Chiropractic (BS + Doctor of Chiropractic)

Overview

As a chiropractic practitioner providing patient-centered care, you'll focus on the treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems as well as a patient's overall wellness using broad diagnostic skills and training in spinal manipulation, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, nutrition, diet, and lifestyle counseling.

The demand for skilled chiropractors is continually growing as consumers seek a more conservative approach to their healthcare. By enrolling in D'Youville's program early assurance pathways, you'll benefit from our unique evidence-based integrated approach to chiropractic education.

Pathway Options

You can choose to enter the Doctor of Chiropractic program with any degree, but we recommend the following programs here at D'Youville:

  • B.S. in Exercise and Sports Studies

    Students choosing the ESS + DC track intimately study the basic sciences in addition to the exercise sciences in preparation for the chiropractic graduate program. Students receive early assurance and move directly into the Doctor of Chiropractic program without having to submit an additional application provided they complete all Chiropractic program prerequisites at a grade of C or better and continue to meet all graduate admissions standards.

  • B.S./B.A. Biology 

    Students will complete their B.S. or B.A. in biology in preparation for the chiropractic graduate program. Students receive early assurance and move directly into the Doctor of Chiropractic program without having to submit an additional application provided they complete all Chiropractic program prerequisites at a grade of C or better and continue to meet all graduate admissions standards.

Why Choose D'Youville?

  • D'Youville is the first liberal arts college in the U.S. to offer a professional chiropractic degree program integrated with the traditional healthcare fields.
  • Studies show that teamwork across clinical specialties improves patient outcomes. D'Youville's unique Interdisciplinary Education Lab offers the opportunity for you to practice treating patients (played by actors) alongside a team of students from 7 other healthcare majors at D'Youville — all under the supervision of a skilled instructor. 
  • Unique multi-disciplinary research approach prepares graduates exceptionally well for a variety of healthcare settings, including private practice.
  • Your clinical internships will take place in multidisciplinary settings, preparing you to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in your career.
  • If you're interested in honing your business skills, D'Youville offers an accelerated MBA option designed for students enrolled in the professional phase of the Doctor of Chiropractic program. MBA classes are only held on Saturdays, and you'll receive a 10% discount on tuition for the MBA degree.

Meet Our Faculty

What you'll learn:

  • In-depth understanding of the principles, theories, methodologies and skills distinctive to the practice of chiropractic
  • The knowledge, understanding and ability to perform a comprehensive history and examination, diagnosis and treatment of a patient, utilizing the principles of patient-centered care
  • Knowledge, skills and ability to provide restorative, preventive and wellness care to patients
  • Ability to apply research in identifying significant problems, determining appropriate approaches, and in assessing healthcare outcomes
  • Entrepreneurship training to help prepare you to run your own practice

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience turns theory into hands-on practice. As a student in D'Youville's Doctor of chiropractic program, you'll spend over 1000 hours in practice experience, to include:

  • Internships at the D'Youville clinics (minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice skills)
  • Preceptorship placement at community-based institutions and private practices (up to 600 additional hours).

Clinical Internships

One of the most exciting, demanding, and rewarding phases of your Doctor of Chiropractic education will be your internship experience. It’s here where you’ll first put theory into practice as you learn how to take a holistic approach to patient care that addresses the whole person, striving to nurture mind, body, and spirit under the supervision of attending faculty clinicians. You’ll rotate through D'Youville-affiliated clinics within the Western New York area, providing you with a wide range of patients and valuable experience in diverse healthcare situations and settings.

Internship Locations

Three people in a room with x-ray machine. Man stands for an x-ray. one woman is operating the machine while the other is pointing and teaching.

Explore Courses In Chiropractic

  • Treat patients of different age groups and cultural backgrounds as you focus on maintaining wellness, preventing illness, and providing restorative care. Learn how the well-being of the whole person relates to the structure and function of the body’s neuromusculoskeletal framework.

  • Discover biomechanics, orthopedic testing and diagnosis, and adjustive and manipulative procedures for the spine and pelvic region. Learn to examine various spinal conditions, including those resulting from trauma, as well as learn about orthotics and taping, soft tissue techniques.

  • Learn the principles and practices of evidence-informed practice and its importance in patient-centered care. Build on your prerequisite coursework as you prepare to implement evidence-informed chiropractic care. Use effective communication and documentation for patient communication, health record keeping, reporting, and more.

Admission Requirements

At D'Youville, we are committed to selecting students who are academically well-rounded and committed to meeting the challenges of a high-quality education. If you have been successful in a traditional college preparatory program in high school, you should be well-prepared for the academic challenges at D'Youville. While we don't require you to submit ACT or SAT test scores, if you have taken or intend to take a standardized test we encourage you to submit your scores if you'd like them to be evaluated as part of your application.

First Time in College Student Requirements
  • Submitted application for admission
  • Official high school transcripts
    • An overall weighted GPA of 85 with successful completion of high school graduation requirements and three years of math, history, english, and science.

