Doctor of Chiropractic Degree

Program Overview

Integrative Medicine
We believe in bringing together professionals from a broad range of medical specialties for the benefit of patients and the health care industry as a whole.

Broad-Scope, Patient-Centered Care
We prepare our students to evaluate and address the full range of factors affecting human health. You'll learn to diagnose and treat each of your patients based on a thorough evaluation of their unique health history and profile. You won't base your care on just one symptom or one type of treatment, instead you'll learn to think in terms of "whole health healing." You'll draw from a wide range of healing modalities and work together with experts from other medical fields whenever it will benefit your patient.

Outstanding Facilities
Our gross anatomy laboratory houses over 40 human cadavers. In it, you will personally perform complete human dissection rather than learn by prosection or virtual instruction. Additionally, our Training and Assessment Center allows you to practice evaluation and diagnostic techniques with "standardized patients." These are just a few of the many facilities you will enjoy as a student. 

Teaching Adjustment Techniques
As a student at National University, you will learn a variety of chiropractic techniques through our diversified technique curriculum, which includes training in flexion-distraction technique. Learn more »

Unique Approach

National University is one of only two schools in the country to provide chiropractic, naturopathic and acupuncture/oriental medicine degree programs on one campus. Chiropractic students are trained in an integrative medicine setting, alongside first professional students from our naturopathic and acupuncture and oriental medicine programs. In our Lombard clinic, you'll also interact with our resident MD who works with student interns. 

Academic Superiority
National University is the only chiropractic institution that requires a baccalaureate degree for admission. In addition, in Fall 2012, applicants will be required to have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75. We will be the only DC program to require a bachelor's degree in addition to a raised GPA requirement. 

Unparalleled Career Preparation
The new world of health care seeks highly trained healers who understand medical science and can work effectively in integrative medicine. Our broad-scope curriculum at both our Illinois and Florida campuses, provides in-depth training in diagnoses and patient management. Our program also teaches you how to function in an integrative medicine setting. You'll have confidence in making and sharing your diagnoses with colleagues, and serving as a valued member of an integrative medical team. This ensures that you are prepared for the future of integrated health care.

History of Excellence
National University has over 100 years of success in training dedicated physicians and practitioners of natural medicine. Students have counted on us for their education and graduates have looked to us for continued contributions in leadership and research.

Our Curriculum

National University's distinctive and innovative curriculum provides you with a comprehensive base in human biology and anatomy and extensive hands-on training in diagnosis and treatment. We train you to think like a physician. Throughout the program, you will learn how to master a variety of chiropractic techniques through our diversified technique curriculum, which also includes flexion-distraction technique. The chiropractic program is a three phase program. 

Phase I: Basic Sciences

• Spend one full year of anatomy and physiology in our anatomy lab
• Perform complete human dissection rather than learning by prosection or virtual instruction 

Phase II: Clinical Sciences

• Learn how to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of ailments
• Practice evaluation and diagnostic techniques with "standardized patients"
• Gain valuable business knowledge on how to ethically promote and market your practice 

Phase III: Clinical Practice

• Experience your internship through one of a variety of clinical opportunities 

Distinctive Curriculum
View trimester-by-trimester courses, course descriptions, and the course schedule. Learn more »

Internships

National University provides a variety of internship opportunities from our whole health clinics in Illinois and Florida to clerkships and hospital rotations. Our clinical training is designed to provide interns with the kind of challenging, real-world experience that is key to their future professional success. Learn more »

Other Program Opportunities

Dual Degrees
Students who earn their DC degree at National University have the option to earn a second degree (ND, MSOM or MSAc) through dual enrollment. By also completing a naturopathic, acupuncture or oriental medicine degree, students increase their knowledge and skill as a practitioner and broaden practice opportunities. Because there are shared courses between the programs, there will be a reduction of the total number of hours needed to complete the second degree. Students are not eligible to begin dual enrollment until the third trimester of their initial or primary program of study.

Postprofessional Programs
After graduation, students may pursue a number of postprofessional programs such as our master's and residency programs. Of course, there are also a wide variety of continuing education classes offered to facilitate continued professional licensure. In addition, students may pursue specific postprofessional courses and programs while completing their first professional program. (Students must meet prerequisite requirements and attain approval from the Dean of Lincoln College prior to entry.)

DC MPH Program
Students pursuing a DC degree, have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree or Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research (MS CTS) from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Through a coordinated program, students are able to utilize some of their NUHS coursework to shorten the length of the MPH program. Students must be accepted separately into the DC program at National University and the MPH and MS CTS programs at UIC. Those interested, should contact the NUHS Office of Admissions for details.