College of Chiropractic Education
The College of Chiropractic Program
Doctor of Chiropractic Degree
The College of Chiropractic D.C. Program Overview
Life University’s Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree is a rigorous, 14-quarter program that typically takes students four years to complete. The curriculum structure is logical and sequential, combining hands-on training and academic rigor. This develops students into highly-skilled chiropractic healthcare clinicians.
PAT (Palpation and Adjustment Trainer). Leading Innovation Among Chiropractic Colleges
Life University, always a leader in chiropractic degree programs, is yet again leading the way in chiropractic education with PAT (Palpation and Adjustment Trainer). PAT is an anatomically accurate, technology-based mannequin with the look, feel, size and weight of an average person. PAT allows students to receive immediate, objective feedback about the “where, how hard, how fast and in which direction” part of adjusting to develop these important skills necessary for care of patients. Such reliable, consistent feedback offers enormous learning advantages to those studying how to become chiropractors.
Chiropractic College Quick Links
- Admission Requirements for the College of Chiropractic
- The College of Chiropractic Curriculum Design
- Tuition & Fees. Costs to Become a Chiropractor.
- Available Scholarships for Chiropractic Students
- Chiropractic Program Viewbook
Chiropractic Program
Admission
Chiropractic Program
Duration
14 Quarters
First-Year D.C. Retention
97%
D.C. Program Tuition
Approximately $26,475.00 per year, based on a three-quarter academic year.
Cost of Attendance
Location
110-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta
Map
Video Tour
Student Population
Over 45 countries represented. 51% female, 49% male
Stats and Facts
Entry Terms
Quarter System (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
Terms and Deadlines
Founded
Life Chiropractic College in 1974
History of LIFE
Noteworthy
World’s largest single-campus chiropractic program
College of Chiropractic Curriculum Philosophy
Of course, these are only the basic stages of a Life University D.C. education. The true foundation of this program is the belief that the body works best when the nervous system is free of damaging interferences, which cause malfunction, symptoms and diseases, and a reduced quality of life. It observes that there are three interferences: physical trauma, emotional stresses and environmental toxins. This is the basis of Life University’s vitalistic philosophy. Vitalism is a philosophy that recognizes the body’s innate ability to express its truest optimal potential. It is engrained not only in our D.C. degree, but also our myriad of undergraduate and graduate degrees as well.
The combination of sciences, philosophy, practice management and real world clinical applications gives Life University students an engaged curriculum that one could only describe as exceptional.
Chiropractic College Curriculum Design
Students begin their chiropractic studies learning the foundational aspects upon which the profession is built – the history, philosophy and science of Chiropractic. As they progress past the first two quarters, students study the basic sciences, while also beginning to learn about chiropractic analysis, techniques and examinations. Once students reach the Eighth Quarter of the program, they enter the clinical phase of study and apply their lessons to real-world situations. Students nearing graduation take practice management courses and clinical application, working in outpatient settings.
Chiropractic Student Testimonials
Bryna Waters
“I came here for a LIFE Leadership Weekend, and I knew I didn’t need to be anywhere else. When people talk about Chiropractic, they reference Life University. And I wanted to go to the best place to become the best chiropractor I could.” Read More
Britni Jordan
“During LIFE Leadership Weekend, I was expecting to learn a lot about the school, and I did, but I learned even more about myself. I was challenged to look within myself and discover who I wanted to be as a person. I knew that I would grow as a person by coming to LIFE, which in return would make me an even better chiropractor. So, I know LIFE was a good choice!” Read More
Techniques
The chiropractic profession has hundreds of different techniques for adjusting patients. While each technique is unique and serves a specific purpose, Life University has carefully selected the most common techniques in use today. As described below, the chiropractic curriculum still provides students with the ability to customize their education by selecting techniques that are best suited for the type of practice they plan to open and the needs of the patient.
Important Statistics for Chiropractic Schools and the Profession
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 17 PERCENT from 2014 to 2024.From Chiropractic Economics:
The average annual salary for a DC in 2017 was $101,734
From Salary.com:
The median average salary for chiropractors in Atlanta, Georgia is $140,350.From MarketWatch.com:
Chiropractic was ranked as the No. 1 profession for BEST JOB SECURITY.
