DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN STATES
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN STATES - PORTLAND, OREGON Founded in 1904, University of Western States (UWS) houses the second oldest chiropractic education program in the world. UWS has evolved into a leading institution for evidence-informed, sciencebased heath care education, with a focus on whole-person health and wellness. UWS is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) – www.nwccu. org. The Doctor of Chiropractic degree program has programmatic accreditation by The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) – www.cce-usa.org. University of Western States has enduring commitment to educating health sciences practitioners with a passion for patient care. The university motto “For the good of the patient” guides every aspect of the institution and positions UWS to fulfill its mission of advancing the science and art of integrated health care through excellence in education and patient care.
UNIVERSITY MISSION To advance the science and art of integrated health care through excellence in education and patient care.
COLLABORATION Extending the pursuit of integrative care beyond campus, UWS has cultivated several key community partnerships and is a founding member of the Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine (OCIM).
OREGON COLLABORATIVE FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE (OCIM) The Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine is a collaborative organization comprised of University of Western States, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, National University of Naturopathic Medicine and Pacific University. OCIM’s vision is to facilitate interactive educational opportunities for students attending the health sciences institutions in Portland by pioneering a model of traditional and holistic health care integration. The organization aims to advance health care through interdisciplinary education, research, patient care and advocacy.
“The education exchange made possible by the Oregon Collaborative of Integrative Medicine permits UWS students to experience a unique blend of multidisciplinary education unavailable elsewhere.” Joseph Brimhall, DC, University President
CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC PROGRAM AT UWS UWS doctor of chiropractic (DC) students are educated in a whole-person approach to health care, which includes diagnosis, adjusting skills, physiological therapeutics, rehabilitation, nutrition and lifestyle management. Hands-on experiences begin in the first quarter, when students develop their skills under the supervision of licensed chiropractic physicians. At University of Western States, we believe research, scientific support, and collaboration within the health care community are crucial to mastering the intricacies of treating the whole human being. The comprehensive DC curriculum is evidence-informed and emphasizes an integrated approach to patient care, preparing students to work with a variety of professionals within the health care system.
UWS chiropractic physicians... • Graduate from an accredited program, prepared for clinical practice. • Launch rewarding, flexible careers in the ever-growing health care field. • Make a difference in people’s lives. • Improve the health of society and shape the future of health care.
OUR PHILOSOPHY University of Western States views health as the optimal functioning of all body systems and structures. The unique composition of each patient requires an individualized approach to health care that seeks to create balance among all systems. Chiropractic health care places a strong focus on the body’s structural integrity and articular function, diet, lifestyle, stress management, emotional well-being and social stability. The UWS chiropractic philosophy embraces an integrated approach to healing and wellness.
DC PROGRAM The University of Western States flagship doctor of chiropractic (DC) program is a rigorous, 12-quarter doctoral program that is typically completed in three years. Taught on our beautiful campus in Portland, Oregon, students learn from experienced faculty working in the field and gain real-world knowledge to treat patients more effectively with a relationship-centric approach.
PROGRAM Doctor of Chiropractic FORMAT on campus LENGTH 12 quarters ENTRY October and January TUITION $10,311 per quarter
FAST FACTS
HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE Since its start in 1904, University of Western States has been a leader in integrating health and science. The university is committed to maintaining academic excellence in chiropractic education, integrated with related fields of health study, to support a balanced approach to patient-centered care.
University of Western States was the first chiropractic college to receive a multimillion dollar federal grant for research.
FUTURE OF PROMISE The UWS DC program is advancing the practice of chiropractic by emphasizing the use of contemporary, evidence-informed methods of inquiry, analysis and treatment. As the evidence evolves, the curriculum evolves. This modern-day approach uses the best available external evidence from systematic research, combines it with the doctor’s clinical experience, and considers each patient’s unique values and expectations for their health care.
