The Doctor of Chiropractic program at UWS prepares Canadian students to meet the growing demand for chiropractic care back home.
Chiropractic care has seen a surge in popularity as more patients turn to preventative treatments. The global demand for chiropractic physicians continues to grow, with the field now valued at $20.6 billion. Meanwhile, Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) programs in the U.S. have gained international attention, particularly from Canadian students.
In this article, we will examine the rising demand for chiropractic care and how it is attracting Canadian students to pursue chiropractic studies in the U.S.
The Preventative Power of Chiropractic Care
There is a common misconception that chiropractic care is limited to spinal adjustments, but it’s so much more than that.
Chiropractic care is a whole person approach to health that emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems—particularly those affecting the spine. Chiropractic physicians focus on spinal alignment and use various techniques to enhance overall well-being.
Chiropractic care plays a critical role as a primary preventative measure for spinal pain and musculoskeletal disorders. By addressing misalignments and musculoskeletal dysfunctions early, patients can often avoid more aggressive treatments such as opioid medications or invasive surgeries. Studies show that patients receiving chiropractic care are 60% less likely to require hospital treatment for spinal conditions, highlighting the preventative benefits of this approach.
Additionally, chiropractic care tends to be more affordable than other medical interventions. The effectiveness of chiropractic care in reducing the need for more expensive treatments—such as prescription medications, deep-tissue massage, or physical therapy—subsequently lowers the overall health care costs for patients. Chiropractic care is not only a safer alternative but also a cost-effective way to manage and prevent pain, making it an accessible option for many seeking long-term relief from musculoskeletal issues.
A Comparison of US and Canadian Chiropractic Care
The chiropractic profession has deep roots in both the United States and Canada. Its origins trace back to Daniel David Palmer, who was born in Ontario, Canada, and later moved to Iowa, where he founded the practice of chiropractic in 1895. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the profession, which has since flourished on both sides of the border.
Despite these common roots, there are significant differences in how chiropractic care is delivered, regulated, and integrated into the health care systems of the U.S. and Canada. The differences in accessibility, education, and integration have created unique challenges and opportunities for the chiropractic field in both countries.
Why US Patients Have Greater Access to Care
In the U.S., chiropractic care is widely embraced, with more than 35 million Americans seeking treatment annually. This high level of demand reflects the broad acceptance of chiropractic services as a mainstream option for addressing musculoskeletal issues, pain management, and overall wellness.
The strong utilization of chiropractic services is supported by a substantial workforce of approximately 70,000 licensed DCs across the country. This large pool of practitioners ensures that chiropractic care is readily available in most regions, allowing patients to easily access services.
In contrast, while chiropractic care is valued in Canada, there are only an estimated 9,000 licensed DCs. The smaller number of practitioners limits access to chiropractic services, particularly in rural areas.
UWS helps bridge the gap in Canada’s demand for DCs by equipping students with evidence-based training. Some Canadian licensed alumni then return to Canada to bring advanced skills and a whole person approach to health care, enhancing care in their communities.
How Chiropractic Training Differs
Including the University of Western States, the U.S. has 18 Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs (DCP) that are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. UWS is the second oldest chiropractic school in the world, opening its doors in 1904, just a few years after the practice’s founding.
Though tuition for DC programs is lower in Canada, the options are very slim; currently, there are only two DCPs.
Additionally, specialized course offerings are more advanced in the U.S., giving students an edge in their careers. Here at UWS, several specialized master’s programs can be added concurrently with the DCP. Check out the following programs to further enhance skills in your chiropractic career:
- M.S. Sports Medicine (dual degree)
- M.S. Sport and Performance Psychology
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
To ease the tuition curve, UWS offers a DC scholarship for Canadian students that is automatically applied when students maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Learn more about UWS resources for Canadian students.
Professional Autonomy in the US and Canada
While chiropractic care is well-respected in both countries, there are notable differences in the scope of practice and perception.
One primary nuance when it comes to chiropractic care: Chiropractic physicians in the U.S. are afforded a high level of autonomy and are often more integrated into the health care system. For example, U.S. chiropractic physicians can order advanced diagnostic tests—such as MRIs, CTs, and blood tests—and can refer patients to orthopedic surgeons when necessary. The ability to utilize a wider array of diagnostic tools enhances the role of chiropractic physicians and can improve patient outcomes.
In Canada, chiropractic physicians face more restrictions in terms of diagnostic capabilities. They are authorized to order radiographs (X-rays) but not MRIs or CT scans. This limitation has led some Canadian chiropractic physicians to refer patients to the U.S. for quicker access to diagnostic imaging. Anthony Lombardi, MD, shared with The American Chiropractor: “My practice is located 45 miles from the U.S. border, so I refer my patients to Buffalo to have the diagnostic imaging done so they do not have long wait times in Canada.”
The ability to order additional diagnostic tests for patients is an essential tool for chiropractic physicians to address whole person health—an initiative championed by UWS.
UWS Prepares Students to Serve All Communities
As an integrated health sciences university, UWS champions the motto “For the good of the patient” with a strong focus on whole person health. The university’s diverse student body of more than 1,000 includes individuals from various backgrounds, including a significant Canadian population.
As a provider of integrated health education, students learn to integrate different aspects of health care, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to patient well-being. UWS ensures students become trusted chiropractic leaders who are prepared to care for every patient’s unique needs and address the needs through integrating all fields of health care.
Many UWS alumni carry the UWS approach beyond Portland. “I hope to move to the west coast of Canada and participate in an associateship where I can further refine my skillset and gain experience with a diverse population,” says Jasmine Cheema, DC, graduate of UWS. “Eventually, I would like to have my own practice where I plan on working with elderly individuals and can cater treatment plans to their specific needs.”
The UWS Doctor of Chiropractic program is designed to meet the academic requirements for licensure the U.S. and Canada, providing graduates with a wide range of professional opportunities.
Explore the UWS Doctor of Chiropractic program and make an impact globally.