Chiropractic Scholarships
There are approximately 40 scholarships available for D.C. students at LIFE, and some you can apply to with just your application for admission to the University. The Launch Into LIFE New Student Scholarships provide significant financial assistance to help ease the burden of paying for tuition, allowing students to focus more intently on why they came to LIFE, to get a world class education in preparation for becoming a world class professional.
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors at LIFE are an honorary group of students who participate in public relations activities for the University. Student Ambassadors represent the LIFE’s Vision and the Office of the President by serving as the liaison to prospective students, leaders in healthcare professions and the greater community.
LIFE University Research
Life University faculty, staff and students develop high-impact, groundbreaking research studies. These projects support such efforts as subluxation-based clinical research, foundational chiropractic, basic science studies and research into the advancement of human performance and optimal health.
Student Testimonials
Xavier Ortiz Valle
“A friend told me about LIFE Leadership Weekend, so I came to one to hear about the school and its philosophy, but I also saw the passion and commitment that everybody had. I made the decision right then and there to come to LIFE.” “LIFE has surpassed all of my expectations. I came here with an idea of what Chiropractic was, and I’ve learned that it is so much more than that.” “I thought of Chiropractic as a way to serve my community, but I see now that you can not only serve your community, but also create a really big and impactful change.” Read More
Franklin Cannon
“I decided on Chiropractic because when I look back at how it truly benefited me personally, I would love for everybody else to experience it.” “LIFE’s philosophy is all about genuine love and positive energy; having passion for what you do and for the people you’re helping; and committing to live a better life to make the world a better place. If someone has a passion for health and alternative treatments, then LIFE is the school for you. There are so many opportunities here and connections that you can make. It’s been a breath of fresh air to be here and be so accepted and reassured.” Read More
Facilities
Life University DC students now have access to the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education. This is an educational center completely remodeled in 2017. It houses a 23 room Assessment Center with state-of-the-art LearningSpace Technology. Life University has switched to Anatomage tables in the Virtual Anatomy Lab for its anatomy classes. The Anatomage tables allow students the option to hit “reset” on their work and to learn at their own pace. LIFE currently has more Anatomage tables than any institution on the planet.
NBCE
One of the final steps in becoming a chiropractor is to pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams. Life University is proud to produce exceptional chiropractors, while also maintaining one of top NBCE Licensing Exam success rates of all chiropractic colleges. Eighty-four percent of LIFE graduates pass all parts of NBCE exams within six months of graduation.
How LIFE’s Clinics Prepare Students for Opening Their Practices
LIFE’s clinical stage of education encompasses a three-tiered, hands-on learning experience. While support and instruction remain constant throughout, students are given increased responsibility, and thus more independence, as they advance through the clinical process. At the end of this vital step, LIFE’s D.C. students will be prepared to embark on their chiropractic journey.
Level I Clinic
Level I Clinic experience encompasses students’ 8th and 9th quarters in the D.C. program. Instruction takes place at the Campus Center for Health and Optimum Performance (CC-HOP), located in the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education. This is where clinical competencies are developed with close faculty supervision. In this environment, students are encouraged to spend more time with patients as they learn the fundamental aspects of the chiropractic adjustment. Progressing to Level II clinic entails meeting the minimum clinical requirements of 50 adjustments and 5 exams.
Level II Clinic
Level II Clinic experience encompasses students’ 10th, 11th and 12th quarters in the D.C. program. Instruction takes place in the Center for Health and Optimum Performance (C-HOP), located near the Cobb Parkway entrance to LIFE. Level II is where students will continue to develop clinical competency and critical thinking skills. Students will begin caring for a variety of patients with a wider range of conditions. In this setting, students will be mentored by faculty with significant patient management expertise. The Level II clinic includes a variety of specialties (i.e., radiology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, pediatrics, nutrition and sports). Progressing to Level III clinic entails meeting the minimum clinical requirements of 140 adjustments, 15 exams and 20 x-rays.