WHY UWS? HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
BOARD EXAM SUCCESS The doctor of chiropractic curriculum at University of Western States lays the foundation for student success in board exams and after graduation. Ninety-seven percent of UWS students who take all four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams pass within six months post graduation.
WE’RE INVESTED IN YOU Our faculty members and administrators invest in our student’s education and strive to provide personalized attention and hands-on learning. This dedication to student success is evident in our 12-15 to 1 student-toteacher ratio in adjustive technique labs and a graduation rate of more than 87 percent.
EXTENSIVE CLINICAL TRAINING From access to care during enrollment to direct delivery of patient care, students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed as practicing chiropractic physicians. During the program, students participate in clinic observation, hands-on training with expert clinical mentors and field practice opportunities with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
CONCURRENT DEGREES UWS offers undergrad courses to meet admissions requirements as well as other degree options that can be taken concurrently with the DC program. These include: BS in Human Biology; and MS programs in Sports Medicine; and Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine; and MS and EdD in Sport and Performance Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Students spend five quarters as interns providing care to patients in the campus health center and in Portland-area outpatient clinics. Interns also complete practice rotations in a variety of settings supporting Portland’s underserved communities. Interns, practicing under the supervision of licensed chiropractic physicians, are granted increasing levels of responsibility and clinical authority as competencies are developed and demonstrated. Final-year instruction includes adjustive technique, radiology, correlative and differential diagnosis, pediatrics, geriatrics, clinical psychology, minor surgery and practice management. Students have the opportunity to complete their final term of clinical internship at a communitybased internship (CBI) or at a preceptorship in an established chiropractic practice or clinic. Both the preceptor and CBI programs are intended to enhance the clinical training of chiropractic interns who meet applicable eligibility requirements and want to continue their training in a local practice or one across the world. Interns engage in a wide range of practice activities under the mentorship of a field-based chiropractic physician to gain valuable real world experience and insights relative to chiropractic practice. UWS students have interned throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Peru, the Netherlands, France, Chile and more.
UWS HEALTH CENTER The UWS Health Center provides student interns with clinical experiences in real-world settings. University of Western States students are trained to diagnose and treat conditions commonly addressed in primary care settings. The university also promotes collaboration with other health professionals as a means to effectively address patient health problems and wellness needs. The UWS curriculum prepares students with the professional knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide a broad scope of chiropractic practice in whole-person health and wellness care. At the same time, students become highly skilled in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and related conditions.
INTEGRATIVE EDUCATION University of Western States is continuously growing and expanding within the area of integrated health care education. The institution currently offers our DC students an undergraduate completion degree, graduate-level programs, and post-graduate advanced education.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE PROGRAM The online pre-professional science program is designed to help prospective students fulfill academic requirements needed for entrance into UWS programs. The credits gained through these courses can be attributed to the UWS Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degree. In addition, the pre-professional program may serve as a post-baccalaureate option for students who wish to enter another UWS health sciences program but lack the necessary prerequisites.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN BIOLOGY The Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degree is a completion program available to UWS DC students and alumni. The program provides an opportunity for students to complete an undergraduate degree, obtain a solid foundation in health and pre-medical sciences and fulfill bachelor’s degree requirements for other graduate study programs.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPORTS MEDICINE The Sports Medicine degree is designed for health care professionals who seek specialization in the conditioning and treatment of athletes. It can be pursued concurrently on campus with the DC program. Specific courses completed in the DC program are dually attributed to the sports medicine program, making completion of the additional degree efficient and affordable.
MASTER OF SCIENCE / EdD IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING The Master of Science and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling integrate sport and performance content and emphasize a systems approach in which students consider the influence of families, groups, teams and organizations on individual mental health and performance. A highlight of the program is the Standardized Patient component, in which students get to practice their skills with trained actors.
