based on the role of the nerve system as the master controller of all the body’s organs and tissues. It proceeds from the premise that, if the spine is well adjusted and the spinal cord and spinal nerves that run through it are functioning at their best, then the body is not only well prepared to recover from disease but also equipped to prevent disease and disability in the first place.

Beyond that, though, chiropractic education takes a holistic view of the person and, explores how chiropractic, combined with nutrition, rest, exercise and other factors, can enhance and develop the person to his or her optimum capabilities.

 

3.      How does Life University’s College of Chiropractic differ from other colleges of chiropractic?

Because the requirements for chiropractic education programs are stipulated by the accrediting agency, the Council on Chiropractic Education, the programs of each chiropractic college have many similarities. What varies is the focus. At Life the emphasis is on these five keys to successful practice, i.e., what a doctor of chiropractic needs to be successful: neuroanatomy and physiology, spinal biomechanics, philosophy, patient care and business.

Life has a well deserved reputation for educating people knowledgeable and effective in chiropractic adjusting techniques. Life students spend more time learning how to adjust than students at any other chiropractic college.

Life education also has a strong philosophical component, emphasizing the fundamental value proposition that separates chiropractic from other forms of health care; the vitalistic philosophy that holds that the chiropractor can do more than just treat disease or disability, but rather that chiropractic can enhance wellness and performance.

Finally, Life is unmatched in the business preparation it provides its students. This includes business courses from the beginning of the curriculum, many taught by highly credentialed business faculty in Life’s College of Arts & Sciences, and, through a new arrangement with professional practice management companies, students get a full practice management training program at no additional charge.

 

4.      How long is the chiropractic program?

Life’s Doctor of Chiropractic program takes 14 quarters to complete and consists of approximately 4850 hours of instruction and clinical experience.

 

5.      What chiropractic adjusting techniques are offered in the Doctor of Chiropractic program and how does this differ from colleges?

Life’s program provides extensive training in five complete systems approaches to analyzing and adjusting the spine.  These core techniques include: Full Spine Techniques, Gonsted Technique, Thompson Technique, Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT), and Life Upper Cervical Technique. Many of the 207 other techniques are available to students through seminars on campus.

 

6.      To what extent is diagnosis emphasized in a Life education, and how well is the Life graduate prepared to interact with other health care professionals?

Life recognizes the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to assess the patient’s health status and make accurate diagnosis for the purpose of referral to a medical or other suitable health care provider. Our program incorporates an extensive clinical education and diagnosis tract in the curriculum, which ensures that our graduates are competent diagnosticians. Our graduates always emphasize the diagnosis of subluxation and the role of  the nerve system in maintaining and restoring health.

Life’s Eight Core Proficiencies, including one specifically focused on health care policy, provide a full range of professional skills that facilitate cross-referrals and other interaction with a variety of health care professionals, including physicians and surgeons.

 

7.     What does Life do to prepare students for the National Board examinations required for licensure?

A student's success on national licensure examinations is our number priority in the College of Chiropractic.  Major review and revision has occurred in the program resulting in a new curriculum that was implemented in January 2006.  Additionally, a national board preparatory has been developed and implemented free of charge for all students who are board eligible.  To assist in student preparation, we have also incorporated a NBCE Part I exam simulation that students are required to take as a barrier test for Part I eligibility.