Level III Clinic
Level III Clinic experience encompasses students’ 13th and 14th quarters in the D.C. program. These clinical opportunities may be experienced in one of Life University’s Community Outreach Clinics, international clinics, or in the office of a Life University extension faculty member. Level III is where the student will begin integration into a broader healthcare environment and be exposed to an increased range, variety and complexity of cases. Patient management must reflect a heightened skill in clinical time management without compromising care standards or the patient’s sense of receiving excellent care. In addition, this experience will allow for direct interaction with the business aspects of running a daily practice. Requirements for graduation will be completed during this level of clinical education.
FAQ
Where is Life University located?
Life University sits on a 110-acre campus located in Marietta, Georgia. It is just a short drive to downtown Atlanta, and only 26 miles from the world’s busiest airport – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Atlanta is one of the most visited cities in the U.S., with attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, MLK Jr. National Historic Site, College Football Hall of Fame and Centennial Olympic Park. The city also is home to the Atlanta United, Braves, Hawks and Falcons professional sport franchises.
Life University
1269 Barclay Circle
Marietta, GA 30060
How do I apply to LIFE’s DC program?
Life University is on a Quarter system, and you can apply for admission at any time for enrollment beginning in our winter, spring, summer or fall quarters. To apply now, visit Apply.LIFE.edu. For application instructions, go to LIFE.edu/admissions-pages/admissions-information/application-instructions/.
Also, find out what requirements you need to fulfill before enrolling in LIFE’s DC program.
How long will it take me to earn my DC degree?
Everyone’s journey in chiropractic education is unique to them. Typically, our 14-quarter D.C. program takes a student approximately four years to complete. However, your time commitment could increase or decrease, depending on your course load and how many quarters you complete per year.
Our Student Advocacy and Advisement Center is here to help you for all your course scheduling, major planning and even general student account questions. Basically, they are your one-stop-shop for student inquiries.
How much will it cost to attend Life University’s DC program?
Information to be added soon.
What is LIFE’s chiropractic philosophy?
LIFE’s educational and clinical philosophy is based on Vitalism – the understanding and principle that all organic systems in the universe are conscious, self-developing, self-maintaining and self-healing. For a more in-depth look at LIFE’s philosophy, visit the The Philosophy of Vitalism.
Do you have on-campus housing/dining?
Yes. Life University has an on-campus housing facility called the LIFE Village Retreat that accommodates 300 students. Also, beginning in Fall Quarter 2018, a new housing facility will be finalized which will accommodate 362 students. There are also many local apartment complexes throughout the Marietta and Cobb County area that are accessible to campus.
Does LIFE value diversity?
Diversity is something we take very seriously at Life University. We believe that we all benefit by learning about and experiencing others’ cultures firsthand. The more we know each other, the more we find the many ways we are all alike. These connections make us stronger and better.
The Life University Diversity Committee hosts quarterly events and promotes acceptance and respect through education in understanding each other as individuals.
Our University has a diverse student population comprised of approximately 2,700 students. We have 35 countries represented, including China, Ireland and Zimbabwe, to name a few. LIFE is proud to represent numerous minority populations with a 33% minority student body.
Even the ages of our students are diverse. While we have plenty of students who enter undergraduate school straight from high school, we also have many career changers who enter our program in their 30s, 40s and above. Many of our students are married and have families. Some have received chiropractic care their entire lives, while others experience it for the first time here at LIFE.
Our gender ratio is very even, with both sexes nearly equally well represented. Our population is 51% female and 49% male.
Why does this diversity matter? LIFE believes diverse ideas about Chiropractic, about techniques, about ways to practice and about health care make better-informed, well-rounded individuals and chiropractors. As a student, you will be able to access an incredibly deep pool of resources to develop your path and your vision for how you want to change the world. The more you know and the more you experience, the stronger and better you will be as a person upon your graduation.
What types of financial aid/scholarships are available?
Life University offers a myriad of financial aid programs, assistance and scholarships for its undergraduate, graduate and DC students. Some of these include loans, student employment and grants. You can find more information about these offerings by visiting our Financial Aid Programs page.