MASTER OF SCIENCE / EdD IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY The Sport and Performance Psychology program provides students with the skills in positive and applied sport psychology needed to enhance performance and maximize human potential. The program offers a Master of Science degree as well as a doctoral degree.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN NUTRITION AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE The Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program is an online, advanced-practice degree. The curriculum encompasses the latest information in this growing field of health care, which focuses on clinical assessment and patient management strategies using nutritional and wellness-based approaches within a functional medicine model to improve a patient’s health.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING UWS offers a highly-selective Master of Science in Diagnostic Imaging and associated residency program to train chiropractic physicians as specialists in diagnostic imaging. The program equips residents with competency in radiology, education, scholarship and service to the university and prepares them for credentialing examinations administered by the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology.
CONTINUING EDUCATION UWS offers expansive continuing education options for students, alumni and the health care community. The courses provide high-quality professional education in both online and on-site programs across the country. UWS organizes annual signature events, such as NW Symposium and Summer in December, that host cutting-edge presenters who provide engaging continuing education experiences.
CURRICULUM SCIENCE-FOCUSED, EVIDENCE-INFORMED The DC curriculum at UWS integrates concepts and skills across the basic sciences, clinical and chiropractic sciences and patient care. Student learning is successively expanded throughout the curriculum, leading to lifelong learning and continued professional development. This innovative approach results in exceptional diagnostic acumen, along with superior clinical skills and confidence, preparing students for their role as primary care chiropractic physicians.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The program spans 12 quarters, emphasizing science-based courses and clinical experience. Curriculum highlights include: anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and palpation, adjustive technique, radiography, nutrition, dermatology, pathology, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, taping and splinting, emergency care, minor surgery, obstetrics, physical and differential diagnosis and patient/practice management.
STUDENT SUCCESS The university is committed to providing tools and resources for students to succeed during their academic career and as they transition into professional practice.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Through the office of alumni services, UWS offers personalized guidance and self-paced professional development. The UWS Mentor Network connects students, alumni and other health care professionals. Campus panel discussions and guest speaker events focus on a variety of professional practice topics. Students also have access to a broad range of continuing education events. The DC program curriculum includes a five-part business development series that features coursework in marketing and promotion, billing procedures and insurance coding.
LICENSURE The DC program at University of Western States qualifies graduates for licensure exams in all United States and Canadian jurisdictions, and in other foreign countries. Many UWS graduates practice internationally. Licensure regulations vary from one jurisdiction to another and are subject to change. Students should contact individual licensing boards for information on the most current and accurate requirements of a particular area.
Typical licensure eligibility requirements to practice chiropractic include: • Graduation from a program in chiropractic accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) • Passing all parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) for U.S. licensure or Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) examinations for Canadian provincial licensure • Filing of an application with the state or provincial chiropractic licensing board or its equivalent • Pass a laws and rules exam for the individual jurisdiction
CAREER OUTLOOK In established practice, chiropractic physicians earn a 97K average salary, with total compensation of $123K.
U.S. Department of Labor anticipates a 7 percent increase in jobs for chiropractic physicians through 2028.
More than 55 percent of all chiropractic physicians are self-employed and own their own business.
Chiropractic is the fastest growing health care profession in the world.
Chiropractic physicians in the U.S. receive 190 million patient visits annually.
The chiropractic profession is ranked the second most profitable small business by Forbes.
It is estimated that chiropractic physicians treat more than 35 million Americans annually. acatoday.org
Ranked the #1 profession with best job security by MarketWatch.
Discover Chiropractic, Chiroeco, NBCE, acatoday.org, salary.com, MSN and MarketWatch
STUDENT LIFE UWS offers a variety of student services, including more than 30 student clubs, academic tutoring, professional counseling and student events. Students and their immediate family are also eligible for complimentary chiropractic care at the Campus Health Center. Don’t forget the benefit of living in beautiful Portland, Oregon.
