FAQ

There are two program start dates, so there are two application deadlines. Apply two to three months before expecting to start the academic program. To start in the fall, the chiropractic school application period opens in August and classes begin in October. For students looking to start the DC program in January, the application period begins in November.

UWS will accept credits earned from tests, such as the CLEP exams, for the humanities and social science prerequisites. These credits must be listed on a transcript from an institution that is regionally accredited.

No. There are currently no tests required for admission to the UWS chiropractic program.

A personal interview is required of all Doctor of Chiropractic applicants.

We suggest that students begin the process about a year in advance. Typically, if a student hasn't completed enough of the prerequisites for the committee to make a decision, we send a letter asking the student to provide us with an official, updated transcript at the end of the next term. Program start dates: fall (October) and winter (January).

You can earn a B.S. in Human Biology while you are enrolled in the chiropractic program at UWS. The required course work for the BS includes the prerequisite courses used for admission, the basic science courses taken in the first two years of the chiropractic program, and eight additional quarter credits of courses that prepare you to complete a baccalaureate project. It is also possible to transfer basic science courses taken in the chiropractic program to your undergraduate institution to count toward a B.S. Ask an admissions staff member for details.

Most of our students don't work because the chiropractic program is full time, about 35 hours a week, which doesn't allow much extra time for a job. The majority of our students take advantage of the federal school loan program, which generally provides them with enough money to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Estimated cost for the Doctor of Chiropractic program can be found on this page.

Yes. Federal aid for the Doctor of Chiropractic program consists of a variety of student loan programs. All DC students are automatically considered for all types of student loans. Students are awarded the maximum amount of each type of aid, based on their eligibility as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. Visit https://www.uws.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financial-aid/chiropractic/ for more information.

Evidence-informed practice. UWS is committed to the art and science of chiropractic and has threaded these competencies throughout the curriculum, research, and patient care. Our students develop the necessary abilities to translate an evidence-informed practice model into communicative competency with patient/public and professionals (other health care professionals).

• A focus on whole-person care, with a commitment to prepare students to serve as primary care chiropractic physicians. Integrative and patient focused approach to health care. We offer an individualized approach to patient care so as to not limit treatment to a single modality or approach.
• Philosophically, we are committed to providing patient care that meets the individual's needs, goals, and preferences. (within our broad scope of practice). Our motto is "For The Good Of The Patient." Diverse and very experienced faculty demonstrated by their accomplishments and the excellent learning outcomes of students.
• Check out our board scores! Geographically desirable, located in Portland—ranked a top-10 city to live in—with a wide scope of practice (Oregon law) and curriculum/clinical experience that supports broad scope, primary care.

Similar to all health care degree programs, UWS' curriculum is structured to establish knowledge bases that build on each other and integrate concepts and skills across the basic sciences, clinical and chiropractic sciences, and (ultimately are applied in) patient care. This approach to learning leads to integrated or synthesized knowledge and skills such as diagnostic acumen, superior adjustive skills and clinical confidence—with students prepared for their role as primary care physicians. The program progressively develops student's skills and competencies so as to build the core abilities of a successful graduate and practitioner. What you learn each quarter is successively built upon and expanded throughout the curriculum—leading to the value and practice of life long learning and continued professional development.

The chiropractic profession recognizes a number of licensures and certifications. UWS provides the educational component leading to several specialty designations, including in sports medicine (CCSP and DACBSP); chiropractic radiology (DACBR); orthopedics (DABCO), internal disorders (DABCI), wellness coaching, nutritional counseling and several other specialties. In addition, UWS offers recognized and accredited Master of Science degree programs in human nutrition and functional medicine, sport and performance psychology, and clinical mental health counseling, and a residency degree program in diagnostic imaging. New programs are being developed and are offered on an ongoing basis. Numerous postgraduate and continuing education courses are also available to students while they are enrolled in the doctor of chiropractic degree program.

No. The Doctor of Chiropractic program is only offered through in-person classes at our campus in Portland, Oregon, to provide hands-on learning opportunities.

The 12-quarter doctoral program is designed to be completed in three years.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for chiropractors is $123,010. This information was collected from the time the article was published.

Learn about our Doctor of Chiropractic program completion rates and National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam pass rate here.

Yes, there are both electives and workshops, though they are not required as part of the program. These educational courses provide additional exposure and/or training in content areas that are beyond the core curriculum. Electives are based both on student interest and faculty availability.

The chiropractic practice act in the State of Oregon includes obstetrics (midwifery) and minor surgery. UWS teaches a lecture course in obstetrics that does not include a lab requirement to either deliver a baby or attend a live birth. UWS also offers a two-hour didactic course in minor surgery and a corresponding one-hour elective lab. Minor surgical procedures (laceration repair, removal of lipoma, removal of sebaceous cysts, etc.) can be performed in the UWS outpatient clinic, and students can observe and/or participate on a voluntary basis. Successful completion of these courses would not qualify one to perform obstetrical or minor surgical procedures. More detailed answers regarding the chiropractic practice of obstetrics and minor surgery in Oregon can be obtained from the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners (https://www.oregon.gov/OBCE/index.shtml).

Biomechanics and palpation lectures and labs begin in the first quarter, so students begin right away with hands-on instruction. The first adjusting course, which includes a lecture and lab portion, is offered in the third quarter.

Students enter the clinical internship course series in the 7th quarter and begin treating patients in 8th quarter resulting in 15 months of direct patient care.

Interns begin patient care in the Campus Health Center, remaining there throughout the 8th and 9th quarters. In the 10th quarter, interns become eligible for assignment to the Health Centers of UWS in East Portland, downtown Portland, or Gresham. In addition, students may be assigned to one of our community partner clinics throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Late in the 11th quarter, interns who have met clinic and educational criteria may enter into a preceptor office (a private practice opportunity approved by the university) to complete their clinical education. Interns also have the opportunity for assignment to a highly selective rotation at one of the Veterans Administration (VA) health centers, working directly with a VA doctor of chiropractic throughout the 12th quarter.

Opportunities abroad are uncommon. International clinical opportunities may be available during the 12th quarter depending on the law of the local jurisdiction and the availability of a preceptor doctor to whom the intern can be assigned.

Interns are assigned a total of 1,123 hours in the clinical internship.

On average, interns see 300 patients. Depending on the nature of the preceptor assignment, this number can exceed 500.

Yes, the sports medicine program engages its students in clinical care of athletes in the training rooms of local high schools, a local college, and a wide range of local sporting events.