Not Required (utilized in a holistic review for admission if provided):

  • Standardized SAT/ACT test scores
  • Admissions essay
  • Letters of recommendation
Transfer Admission Required Review Criteria
  • Submitted application for admission
    • Applications are free of charge and can be found on our apply webpage.
  • Official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges/universities
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5

 Not Required (utilized in a holistic review for admission if provided):

  • Coursework relevant to major of interest
  • Admissions essay
  • Letters of recommendation
DC Program

The Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP) admits students whose goals, abilities, and character are consistent with the DCP's mission, and who have completed a baccalaureate degree at an institution(s) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent foreign agency. The overall GPA minimum requirement for admittance to the DCP must be a 2.50 /4.0. 

Ninety (90) hours will include a minimum of 24 semester hours in life and physical science courses, of which 12 semester hours must include laboratory course work. These 24 credit hours may include, but not be limited to, courses in general biology, human anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biomechanics, and kinesiology. These science courses will provide an adequate background for success in the DCP. The student's undergraduate preparation also includes a well-rounded general education program in the humanities and social sciences, and other coursework deemed relevant by the DCP for students to successfully complete the DCP curriculum. The minimum GPA for these 90 hours must be no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Students who wish to enroll in D'Youville's Doctor of Chiropractic program must present the following:

  • A completed bachelor's degree at an accredited institution.
  • GRE scores (if available)
  • International/foreign students (other than Canadian) whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL test scores.
  • One letter of formal recommendation required by the Chiropractic department. 
  • Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended.
  • International applicants must submit their transcripts to the World Education Service (WES) for a course by course evaluation.
  • Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to perform well in a rigorous course of study and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Possible personal interview with chiropractic faculty at the discretion of the department.

STUDENTS ADMITTED TO THE D.C.P. FROM INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Each student admitted to begin the DCP on the basis of academic credentials from institutions outside the United States must meet the following requirements:

  1. Provide evidence of proficiency in reading and writing in the English language, and an understanding of oral communication in English.
  2. Demonstrate academic preparation equivalent to that possessed by beginning students admitted from United States institutions.
  3. Provide evidence of proficiency in the subject matter of each course for which credits are accepted.
  4. Provide evidence of having financial resources sufficient to complete at least one full year of full­ time attendance in the DCP.
  5. Meet all applicable legal requirements for study in the United States.

TRANSFER POLICIES

Students transferring credits applicable to the DCP must meet the following requirements:

  1. The applicant for transfer from another doctor of chiropractic program must meet the prerequisite admissions requirements detailed above.
  2. Credits considered for transfer must have been awarded for graduate-level courses offered by an institution which is recognized by a national accrediting agency.
  3. Only credits recorded on an official transcript of the issuing institution with an equivalent grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale or better will be considered for transfer credits. Courses recording a grade of "pass", "satisfactory", or equivalent will not be considered for transfer credit.
  4. Credits accepted for transfer must be determined to be substantially equivalent to courses offered by D'Youville.
  5. Credits accepted for transfer must have been awarded within five years of the date of admission with the exception that D'Youville may, at its discretion, accept older credits if the entering student holds an earned professional degree in one of the health sciences (e.g., DC, MD, DO, DDS, DPM) or a graduate degree in an academic discipline closely related to the health sciences.
  6. Credits accepted for transfer from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by evidence of the individual student's proficiency in the subject matter of each course for which credits are accepted. Students may be required to take a challenge examination to demonstrate proficiency prior to transfer credit being awarded.
  7. Transfer students must complete all of the internship requirements at D’Youville.
  8. Transfer students may not transfer more than 50 percent of chiropractic-specific courses.
  9. Transfer students must earn no less than 25 percent of the total credits required for the DC degree from D'Youville.

Preceptorship

The final phase of your clinical experience will come when you participate in a preceptorship, gaining valuable experience by observing licensed Doctors of Chiropractic in a variety of settings and locations ranging from community-based clinics to large, urban hospitals to rural, solo-practice offices.

Preceptorship Locations

 

Careers

The chiropractic profession is one of the fastest growing healthcare specialties in US. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook the profession is expected to grow 10% per year, a faster-than-average pace when compared to all other professions, and this growth is expected to continue as people increasingly seek out non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical treatment and care. For more information about the job outlook for chiropractors, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

A Chiropractor's Role

Our program prepares you for general chiropractic practice where you’ll work to maximize the inherent recuperative powers of your patient's body. Through chiropractic adjustments, you'll help them regain normal function.  

Grounded in the sciences of anatomy, physiology, neurology, and biomechanics, chiropractic focuses on a natural approach to health and healthcare that emphasizes stimulating the inherent recuperative powers of the human body. As a holistic and complimentary medical discipline, chiropractic is now practiced in over 40 countries around the world as part of an integrated approach to healthcare.

While many chiropractors practice in either solo or group clinical settings, some specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging. Others pursue careers in research, teaching, and administration.