STUDENT CLUBS
TUTORING SERVICES
Clubs on campus are student organized and operated, with faculty
The office of student services
guidance and support from the student services department. These
strives to ensure students
groups are designed for campus involvement and to enhance your
have the support resources
education in the DC profession. They’re also a great way to have fun
necessary to excel in the
and get to know your classmates! Join a popular group on campus like
rigorous DC program. Student
associated student body (ASB), adjustive technique, Canadian club,
tutors and mentors provide
yoga, Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) or business
academic assistance outside
club - or create your own.
the classroom at no cost.
GENDER
TOP FIVE LOCATIONS 32% BC 14% ALBERTA 6% CA
58%
42%
13% WA 23% OR
527 STUDENT ENROLLMENT
FY2019
FY2019
AGE
TOP UNDERGRAD DEGREES of entering students
81%
17%
2%
20-29
30-39
40+
exercise science or kinesiology biology sport performance health science
FY2019
CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY UWS is truly a place where everyone knows your name. From faculty to students to staff, our community is welcoming and supportive. Students work closely with one another from day one, so friendships and working relationships are formed quickly and stay strong even after graduation.
COMMUNITY MEET A FEW MEMBERS OF OUR CHIROPRACTIC COMMUNITY
JAMES KURTZ, DC ALUMNUS & CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN FOR THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS UWS alumnus, James T. Kurtz, DC, has been the team chiropractic physician for the Seattle Seahawks since 2009 and has been voted Sports Chiropractor of the Year two years in a row. As one of 32 NFL team chiropractic physicians in the nation, Dr. Kurtz feels fortunate to be part of the Seahawks great medical and training staff. He was voted 2015 UWS Alumnus of the Year in honor of his outstanding work in the field of chiropractic sports medicine.
SISSEL HOLLOWAY, DC & SPORTS MED ALUMNA Sissel is a DC alumna who also completed the MS sports medicine program at UWS. Her goal was to work with athletes after graduation, focusing on wellness care and mindfulness strategies - and she is doing just that at a practice near Portland. When she’s not treating patients she loves to paint abstract anatomical art. At her art show called “Vertebral Subluxation,” she sold all of her pieces to local chiropractic physicians. Even her hobbies express her love of chiropractic!
TEDDY SIM JR., DC ALUMNUS After graduation, UWS alum Teddy Sim Jr., DC, opened his own practice in Las Vegas and he’s been making quite the name for himself. He was recently voted one of the “Top Docs” by MyVegas Magazine and broke a record in 2014 for America’s largest Zumba class with 6,218 students.
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY The university library provides access to one of the largest health sciences collections in the Pacific Northwest. It includes a vast assortment of resources, including anatomical models, DVDs and textbooks. Online databases, electronic journals, eBooks and research guides are available 24/7 through the library website.
ANATOMY LAB UWS doctor of chiropractic students participate in a human cadaver dissection in our world-class anatomy lab during the first three academic terms of the program.
STUDENT AMENITIES The fitness center, meditation room,
campus
store,
coffee
kiosk and neighborhood walking paths
ensure
students
stay
energized and healthy between classes and study sessions.
PORTLAND & BEYOND The University of Western States campus is located in Portland, Oregon, a city unlike any other. It is home to 10,000 acres of public parks, food carts, local coffee, craft breweries, eccentric donut shops and a vibrant bike scene. The people, culture and atmosphere make it a truly one-of-a kind city and a place that enthusiastically welcomes health and wellness professionals.
3
5.5
15
HOURS to Seattle for a weekend getaway
HOURS to Vancouver, BC – don’t forget your passport!
MINUTES to downtown for shopping and dining
90
MINUTES to Mt. Hood for skiing and snowboarding
10
MINUTES to Mt. Tabor for strolling and picnicking
60
MINUTES to Hood River for windsurfing and wine tasting
100
MINUTES to the Oregon Coast for a day at the beach
30
MINUTES to Multnomah Falls for hiking and waterfall views
The UWS campus is located in Northeast Portland, near public transportation and countless places to explore.
