The University of Western States (UWS) flagship Doctor of Chiropractic program is a rigorous, 12-quarter doctoral program that is designed to be completed in three years. Taught on our beautiful campus in Portland, Oregon, students learn from experienced faculty with practice experience and clinical training. Students gain real-world knowledge to treat patients more effectively and with a relationship-centric approach.
As the second-oldest chiropractic school in the world, UWS has an innovative, evidence-informed approach to whole-person care; it combines research, strong academics, doctors’ knowledge and the inclusion of the patient’s or client’s personal evidence in pursuing courses of treatment. The Doctor of Chiropractic program is structured to integrate concepts and skills across the basic, clinical and chiropractic sciences that are applied to clinical reasoning, diagnosis and patient outcomes. Learn more about the Doctor of Chiropractic degree requirements by connecting with us virtually.
UWS Doctor of Chiropractic students can complete their undergraduate bachelor’s degree in human biology while enrolled in the Doctor of Chiropractic program, without having to take extra classes. Learn more about this benefit.
Explore the career pathways for those who obtain their doctor of chiropractic degree and learn more about what chiropractic means at UWS.
Get your questions answered by your peers. Contact [email protected] for answers to anything from student life to studying tips, and everything in between.
Mission: To prepare students as competent chiropractic physicians who apply evidence informed, patient centered strategies with professionalism and integrity.
Chiropractic Licensure
The Doctor of Chiropractic program offers students chiropractic education sufficient to qualify for licensure in all 50 states and in foreign jurisdictions. Licensure regulations vary from one jurisdiction to another and are subject to change. Students should contact individual licensing boards and consult the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards website for current information regarding licensure requirements in each state.
Students applying to the UWS Doctor of Chiropractic degree program are responsible for contacting the chiropractic examining boards for the states or provinces in which they are interested in practicing to learn the licensure requirements in those states or provinces, particularly as they pertain to pre-chiropractic educational requirements. More information can be found on the UWS Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage.
Learn more about UWS student chiropractic licensing exam performance and program completion rates here.
International Doctor of Chiropractic Students Studying in the US
International students accepted into the Doctor of Chiropractic program must meet U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines for studying in the U.S. prior to enrolling at UWS. Students should initiate this process with plenty of lead time, preferably several months, before leaving home.
Questions about enrolling in our chiropractic school in Portland, Oregon, as an international student should be directed to the Office of Admissions.
Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Course Catalog
Please view our chiropractic program course catalog to gain more insight into the basic science, chiropractic science, clinical education, clinical science, clinical internship, Doctor of Chiropractic program selective and elective courses.
Our Campus
University of Western States has a rich history in the Pacific Northwest and has ensured the longevity, sustainability and growth of health care education in the region. Our current campus is an impressive facility, located at 8000 NE Tillamook Street in Portland, Oregon, offering modern amenities to support our highly esteemed educational programs. Take a video tour of the campus!
