---

Doctor of Chiropractic

The University of Western States (UWS) flagship doctor of chiropractic (DC) program is a rigorous, 12-quarter first-professional doctoral program whose graduates are trained as primary care chiropractic physicians. Applicants are expected to have undergraduate preparation similar to that of other professional doctoral health care professions. UWS admission requirements are guided by the academic standards and prerequisites established by the Council on Chiropractic Education. UWS admission requirements also reflect institutional expectations of candidates.

Taught on our beautiful campus in Portland, Oregon, students learn from experienced faculty working in the field. Students gain real-world knowledge to treat patients more effectively and with a relationship-centric approach. The program is typically completed in three to four years.

Prospective students intending to secure licensure outside of Oregon should review their state’s licensure and pre-chiropractic education requirements prior to enrollment.

State Licensure and Pre-chiropractic Education Requirement Resources:

• Licensing Boards
• Bachelors Degree Requirements

What do you need?

---

Prerequisite Entrance Requirements

Minimum Education: 135 quarter credits / 90 semester credits of specified undergraduate coursework, completed with a C- grade or higher, that includes:

• 36 quarter credits / 24 semester credits in the Physical and Life Sciences, half of which must include a lab

Required Prerequisite Coursework:

	Minimum Credits	Example Courses
Anatomy and Physiology	8 quarter credits/6 semester credits	Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Human Anatomy, and/or Exercise Physiology
General Chemistry	4 quarter credits/3 semester credits	General Chemistry I or II (or equivalent introductory course).  Requirement can be replaced with Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry.

Highly recommended prerequisite coursework for the ideal DC applicant can be found here.

UWS recommends a pre-medical foundation as the best preparation for the DC curriculum. Such courses typically include a full year sequence of biology, general chemistry, organic and/or biochemistry, and physics with related labs.

GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

*Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 but above 2.75 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Major: Although the majority of UWS DC students have completed undergraduate programs in biology, chemistry, kinesiology or zoology, there is no “best” major for continuing on into chiropractic study. Your choice of major should be guided primarily by your own intellectual interests and aptitudes.

---

Credit Conversion:

• 1 quarter credit = .67 semester credits
• 1.5 quarter credits = 1 semester credit
• 5 quarter credits = 3.33 semester credits

---

Alternative Admissions Track Plan

The College of Chiropractic recognizes that applicants have diverse experiences and backgrounds. The Alternative Admission Track Program (AATP) allows students who do not meet standard admission requirements, but have exhibited a potential for success, to gain admission to the program based on their education, experiences, and background. Students eligible for AATP must have at least a 2.75 GPA for 135 quarter credits / 90 semester credits of acceptable undergraduate coursework. Such applicants should contact the office of admissions for more information. Students admitted as AATP will be provided with individualized academic plans that may include, but are not limited to, academic coaching, required tutoring, assigned mentors, and regular progress monitoring.

---

Undergraduate Completion

Undergraduate Completion Program: The Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology is a degree completion program that is available to all current UWS doctor of chiropractic students as well as UWS alumni.

---

How to Apply

---

Entry Terms and Application Deadlines

Entry Terms: winter and fall

To ensure an admission decision prior to the desired start term, applicants are encouraged to submit their application, all application documents and supporting documents six months to a year before their intended start date. Listed below are the priority and final deadlines.

Deadline Considerations:

• Applicants with in-progress coursework will still be considered for admission and are asked to submit final transcripts upon course completion.
• We understand that some DC applicants may be waiting on final grades from prerequisite coursework to submit final official transcripts after the final deposit deadline.
• We require that students submit their entire application, supporting documentation and be successfully interviewed, if necessary, and deposited by the deposit deadline.
• If you are unable to submit your application and materials by the final deadline, please contact the admissions office at admissions@test.uws.edu or 800-641-5641.

---

Application Requirements

• Transcripts: UWS requires official transcripts from all prior college and universities. Official transcripts should be mailed directly from those institutions to the UWS office of admissions. Our mailing address is: 8000 NE Tillamook St., Portland, OR 97213. UWS also accepts electronic transcripts from EScript-Safe and Parchment. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded and attached to your application.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are encouraged to use professional or academic references whom are most familiar with your former studies, academic interest and work.
• Interview: A personal interview is only required if requested by the program director. If required, the UWS office of admissions will contact you directly to schedule a personal interview after your application and transcripts have been reviewed. Interviews may be completed either in-person or via Zoom video conference.
• Essay: (250-500 words each): One essay is required about your career goals.
• $50 application fee
• International applicants must also fulfill the international student admission requirements.

Admissions materials assist us in evaluating an applicant’s qualifications for our programs, considering their alignment with the profession, prior academic performance, and ability to demonstrate strong writing skills. All application materials (including statements, letters of recommendation, etc.) must be original and not AI-generated, as this enables us to accurately gauge each student’s writing proficiency and authenticity. Your genuine voice and originality in your materials are pivotal for us to make well-informed decisions.

---

Additional Requirements for Full Acceptance

• Successful completion of a background check through our approved partner, Advanced Reporting. A link to complete this process will be sent to you upon your offer of conditional acceptance to UWS.

---