Pursuing a career in chiropractic care requires a clear understanding of the chiropractic curriculum. The Doctor of Chiropractic program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become licensed and successful chiropractors. Life Chiropractic College West structures its program to combine rigorous academic learning with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to confidently enter the profession.
Overview of the Chiropractic Curriculum
The Doctor of Chiropractic program covers both theoretical and practical aspects of musculoskeletal and nervous system health. The program is divided into two main phases: basic sciences and clinical sciences.
Each phase builds the skills needed to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders, especially those affecting the spine.
Basic Science Phase
In the first two years of the Doctor of Chiropractic program, students focus on building a solid foundation in basic sciences. This phase of the chiropractic curriculum includes courses that are fundamental to understanding how the human body works and how chiropractic care can help improve health.
Key subjects in this phase include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and physiology courses are foundational in chiropractic education. Students learn about the human body’s structure and function, focusing on the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and how they interact. Detailed study of muscles, bones, nerves, and connective tissues is important for understanding the chiropractic adjustments and treatments students will later perform.
- Biomechanics
Biomechanics focuses on the mechanical aspects of human movement, including the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure. This course is critical for understanding how the body moves and how certain injuries or misalignments can occur. Biomechanics knowledge is key for chiropractors to properly assess posture, gait, and body mechanics.
- Neurology
Students learn how the nervous system operates and how spinal health impacts overall bodily function. This course lays the foundation for understanding chiropractic adjustments.
- Pathology
Pathology involves the study of diseases and abnormal conditions in the body. It helps students understand the common causes of musculoskeletal disorders and how to differentiate between different types of diseases or conditions that may present similar symptoms. This course provides the foundation for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
- Nutrition and Wellness
Chiropractic care reaches beyond spinal adjustments. Courses in nutrition and wellness educate students on how diet and lifestyle impact overall health. Students learn how exercise, nutrition, and daily habits influence well-being and help prevent disease.
Clinical Science Phase
After completing the basic sciences, students enter the clinical phase of the chiropractic curriculum. This phase shifts focus from classroom learning to practical, hands-on experience.
Students apply their knowledge in real-world clinical settings, building the skills needed for effective patient care. Courses in this phase emphasize clinical techniques, patient assessment, and treatment planning.
- Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractic techniques courses focus on teaching students how to perform spinal adjustments and other manual therapies to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Training occurs under the guidance of experienced instructors and is reinforced through practice in Life Chiropractic College West’s on-campus health centers.
- Diagnosis and Patient Care
Students learn to conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including reviewing medical histories, performing physical exams, and using diagnostic tests. This training helps students accurately diagnose musculoskeletal disorders and determine when to refer patients to other healthcare providers. Developing tailored treatment plans for each patient is a key part of this course.
- Radiology
Radiology courses teach students to read X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic images commonly used in chiropractic care. Students learn to identify spinal misalignments, fractures, and other conditions that require specific treatments.
This knowledge supports safe and effective care. It allows chiropractors to detect issues that may not be obvious through physical examination alone.
- Clinical Internships and Preceptorships
In the final phase of the program, students begin their clinical internships and preceptorships, where they get hands-on experience working with real patients.
Life Chiropractic College West gives students the opportunity to work in our on-campus health center and gain experience under the supervision of licensed chiropractors. These clinical hours are invaluable for developing the skills necessary for managing patient care independently after graduation.
Elective and Specialty Courses
At Life Chiropractic College West, we offer a variety of elective courses to help students specialize in areas of chiropractic care that interest them. These electives allow students to tailor their education to their career goals and passions. Some common specialty areas within chiropractic care include:
- Sports Chiropractic: Focuses on treating athletes and active individuals with musculoskeletal injuries.
- Pediatric Chiropractic: Specializes in treating children, including those with developmental issues, spinal misalignments, and other concerns.
- Geriatric Chiropractic: Focuses on the needs of elderly patients, addressing issues like arthritis, joint pain, and mobility concerns.
- Wellness Care: Emphasizes the promotion of health through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and preventative care.
These electives give students the chance to deepen their knowledge and become experts in a specific area of chiropractic practice.
Clinical Skills and Hands-On Experience
One of the key components of the chiropractic curriculum at Life Chiropractic College West is the emphasis on clinical training.
Students are encouraged to apply what they learn in real-world settings, working directly with patients in our on-campus health center and in community-based clinical placements. The hands-on experience students gain is vital for building confidence and competence as future chiropractors.
The opportunity to work with real patients is an integral part of the learning process. This allows students to refine their diagnostic skills, treatment techniques, and patient interaction.
Becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic
Completing the Doctor of Chiropractic program is a significant achievement that requires dedication and hard work. The comprehensive chiropractic curriculum at Life Chiropractic College West equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the field.
Students passionate about helping people achieve better health through non-invasive, holistic care will find this path highly rewarding. Life Chiropractic College West supports students throughout their education with resources, hands-on training, and a welcoming environment.
If you are ready to take the next step in your education and begin your career as a chiropractor, Life Chiropractic College West is here to support you. Our Doctor of Chiropractic program offers a clinically inspired curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and a welcoming learning environment.
Request more information, schedule a visit, or apply now to get started. Let us help you make a lasting impact in the field of chiropractic care.