In addition to general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging.

Many chiropractors are solo or group practitioners who also have the administrative responsibilities of running a practice. In larger offices, chiropractors delegate these tasks to office managers and chiropractic assistants. Chiropractors in private practice are responsible for developing a patient base, hiring and managing employees and keeping records.

Alumni Success

Our graduates have found positions in a wide variety of settings including private solo practices, group practices, hospitals, community-based clinics, multi-disciplinary referral centers, higher education, and management. Read about how D’Youville's unique approach helped these graduates find their niche in chiropractic.

Dr. Matthew Bauman, '12

I have been the Wellness Director at a center for adults with learning differences, part of the Rehabilitation Department at a center for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, MS, and Parkinson’s, and I am also pursuing residency in Family Practice.

Chiropractic is a very rewarding field of study. The professors at D’Youville provided me with an in depth knowledge that allowed me to reach out to a diverse population of patients in my clinical rotations.

I believe D’Youville has so much to offer, from its state of the art anatomy labs, to many very unique clinical placements. One of my best memories as a student was the chiropractic department taking us to various health fairs and health related events. It allowed me to see firsthand what the general impression of chiropractic was in the community, and also provided an opportunity to help others understand what chiropractic is and how it works.

The doctor of chiropractic degree provided me with a wide range of options coming out of the program. While most decide to go into private practice or join an integrative group, there are so many other alternatives available. You could go into research, apply for a residency, teach, and also pursue leadership roles in the business end of healthcare as an expert in wellness. Personally, I have had a number of doors open once I graduated. I have been the Wellness Director at a center for adults with learning differences, part of the Rehabilitation Department at a center for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, MS, and Parkinson’s, and I am also pursuing residency in Family Practice.

My job responsibilities vary from providing wellness analysis and interventions via nutritional and activity modifications, to the restoration of movement through soft tissue and joint dysfunction treatment. In everything that I do, I educate patients and clients as thoroughly as possible, a trait I acquired from the professors of the chiropractic program at D’Youville.

Dr. O'Dane Brady, '08 & '12

I currently reside in Mahalapye, Botswana where I now serve as the director of Botswana clinics with a non-profit organization known as World Spine Care.

Initially, it was the chiropractic program at D’Youville that drew me in but after taking a tour of the campus and meeting with an admissions counselor everything just felt right. The small class size and the support the faculty members and administrators provide are just some of the things that I enjoyed during my time at D’Youville.

I believe the opportunities that I’ve had as a student and as a D’Youville alum have been extremely rewarding. During my second year of college, I became an orientation assistant and I believe that was what sparked my involvement in other areas on campus and organizations off campus. Being a student ambassador for five years was also a great experience. The school was an “easy sell” to make to potential students and parents as my time spent was really enjoyable.

Apart from the educational opportunities afforded to me during my tenure at D’Youville I believe that the message of service to others resonated just as strongly and it stayed with me after my graduation. In fact, I currently reside in Mahalapye, Botswana where I now serve as the director of Botswana clinics with a non-profit organization known as World Spine Care (WSC).

There are two location from which I work, a district hospital in Mahalapye and a small clinic in the nearby village of Shoshong. I also work as a consultant for a managed care organization in developing clinical policies for the management of musculoskeletal disorders. As a chiropractic physician here in Botwana I provide evidence based care to presenting patients. My responsibilities include: performing a thorough history and physical examination of each patient, ordering diagnostic tests if clinically indicated, providing chiropractic care to presenting patients, following up and referring to other specialists.

While I was still a student at D’Youville, I had the great opportunity of interning at the Buffalo Spine and Sports Institute in Williamsville, NY and I was also part of clinical rotations at five clinics throughout the greater Buffalo area. I am really grateful that I am able to successfully use my clinical training and knowledge of health services in my current position in Botswana. I was so fortunate to have been part of the D’Youville community. Aside from my educational experience, the relationships, friendships, and connections I have made will last a lifetime.

Dr. Alykhan A. Jamal, '10

I am originally from Toronto, Canada and I am currently the Clinic Director at Toronto Spine & Sports Clinic. My responsibilities are very diverse as I am also the owner of the clinic: I am a chiropractor, a spinal decompression provider, and a strength and conditioning specialist amongst others.

One of the best features of the chiropractic program at D’Youville is the requirement to complete an internship prior to graduation. I feel that my internship provided me with valuable skills to put my clinical knowledge into practice and with the necessary tools to establish my own practice.

I am very happy with the education and experience I received at D’Youville. If you are a prospective student considering the D’Youville College Chiropractic Program I can tell you that the value of the education you receive is interconnected with the information that is presented to you by experienced faculty and staff. At D’Youville, I was lucky to benefit from that one-on-one time with my professors, because of the small class size and their genuine willingness to help. The classes became somewhat of a little family away from home. I still keep in touch with many of my former classmates, who I am now proud to call colleagues.

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