Doctor of Chiropractic

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 curriculum is structured to integrate concepts and skills across the basic, clinical, and chiropractic sciences that are applied to clinical reasoning, diagnosis, and patient outcomes.

Program Highlights

Evidence-Informed Education

At UWS, sound education in foundational and applied sciences, complemented by research and collaboration within the healthcare community is crucial to mastering the intricacies of treating the whole human being. The comprehensive DC curriculum is evidence-informed and focuses on the whole-person approach to health care.

Integrated Approach

UWS students are educated in diagnosis, adjusting skills, physiological therapeutics, rehabilitation, nutrition, and lifestyle management. The program also emphasizes an integrated approach to patient care, preparing students to work with a variety of professionals within the health care system.

Hands-On Training

During the chiropractic program, students participate in clinic observation, hands-on training with expert clinical mentors, and field practice opportunities with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Hands-on experiences begin in the first quarter when students start honing their practical skills under the supervision of licensed chiropractic physicians.

Minimum Education:  135 quarter credits / 90-semester credits of specified undergraduate coursework, completed with a C- grade or higher.  View other prerequisites here.

University of Western States (UWS) offers a world-class, integrated healthcare education and provides an evidence-informed approach to health and wellness. Our graduates deliver high-quality health care based on science, the professional’s skill and knowledge, and the preferences and experiences of the patient or client.

The university is at the forefront of an emerging, whole-person philosophy of health care by offering a variety of health and wellness educational programs. As a leader in health sciences education since 1904, UWS provides integrated, evidence-informed curricula grounded in our dedication to current research and practices. The commitment spans all of our graduate and professional programs: chiropractic care; naturopathic medicine; human nutrition and functional medicine; sport and performance psychology; clinical mental health counseling; and sports medicine.

Learn more about our programs:

Doctor of Chiropractic

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine

Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology