Prerequisites for Admission
In accordance with the standards set by the Council on Chiropractic Education, National University of Health Sciences requires that all students complete the following specific prerequisite courses before entering the program:
- 6 semester hours of English language skills
- 3 semester hours of Psychology
- 15 semester hours of Social Sciences/Humanities
- 6 semester hours of Biological Sciences*
- 12 semester hours of Chemistry**
- 6 semester hours of Physics and related studies***
Anatomy (human or comparative) and biochemistry are recommended courses in the biological sciences.
* The biological sciences requirement must be met with two or more courses of unduplicated content, and each course must include pertinent related laboratory experiences that cover the range of material presented in the didactic portions of the courses.
** At least 3 semester hours of chemistry must be general or inorganic chemistry, and at least 6 hours of chemistry must be organic chemistry and/or biochemistry. At least 6 semester hours of the chemistry courses must include pertinent related laboratory experiences that cover a range of material presented in the didactic portions of the courses.
*** This requirement may be met with either two unduplicated physics courses (of which one must include a pertinent related laboratory that covers the range of material presented in the didactic portions of the course), or 3 semester hours in physics (with laboratory) and 3 semester hours in biomechanics, kinesiology, statistics or exercise physiology.
Social Sciences and Humanities include most courses in Anthropology, English, Economics, History, Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Sociology. Art, Dance, Drama, Film, Music, and Theater history or appreciation courses (not studio courses) are also acceptable. Courses in other disciplines - including but not limited to Criminal Justice, Education, Family Relations, Human Geography, and Journalism - may also be acceptable depending on their content. Feel free to contact the Office of Admissions to determine whether or not a particular course is applicable towards meeting the Humanities / Social Sciences prerequisites.
All courses must be taken at an accredited institution and must be transferable at the baccalaureate level. All courses must be completed with a "C" grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher. A grade of "C-" is not satisfactory unless it is equivalent to a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.
GPA Requirements
Students must have earned a baccalaureate degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale). Note: Beginning Fall 2013, applicants will be required to have a baccalaureate degree and a minimum GPA of 3.00. Those between a 2.75 and 2.99 may be considered for admission under an Alternative Admissions Track Plan (AATP).
Students who desire a chiropractic education but have undergraduate degrees with a non-science major, or those who fall short of the required science credit hours to meet National University admission requirements, may enroll in the Prerequisite Program. Under the prerequisite program, students can finish the above prerequisites *, **, *** in an accelerated format during two eight-week mini-terms prior to starting their doctoral program.
Students who are in the process of completing the above prerequisites at another institution are still welcome and encouraged to apply. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-826-6285 or admissions@nuhs.edu to speak with an Admissions Counselor regarding admission.
Technical Standards
In addition, Doctor of Chiropractic students must read and understand the technical standards for the DCprogram.
