The doctor of chiropractic curriculum at Northwestern consists of five academic years (three and one-third calendar years). Each year consists of three 15-week trimesters (except Trimesters 8 and 9 which are 17 weeks). The earliest trimesters consist of a strong foundation of basic sciences which are integrated with introductory chiropractic and clinical courses. These courses lay the groundwork for further study in the clinical sciences as well as clinical experiences. A 12-month public clinic internship and preceptorship constitute the last three trimesters. Northwestern offers three trimesters: fall, winter, and summer.

Students begin learning "hands-on" chiropractic techniques beginning in their first trimester and progress to supervised in-class adjusting in Trimester 3. Chiropractic therapies that are taught are broad-based, but stress those adjusting and manipulative procedures that have been proven most effective and which are consistent with biomechanical and biophysiological principles.

These adjusting skills are complemented by related therapeutics such as physiological therapeutics, nutrition counseling, exercise training, rehabilitation and mobilization procedures. Students learn to educate patients regarding healthy living practices, encouraging a holistic view of both mental and physical well-being.

Graduates of Northwestern are prepared to practice as first-contact, primary care chiropractic physicians, able to take responsibility for the health of patients. The diagnostic acumen and therapeutic skill sets required for primary care clinicians requires a strong background in the foundational sciences, as well as current and relevant studies in the clinical sciences. Critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills must be developed in order to make the most appropriate patient-centered health care decisions.

Northwestern students are trained to work in cooperation with all other health care providers. To facilitate such interdisciplinary practices, a network of physicians has been established with whom the clinics interact. Opportunities are also available for interns to spend time as observers within a variety of clinical settings, including local medical practices.

Course Load

The breadth, depth and scope of courses and resulting study load in each term of the curriculum at Northwestern is similar to that in other health care professional schools in its academic rigor. As a result, students should expect substantially heavier loads at Northwestern than at colleges where they completed their pre-chiropractic studies. Those entering or continuing students who wish to modify their course load may benefit from split-schedule registration. A student may request split-schedule information from the Office of the Registrar. Use of a split schedule of courses may add some time and expense to the completion of the academic program.

All students are considered full-time unless classified otherwise by the Academic Standards Committee or by special arrangement through the Office of Student Affairs. Due to the nature of the chiropractic program of study, all students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment. However, in the event that a student requires a term off due to unforeseen circumstances, upon request by the student, the University will consider a leave of absence.

Course Sequence

The chiropractic curriculum is taught in the following pattern:

Trimesters 1 and 2 – courses in basic sciences, introductory chiropractic principles and methods, and radiology.

Trimesters 3, 4, and 5 – completion of basic sciences; advancement in chiropractic methods and sciences; and progress in clinical sciences, including diagnosis and radiology.

Trimesters 6 and 7 – completion of radiology sequence; completion of core curriculum chiropractic science courses, including physiological therapeutics; continued advancement in clinical sciences, including clinical pathology; and University Health Service internship preparatory to service in the University's public clinics.

Trimesters 8, 9, and 10 – service in the University's clinics over a 12-month period; completion of clinical sciences and practice management sequence preparatory to entrance into private or group practice, and elective opportunity to participate in a private practice as a chiropractic physician-preceptor's associate.

Curriculum Organization

The doctor of chiropractic curriculum is comprised of 84 course offerings, organized by eight academic and clinical departments. The sequence provides a strong basic science basis upon which the chiropractic and clinical sciences are built. As clinical subjects are introduced, students make the transition to becoming doctors of chiropractic. In the classroom, laboratory and clinics, students learn to take patient health histories and conduct examinations (including clinical, orthopedic, neurologic, laboratory and imaging examinations) and interpret findings in forming clinical decisions, leading to a diagnosis. Students learn that proper diagnosis is fundamental in determining appropriate treatment and in measuring the patient's response to chiropractic care.

Department of Basic Science
(15 courses, 55.75 credits)
Chair: Mary Tuscherer, MS, PhD, DC

Courses include biochemistry, anatomy (including a focused course on the spine and pelvis), embryology, histology, immunology and microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, and physiology. These courses provide a firm foundation for the development and acquisition of clinical skills and knowledge. These sciences are essential to the development of an
understanding of the complexities of the structural basis of health and disease, as well as the nature of the functioning of the human body in health and disease.

Department of Chiropractic Studies
(16 courses, 28.25 credits)
Chair: Brad Finer, DC, DACAN

Courses in chiropractic principles and philosophy provide students with the history of the chiropractic profession, as well as the nature of the chiropractic health care model and its principal tenets. Chiropractic methods courses, including lectures and experiential learning, set the stage for the life-long journey to becoming a master in the art of chiropractic adjustment and manipulation. Students will take classes covering physiological therapeutics, exercise and rehabilitation, as well as three years of methods curricula.

Department of Diagnostic and Clinical Sciences
(15 courses, 42.5 credits)
Chair: William Elkington, BA, DC

The process of arriving at a diagnosis involves cognitive, behavioral and affective skills that are
acquired over a period of time and sharpened with clinical experiences. These courses are delivered over a six-trimester period and include a variety of learning experiences, such as lecture, small-group, experiential laboratories, self-directed study and online learning. The courses include Clinical Skills I and 2 (which prepare students to obtain a medical
history and perform a physical examination ), clinical pathology, and a number of specialized system-based courses which cover the diagnosis and chiropractic role in the management of a variety of health problems.

Department of Health Promotion and Wellness
(11 courses, 23.45 credits)
Chair: Tolu Oyelowo, BA, DC

The health promotion and wellness course sequence is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply chiropractic care to special populations, including courses covering the unique aspects of diagnosis and treatment of pregnant patients, infants and children, women and the elderly. Courses in this department also cover the topics of public health, health promotion and wellness, especially as these apply to the practice of chiropractic.

Department of Diagnostic Imaging
(7 courses, 15.5 credits)
Chair: Renee DeVries, BS, DC, DACBR

The diagnostic imaging sequence is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge to utilize diagnostic imaging appropriately in chiropractic practice. The role of imaging technology in diagnostic decision-making is covered in a carefully constructed sequence of courses beginning with normal radiographic anatomy and culminating with specialized courses covering all aspects of the chiropractic imaging sciences.

Department of Business and Professional Foundations
(10 courses, 12.5 credits)
Chair: Terry Erickson, BS, DC

Northwestern's business and professional foundations curriculum is the most extensive business curriculum in chiropractic education and spans nine trimesters. The learning opportunities in this area will allow students to develop the personal and business skills required to successfully operate a professional health care practice. The principles covered are applicable regardless of the business and professional entity or arrangement the graduate chooses.

Department of Clinical Education
(9 courses, 47 credits)
Chair: Warren Moe, BS, DC, CCSP

The clinical phase of the curriculum consists of progressive and mentored patient contact preparing students for competent and successful chiropractic practice. Students develop their patient care skill initially in the University Health Services clinic system and then through a variety of real-world experiences in the Natural Care Centers of Northwestern Health
Sciences University and with chiropractic doctors working in private practice settings and in community service learning environments.

Department of Clinical Services

This department provides chiropractic clinical services in the University's clinic system and
opportunities for chiropractic interns to develop the clinical competency to practice chiropractic.

Elective Courses

There are a growing number of elective courses offered by Northwestern College of Chiropractic.
Students are required to take a minimum number of electives beginning in the seventh
trimester. Electives include courses in chiropractic methods, cases studies, research, diagnostic imaging, geriatrics, strategic planning, issues in social biology and others.

Course List

The required curriculum for the doctor of chiropractic degree is composed of a sequence of
courses offered in 10 separate 15- or 17-week trimesters for a minimum total of 4,320 contact
hours, exclusive of elective courses of study.

Clinic Experience

The clinical phase of the curriculum consists of progressive and mentored patient contact preparing students for competent and successful chiropractic practice. Students develop their patient care skills through a variety of real-world experiences in the Natural Care Centers of Northwestern Health Sciences University, with chiropractic doctors working in private practice settings, and in community service learning environments.

Program Changes

Northwestern Health Sciences University reserve the right to change or discontinue academic
programs at the University's discretion.