Succeeding in Hybrid Chiropractic Classes
Tips for thriving in trimester one of chiropractic school at NWHSU, with a focus on hybrid chiropractic classes.
Starting chiropractic school is exciting, and it can be a bit scary. The curriculum is rigorous: you’re preparing to be a trusted doctor. Ultimately, the three years you spend at NWHSU will be lifechanging. You’ll not only become a confident doctor, but you’ll gain lifelong relationships.
NWHSU is rolling out a competency-centered curriculum—the first in the country! This curriculum includes hybrid coursework to maximize the value of time spent on campus.
Faculty members have collaborated on hybrid, interdisciplinary courses. The courses break down coursework silos and create opportunities for students to apply knowledge and skills. The team-taught courses not only prepare you for boards, but to be competent doctors, making a real difference for patients. One goal is to eliminate the question, ‘Why am I learning this material?’ and to help you feel confident in your education and abilities the moment you leave NWHSU.
Hybrid learning enhances your educational experience, but for some it can be tricky to navigate at first. Here, we’re exploring tips to help you thrive during your first trimester and beyond in hybrid chiropractic classes.
What do Hybrid Chiropractic Classes look like at NWHSU?
Your first hybrid classes at NWHSU will be Integrative Biology of Human Health and Disease 1 and 2. These 5 credit courses combine major basic science disciplines including Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, Histology, Physiology, Microbiology, Embryology, and Neuroscience. This integrative approach helps you as a student gain a more holistic understanding of these foundational sciences. Your professors work together to help you connect the dots.
“Team teaching has helped us reduce redundancies and emphasize important topics in meaningful ways,” shared Dr. Tuchscherer, head of the basic science department in the college of chiropractic.
The Benefits of a Flipped Classroom
Shifting lecture to an online format and freeing up classroom time for discussion and higher-level thinking is called a “Flipped Classroom,” and many believe it is the future of education.
You’ll watch recorded content in these classes, often with embedded questions or quizzes. Then you’ll complete summative exams for each module. This work, that you do on your own time, prepares you to fully engage in your on-campus time.
You’ll also participate in synchronous, on-campus experiences including laboratories and content area discussion. This is when you can ask questions, solve problems, and apply what you learned. Finally, each course features a case presentation that brings into focus the foundational sciences concepts necessary to recognize signs and symptoms of disease. Because you’re not here to become a biologist, you’re here to become a physician.
Think Like a Doctor From Day One
Whereas in most basic sciences classes at other colleges you learn the subject in a vacuum, here, you’ll be thinking like a physician from day one. “You will begin working with the differential diagnosis process, use Evidence Informed Practice principles to recognize treatment options, and through recorded interviews with the patient, demonstrate professionalism, and compassion,” explained Dr. Tuchscherer.
This approach helps you understand how basic science knowledge applies to your future work with patients. We’ve heard from students that this makes it easier to stay engaged and interested from day one.
Tips for Success in Hybrid Chiropractic Classes
Make a Plan that Fits How You Learn
Asynchronous, recorded class content means you can choose when, and how, you engage with the lecture material. That does require self-discipline, but it also leaves room for you to prioritize your learning styles. Think about how you learn best. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
What Time of Day Do You Learn Best?
Are you fresh right away in the morning, in the afternoon, or late at night? Schedule your lecture time to maximize your focus.
Where Do You Learn Best?
Do you prefer studying at home with minimal distractions, or in a busy coffee shop? Maybe you’re someone who takes in information best while moving: so, watching lectures while on a bike or treadmill might work for you!
Do You Learn Best Solo or in a Group?
You might like taking in information in a quiet place alone, or among your classmates. You can meetup with your classmates in one of the comfy study spaces on campus (the library has reservable study rooms). Or mix it up and meet at a coffee shop nearby (check out this reel by an NWHSU alum, or head over to Backstory Coffee).
Connect with Your Classmates
Whether you like watching lectures alone or with friends, you’ll want to connect with your peers as soon as possible! At NWHSU, we offer many opportunities to build relationships as you get settled.
From on-campus classes, to casual meet-ups, you’ll have opportunities to meet your classmates! Plus, we highly recommend that all students join clubs that fit their interests! From pickleball to motion palpation, there’s definitely a club where you’ll belong.
Ask for Help
When we ask students what sets NWHSU apart, the number one answer we hear is “the faculty.” Your professors are going to make an effort to know you, not just as a student, but as a person. And they want you to succeed. So, when something isn’t clicking for you, ask questions! Whether in the on-campus time, or in office hours outside of class, you have many opportunities to ask questions and build relationships.
Plus, Student Affairs offers academic support in many ways, including tutoring, counseling and mental health, and disability services.
Stick to a Routine
Finally, the best thing you can do is be consistent with your studying. Treat your online lecture time like an in-person class: put it on your calendar at a time that fits your learning style, and prioritize it. You’ll find that this helps you stay on schedule and feel organized and prepared!
Use a digital or physical planner to track deadlines and block out study times. Students use a variety of tools:
- Your NWHSU Outlook Calendar
- Google Calendar
- Cozi
- Apple Reminders
- Trello, Asana, or other project management tools
Prioritize Your Health
You came to chiropractic school to help your patients live healthier lives, but you need to start with yourself! School is rigorous, and you’ll spend a lot of time studying in order to succeed. However, it’s crucial to find time for self-care.
That can be as simple as taking a stretch break every hour when studying. But it also might mean working out in the on-campus gym, meal prepping for the week with friends, or getting free acupuncture and chiropractic care and discounted massage therapy in De Rusha Clinic.
And as mentioned about, Student Affairs offers counseling, mental health, and food and housing resources.
Preparing You to Be a Confident Doctor
Right now, you might feel a little overwhelmed. And that’s ok. But we want you to know that our competency-centered curriculum is designed to prepare you to be a successful, confident doctor. We know that you will make a difference for your future patients, and we’re committed to helping you get there!
Not enrolled in chiropractic school yet? Now is the time! Reach out to our admissions team today to find out how our program will set you up for success.