Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Requirements
Cleveland Chiropractic College Kansas City 2005
Detail of Prerequisite Requirements
Application Procedures
It is the policy of the college to select the most promising candidates for admission. Therefore an applicant who has earned a bachelors degree prior to entering the Doctor of Chiropractic program is preferred. However, a degree is not required for admission and a student may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degree concurrent with the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Cleveland College offers students a choice between a 12 trimester or 9 trimester course of study. The standard course of study leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree is comprised of 12 trimesters of four months each for a total of 48 months or 4 calendar years. The accelerated course of study (the same coursework as the 12 trimester course) consists of nine trimesters of four months each for a total of 36 months or 3 calendar years, which is the minimum amount of time required to complete the degree program. The maximum time allowed for completion of the program is 18 trimesters of enrollment (nine academic years; six calendar years). A student who fails to complete all degree requirements within 72 months from the date of original matriculation forfeits all credits and must reapply for admission to the program under the standards of the College in effect at the time of reapplication. The academic terms begin in September, January and May, and a qualified student may initiate study at the start of any one of these three terms.
The curriculum is designed to qualify graduates for state licensure examination. Certain states may require additional degrees or special courses at the preprofessional or postgraduate level to qualify the applicant for examination. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the state examining board to determine any special requirements. The Registrar at the College will assist the student with interpretation of state board regulations. A listing of states and their requirements is available in the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) Directory in the Library.
The prerequisites for admission to the Doctor of Chiropractic program include:
- Compliance with the standards, policies and guidelines of the Council on Chiropractic Education.
- Completion of at least 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of undergraduate work with specified coursework leading to a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution.
- At least a 2.50 grade point average on a 4.00 scale.
Doctor of Chiropractic Degree - Detail of Course Requirements
The prerequisites for consideration of acceptance into the Doctor of Chiropractic program are in compliance with the standards, policies, and guidelines of the Council on Chiropractic Education. All courses considered for acceptance must have been obtained at an institution or institutions accredited by a nationally recognized agency. Prior to matriculation, applicants must have completed at least ninety (90) or more semester credit units, or the equivalent number of credits in quarter hours, of appropriate pre-professional education courses. A grade of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale is required in each course, and a cumulative grade point average of at 2.50 on a 4.00 scale is required for the 90 semester units.
Of these 90 semester units, a minimum of 48 semester units must be completed in the following 6 subject areas. In each subject area, if more than one course is taken to fulfill the requirement, the course contents must be unduplicated. A cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale is required for these 48 hours.
General Educaion
English Language Skills - 6 semester hours
Psychology - 3 semester hours
Social Sciences or Humanities - 15 semester hours
Biological/Physical Sciences
Biological Sciences - 6 semester hours
Coursework must include pertinent laboratory experiences.
Chemistry - 12 semester hours
The chemistry requirement may be met with at least 3 semester hours of general or inorganic chemistry and at least 6 semester hours of organic chemistry and/or biochemistry courses with unduplicated content. At least 6 semester hours of the chemistry courses must include pertinent related laboratory experiences.
Physics and related studies - 6 semester hours
The physics requirement may be met with either one or more physics courses with unduplicated content (of which one must include a pertinent related laboratory), or 3 semester hours in physics (with laboratory) and 3 semester hours in either biomechanics, kinesiology, statistics, or exercise physiology.
Students who hold a degree leading to licensure/registration in a health science discipline at the baccalaureate level or above with an earned cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 on a scale of 4.00, or who hold a baccalaureate degree with an earned grade point average of at least 3.25 on a scale of 4.00, may be admitted to the DCP upon presenting evidence that their academic preparation substantially meets the requirements for admission consistent with those noted above.
Some state licensing boards may require additional education upon beginning a chiropractic program. Students should consult with the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards at www.FCLB.org.
Additional Courses
Additional semester and/or quarter hours of transferable elective courses may be needed to fulfill the required minimum of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours. Courses That Meet Admission Requirements
Biological/Physical Science: Animal/vertebrate/general biology, zoology, anatomy, physiology, cell biology, microbiology.
General or Inorganic Chemistry: General or inorganic chemistry with labs in a sequence leading up to organic chemistry.
Organic Chemistry: Usually titled Organic Chemistry I and II (III).
Physics: These courses can be an algebra/trigonometry-based sequence and need not be calculus-based. Can be titled General or Principles of Physics I and II (III).
Psychology: Usually titled General or Introductory Psychology.
Communication and/or Language Skills: Composition and speech courses (e.g., English 101, English 102, Speech 101, etc.).
Humanities: Art/art history, cinema/film, classics, drama, fine arts, foreign language, journalism (intro only), linguistics, literature, logic, music, philosophy, radio and television, religions studies, theatre.
Social sciences: Anthropology (not physical), child development, economics, education (history of education), geography (not physical), government, history, minority studies, political science, psychology, sociology.
Doctor of Chiropractic Curriculum
12 Trimester Curricular (4 year program)
Class Title with Credit Units & Trimester Clock Hours
YEAR 1
Trimester I
ANA 502 Systemic Anatomy 3.5 60
ANA 500 Embryology 3 45
ANA 504 Spinal Anatomy 4 60
CHE 508 Biochemistry I: Structure and Function of Macromolecules 5 90
PHY 506 Cell Physiology 3 45
PRI 510 The Philosophy and Science of Chiropractic 2 30
PRA 512 Technique I: The Philosophy and Practice of Static Palpation 1 30
Total 21.5 Credit Units 360 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester II
ANA 514 Histology 5 90
ANA 530 Thorax/Abdomen/Pelvis Anatomy 5 90
CHE 534 Biochemistry II: Digestion/Intermediary Metabolism 5 75
PHY 532 Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Physiology 4 60
PRI 536 The Philosophy and Science of Chiropractic II 2 30
PRA 538 Technique II: Biomechanics I 1.5 30
Total 22.5 Credit Units 375 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester III
ANA 540 Extremity/Back Anatomy 5 90
MPH 562 Public Health I: The Health Care System 3 45
PAT 548 Immunobiology 3 45
PHY 546 Endocrine/Reproductive Physiology 3 45
PHY 560 Renal/Digestive Physiology 3 45
PRA 552 Technique III: The Philosophy and Practice of Kinetic Palpation 1 30
PRA 564 Technique IV: Biomechanics II 2.5 45
PRI 550 Introduction to Research 1 15
Total 21.5 Credit Units 360 Trimester Clock Hours
YEAR 2
Trimester IV
ANA 566 Head/Neck Anatomy 5 90
CHE 568 Basic Nutrition 4 60
MPH 570 Microbiology I: Bacteriology 4 75
PAT 572 General Pathology 4 60
PRA 574 Technique V: The Philosophy and Practice of the Full Spine Specific Technique 3 75
Total 20 Credit Units 360 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester V
ANA 600 Neuroanatomy 6 105
PHY 602 Neurophysiology 4 60
MPH 604 Microbiology II:Virology/Parasitology/Mycology 4 60
PAT 606 Cardiovascular/Pulmonary/Gastrointestinal Pathology 5.5 90
DIM 608 Normal Radiographic Anatomy 3.5 60
CLI 610 Introduction to Clinic I 0.5 15
Total 23.5 Credit Units 390 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester VI
PAT 632 Neuromusculoskeletal/Genitourinary Pathology 5 75
PAT 634 Pathology Laboratory 0.5 15
PHY 630 Physiology Laboratory 1 30
DIM 642 X-ray Physics and Technology 2.5 45
GED 636 Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis 2 30
GED 638 Physical Diagnosis 4 75
GED 640 Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat Diagnosis 2.5 45
PRI 612 The Philosophy and Science of Chiropractic III 1 15
PRA 614 Technique VI: The Philosophy and Practice of the Gonstead Technique 3.5 75
Total 22 Credit Units 405 Trimester Clock Hours
YEAR 3
Trimester VII
MPH 616 Public Health II: Epidemiology 3 45
GED 660 Cardiopulmonary/Endocrine Diagnosis 4 60
GED 664 Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Diagnosis 4 60
NMS 644 Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) Diagnosis I: Physical 3.5 75
PHT 648 Physiotherapy I 3 60
PRA 646 Technique VII: The Philosophy and Practice of the Diversified Technique 2 60
CLI 650 Introduction to Clinic II 0.5 15
Total 20 Credit Units 375 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester VIII
ACS 668 Toxicology I 1 15
ACS 694 Emergency Methods/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 2.5 45
DIM 678 Skeletal Radiology I 3 60
NMS 670 Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) Diagnosis II: Clinical 5 75
NMS 676 Clinical Neurology 4 60
PHT 688 Physiotherapy II/Rehabilitation 3 60
PRA 692 Chiropractic Assessment 2 45
PRA 680 Technique VIII: The Philosophy and Practice of Extravertebral Adjusting 1.5 30
CLI 696 Introduction to Clinic III 0.5 15
Total 22.5 Credit Units 405 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester IX
ASC 716 Pediatrics 3.5 60
ACS 718 Geriatrics 2 30
ACS 720 Dermatology 2 30
DIM 700 Skeletal Radiology II 3 60
DIM 702 Soft Tissue Radiology 2.5 45
DIM 704 X-ray Procedures 1 30
PRI 706 The Philosophy and Science of Chiropractic IV 2 30
PRA 710 Chiropractic Case Management 4.5 75
CLI 714 Clinic Internship I 3 60
Total 23.5 Credit Units 420 Trimester Clock Hours
YEAR 4
Trimester X
ACS 712 Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) 4.5 75
ACS 732 Toxicology II 3 45
DIM 736 X-ray Case Presentation 1 30
GED 730 Clinical Nutrition 3 45
GED 734 Differential Diagnosis 3 45
PRA 708 Tech. IX: The Philosophy and Practice of Integrated Technique Procedures 1 30
CLI 750 Clinic Internship IIB 2 60
Total 17.5 Credit Units 330 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester XI
ACS 744 Chiropractic Practice/Business Management 3 45
ACS 746 Ethics and Jurisprudence 2 30
ACS 748 Psychiatry 3 45
DIM 738 Special Imaging 2 30
PRI 740 Research Methods 1 15
CLI 760 Clinic Internship IIIB 3.5 105
Total 14.5 Credit Units 270 Trimester Clock Hours
Trimester XII
CLI 764 Clinic Internship IVB 12 Credit Units 360 Trimester Clock Hours
Grand Total 241 Credit Units 4,410 Trimester Clock Hours
Electives
GED 578 Health Science Terminology
PRA 628 The Philosophy and Practice of the Advanced Gonstead Technique
PRA 658 The Philosophy and Practice of the Thompson Technique
PRA 698 The Philosophy and Practice of the Gonstead System
PRA 728 The Philosophy and Practice of the Flexion-Distraction Technique
PRA 754 The Philosophy and Practice of the Sacral-Occipital Technique
PRA 758 The Philosophy and Practice of Advanced Sacral-Occipital Technique
PRA 768 The Philosophy and Practice of the Activator Methods Technique
PRA 788 The Philosophy and Practice of the Chiropractic Biophysics Technique (CBP)