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 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 DC 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 studentambassador@test.uws.edu 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

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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!

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Program Highlights

Evidence-Informed Education

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

Integrated Approach

Our doctor of chiropractic students are educated in diagnosis, adjusting skills, physiological therapeutics, rehabilitation, nutrition and lifestyle management. The doctor of chiropractic 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 doctor of 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.

Concurrent Degrees

UWS offers master's degree options that can be taken concurrently with the doctor of chiropractic program, including Sports Medicine; Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine; Clinical Mental Health Counseling; and Sport and Performance Psychology. UWS DC students also have the opportunity to earn dual credit toward a Doctor f Naturopathic Medicine degree at National University of Health Sciences.

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