As for scholarships, there are approximately 40 available for D.C. students at LIFE, and some you can apply to with just your application for admission to the University. The Launch Into LIFE New Student Scholarships provide significant financial assistance to help ease the burden of paying for tuition, allowing students to focus more intently on why they came to LIFE, to get a world-class education in preparation for becoming a world-class professional.
How can I visit LIFE?
LIFE provides a variety of opportunities for you to learn more about the University’s challenging, quarterly-based and acclaimed academic programs, wellness-based culture, nationally-ranked athletics, and beautiful surroundings. Be our guest on campus for an Academic Tour, LIFE Leadership Weekend or Eagle Madness Undergraduate Preview Day. If you cannot make it to one of these campus events, let us come to you. Our team of Recruiters regularly visits cities across the country in our LIFE Visits You program.
What entrepreneurial skills will I learn in the DC program?
Not only do LIFE’s chiropractic students learn the science, art and philosophy of Chiropractic, but also, they learn valuable practice management skills through both required coursework in the curriculum and hands-on seminars offered throughout their time at LIFE. In addition to the courses solely focused on practice management, students’ required courses in the clinical stages of their chiropractic education give them real world experience in engaging in both simulated and authentic patient encounters.
What resources are available when I graduate?
Life University has more than 16,000 graduates. When you count the whole community of supporters, LIFE’s Alumni and Friends, we have approximately 60,000 individuals working with us to promote the University and Chiropractic throughout the world. This includes: alumni, donors, LIFEforce doctors, volunteers, supporters and members of the Board of Trustees.
How does this help you? The first benefit of such a large alumni and friends pool is that it allows you to have more possible networking opportunities. Additionally, prospective employers tend to hire graduates from their alma maters before hiring someone else with the same qualifications. Doctors from all over the nation check in with our Alumni Department seeking associate candidates from our newly graduated students. You will have many opportunities to interact with this network of supporters and learn from the wonderful doctors and alumni that surround Life University.
One such program that helps LIFE students and graduates is called Career Fair 4 LIFE. This is an event that allows networking with current Doctors of Chiropractic in practice who may be looking for an associate, independent contractor or looking to sell their practice.
How do I begin my path toward a DC degree?
The first step could vary depending on your specific situation. If you know you are ready to apply and get started, visit Apply.LIFE.edu. Some of you may be wondering if you qualify for admission. Well, take a look at the Chiropractic Program Requirements and see where you stand. You may be interested in our Pre-D.C. Pathway, which is designed for those interested in a career in health professions, particularly Chiropractic. The Pre-D.C. Pathway is non-degree granting and provides the minimum entrance requirements for the Doctor of Chiropractic program.
Do you offer any other degrees other than the DC program?
While our Doctor of Chiropractic program is the University’s flagship program, Life University offers a variety of other undergraduate and graduate degrees, primarily rooted in the health sciences. LIFE has 15 undergraduate degrees and four graduate degrees, and those offerings continue to increase from year to year. LIFE’s vitalistic philosophy is prevalent throughout all of our undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
What extracurricular activities are offered at LIFE?
Recognizing that well-balanced students are infinitely more prepared for life after college, Life University offers opportunities for student involvement, for students to express themselves, contribute to their talents and develop new friendships and relationships both on campus and in the community.
Life University offers various clubs and organizations that you can join. From nutrition clubs and organizations to sports clubs, and from Student Council to chiropractic technique clubs, there is something for everyone.
Do you have sports programs?
Life University has a booming Athletic Department, with 10 women’s, six men’s and one co-ed sport teams. Our flagship Men’s and Women’s rugby programs play top schools in the nation, such as Penn State, Cal, Michigan and more, and regularly finish at the top of their respective leagues. Our Men’s Rugby 15s squad has played in the D1A National Championship five years in a row, winning two of them. Our Women’s 7s squad has won the last two (2016, 2017) Collegiate Rugby Championships (CRCs) played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Our Men’s Basketball team has won three NAIA National Championships (1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-00), while finishing runner-up in the 2016-17 season.
You can find out about a host of our other sport teams and accomplishments by visiting LIFERunningEagles.com.