Pre-Chiropractic
The biology/health sciences track and chemistry/health sciences track curriculums enable the pre-chiropractic student to schedule this coursework along with other course requirements for the respective major.
What is pre-chiropractic?
Pre-chiropractic is a curricular focus for students who plan to enter professional chiropractic education. Most pre-chiropractic students are biology majors; however, a pre-chiropractic student can major in virtually any discipline. Health science advisors give advice to pre-chiropractic majors regarding chiropractic colleges including the colleges' prerequisite requirements, application procedures, and current admissions trends. Pre-chiropractic students are encouraged to participate in a chiropractic experience such as shadowing, visit New York Chiropractic College (or other chiropractic programs), and attend on-campus presentations by visiting chiropractic college admissions personnel.
What is the pre-chiropractic curriculum?
The basic course prerequisites for admission to chiropractic colleges in the United States are:
- 8 credits of biology
- 16 credits of chemistry
- 8 credits of physics
- 6 credits of English
- 3 credits of psychology
Other college-level courses might be required by certain programs so students are advised to examine the specific requirements of the programs to which they plan to apply early in their undergraduate education. The biology/health sciences track curriculum enables the pre-chiropractic student to schedule this course work along with other course requirements for the respective major. Pre-chiropractic students pursuing a non-science major can include these science requirements as electives; however, chiropractic colleges expect non-science majors to perform very well in these science courses. A broad selection of courses is available within the biology and chemistry disciplines, and pre-chiropractic students are encouraged to include among their electives courses such as biochemistry, human physiology, human anatomy, cell biology, histology, pathogenic microbiology and immunology.
What options are open to a pre-chiropractic student?
As of 2001, all chiropractic colleges require a minimum of 90 credits of college course work, including the prerequisites listed above, for entry into their programs. Some former students have chosen to leave Shippensburg prior to earning their undergraduate degree in order to begin chiropractic studies as soon as possible. More often, however, pre-chiropractic students have completed their four-year degree prior to matriculating at a chiropractic college.
Shippensburg University has articulation agreements with New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, NY, and with Logan College of Chiropractic, St. Louis, MO, that enable students to earn their bachelor of science in biology and their doctor of chiropractic degrees in six years. In these 3+3 programs, students take a prescribed outline of 90 credits that includes the general education requirements and core requirements for the biology major during their first three years at Shippensburg. If they meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the articulation agreement, students then enter New York Chiropractic College or Logan College of Chiropractic to complete their doctor of chiropractic degree. Course work is then transferred back to Shippensburg University after successful completion of the first year of chiropractic studies thus enabling the baccalaureate degree in biology to be awarded to the student.
To be eligible for automatic acceptance into either program, students must complete their undergraduate program of study with at least a 3.10 (NYCC) or 3.25 (LCC) cumulative grade point average and have no less than a C in any specified science course. Students who earn less than the required GPA but who earn at least a 2.50 GPA will receive priority consideration in the chiropractic selection process. Students who are interested in pursuing a 3+3 articulation must furnish NYCC and/or LCC with a letter of intent identifying themselves and the date of their desired admission to their program during their freshman year. It is strongly recommended that pre-chiropractic students interested in this opportunity maintain close communication with their health science advisor.
What are the characteristics of a successful pre-chiropractic student?
Competitive pre-chiropractic students almost always have GPAs of 3.0 or better and have participated in a chiropractic-related experience such as shadowing. Leadership, community/human service and a willingness to volunteer contribute to the personal qualities of a successful pre-chiropractic student. Successful students plan a strategy early in their college career with regard to course sequences, internship experiences, and application to chiropractic programs. They also communicate frequently with their pre-chiropractic advisor.
What is the placement rate for Shippensburg University pre-chiropractic students?
All qualified pre-chiropractic students at Shippensburg University have gained admission to chiropractic programs. Over recent years, Shippensburg University students have been accepted to:
- Cleveland College of Chiropractic
- Life Chiropractic
- Logan Chiropractic
- New York Chiropractic College
- Palmer College
- Parker College
- Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic
- Texas Chiropractic College
Why attend Shippensburg University as a pre-chiropractic student?
Science classes are small at Shippensburg University, usually having no more than 16 students per laboratory section. Lectures and labs are taught by seasoned professors; not by graduate students. State-of-the-art laboratory equipment provides hands-on experience with current techniques. Faculty-directed undergraduate research is highly encouraged at Shippensburg, and each year several biology students present results of their research at regional, state, or national conferences.
These experiences contribute to the excellent quality of education available at Shippensburg. As a result, Shippensburg University has a consistent record of placing qualified students into chiropractic programs. Health science advisors maintain close ties with NYCC by visiting their program during the summer months to stay current with admissions procedures and standards. They attend conferences for health professions advisors where they meet colleagues from other universities and share ideas on counseling. This ensures Shippensburg University pre-chiropractic students receive accurate, current and comprehensive information. Practicing professionals and chiropractic school admissions personnel are routinely invited to speak to the Health Sciences Club. Additionally, the diverse health professional interests of Shippensburg University students and the variety of health professionals invited to speak at the university expose pre-chiropractic students to other areas of the health care field; thus students are aware of alternative programs before they commit to the chiropractic profession.
Where can you get more information about pre-chiropractic at Shippensburg University?
For more information regarding the pre-chiropractic curriculum, call or write the following:
Pre-Chiropractic Advisor
Department of Biology
142 Franklin Science Center
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
717-477-1433