ADMISSIONS ACADEMIC PREPARATION The Doctor of Chiropractic program at UWS is a rigorous first-professional doctoral degree program in which graduates are trained as primary care chiropractic physicians. Applicants are expected to have undergraduate preparation comparable to that of other doctoral health care degree programs. UWS admission requirements are informed by the academic standards and prerequisites established by the Council on Chiropractic Education, and reflect the institution’s expectations of candidates. Pursuant to university Policy 1013B and Policy 2001, UWS admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the university. UWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other university programs. Find out more about this policy and how you can handle inquiries at www.uws.edu/consumer-information.
The majority of UWS DC students have completed undergraduate programs in biology, chemistry, kinesiology or zoology. There is no “best” major for continuing on into chiropractic study. Your choice of major should be guided primarily by your own intellectual interests and aptitudes, while completing required prerequisite courses.
TRANSFER STUDENTS UWS gives consideration to applicants desiring to transfer from other chiropractic or health-profession related programs. Applicants seeking transfer must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the program from which transfer credit is requested. Transfer students must meet the same standards for admission as new students. QUARTER SYSTEM The UWS calendar is split into four 11-week quarter terms (winter, spring, summer and fall), with a two week break between terms. The quarter system allows students to complete the entire academic program in 36 months.
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID 2019/2020 TUITION | $10,311 per quarter The DC program is comprised of 12 quarters and can be completed in three to four years, depending on your enrollment plan.
FINANCIAL AID UWS offers financial benefits to those who qualify, including eligible veterans and international students. In addition, students can choose from a wide selection of DC specific, as well as dedicated university scholarships for new and continuing students.
U.S. STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The typical financial aid package for DC students consists of a combination of federal student loans, which may include Direct Stafford and/or Grad PLUS loans. Students who qualify for federal student aid may borrow up to the entire estimated cost of attendance (funding for some types of aid are dependent upon credit qualification). Federal work-study positions may be available as well.
Check national, state and/or provincial student aid programs to determine available options to fund studies in the United States. International students may be eligible for private loans or lines of credit through banks and other financial institutions in their home countries. For students eligible to work in the U.S., tutoring and other select positions on campus may be available.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and use the school code 012309 to have information sent to UWS.
International students who maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA while enrolled in the DC program are eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship each quarter.
VETERANS UWS is a designated Military Friendly School. Student veterans may be eligible to use veterans benefits to finance their education at UWS. For questions on eligibility, contact the UWS office of the registrar at 503-847-2560 or registrar@uws.edu.
GET STARTED TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD A REWARDING CAREER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS • 90 total semester credits (135 quarter credits) • At least 24 semester credits of physical and life sciences (12 credits with laboratory) • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale *Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 but above 2.75 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
OUR APPLICATION PROCESS REQUIRES: • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities • Current resume or CV
TRANSCRIPT EVALUATIONS Forward a copy of your transcripts for assessment and we’ll be happy to review them at no cost—even before you apply. Admissions advisors are available to help you with prerequisite course selection.
• Statement of purpose and supplemental essays • Two professional recommendations • Personal interview
WHEN TO START?
VISIT CAMPUS
Students are admitted to the chiropractic program twice each year. Fall term begins in October. Winter term begins in January. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
One of the best ways to get to know UWS is by visiting Portland and touring campus. Meet with current students and faculty, sit in on classes and explore our community; your visit will be individually tailored to your interests and objectives. Schedule your visit at www.uws.edu/visit-uws or call 800-641-5641.
READY TO APPLY? You can apply online at uws.edu/apply
If you have any questions before you begin your application process, connect with one of our friendly and knowledgeable admissions advisors.
Call 800-641-5641 or email admissions@uws.edu.
CONTACT US CONNECT WITH OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM
800-641-5641 admissions@uws.edu | www.uws.edu University of Western States 8000 NE Tillamook Street Portland, