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 base of the curricular studies is composed of courses in the foundational sciences. 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 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 foundational sciences; introductory chiropractic principles and methods; and radiology.

Trimesters 3, 4, and 5 – completion of foundational 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, 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 10 Curriculum Management Teams. The sequence provides a strong foundational sciences 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 (consisting of physical, neurological, orthopedic, radiological and laboratory procedures) and interpret findings in forming clinical decisions. Students learn that proper diagnosis is fundamental in determining appropriate treatment and in measuring the patient's response to chiropractic care.

Anatomy and Pathology
(9 courses, 33.25 credits)

Course work in the anatomical and pathological sciences provides a solid 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.

Physiology and Biochemistry
(7 courses, 24 credits)

These courses provide a firm foundation for students to understand the nature of the functioning of the human body in health and disease. Courses progress from biochemistry and physiology to clinical biochemistry, clinical nutrition and pharmacology.

Microbiology and Immunology
(5 courses, 12.7 credits)

Courses include infection control, microbiology, immunology, clinical pathology and public health. These courses provide a solid scientific foundation for understanding the complex processes of immunity and pathogen-host interaction.

Chiropractic Principles and Philosophy
(6 courses, 9 credits)

These courses set the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic health care apart from other methods of health care delivery. The principle tenets upon which the profession of chiropractic is founded are explored and discussed.

Chiropractic Methods and Therapeutics
(13 courses, 27.25 credits)

Course work and experiential learning sets the stage for the lifelong journey to becoming a master in the art of adjustment and manipulation. Students will take classes covering physiological therapeutics, exercise and rehabilitation, as well as three years of methods curricula that includes a final term of methods offerings that can be customized.

Diagnostic and Clinical Sciences
(18 courses, 45.75 credits)

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 are managed by two Curriculum Management Teams, functioning as a clinical specialties section (which includes courses on taking a patient history, performing a physical examination, and courses on the diagnosis and chiropractic role in the management of a variety of health problems), and a special populations section (which includes courses covering the unique aspects of diagnosis and treatment of pregnant patients; infants and children; women; and the elderly).

Diagnostic Imaging
(7 courses, 15.5 credits)

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.

Business Foundations
(9 courses, 10.5 credits)

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 produce graduates cognizant of the aspects of business that allow for success as a primary care provider. The principles covered are applicable regardless of the business and professional entity or arrangement the graduate chooses. The objectives of this program are to prepare the graduate with the additional tools and outside clinical competency necessary to succeed in the business of health care delivery.

Clinician Development
(3 courses, 8 credits)

The courses and clinical experiences contained within this program comprise that body of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors necessary in the evolution of becoming a professional chiropractic clinician. A variety of learning interventions and opportunities are offered to ensure a broad exposure to clinical experiences that will allow the learner to discover the types of clinical settings which are personally most appealing and rewarding. Clinical practica such as outpatient experiential learning, interdisciplinary setting rotations and various field experiences are included.

Clinical Education
(7 courses, 31 credits)

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.

Clinic Experience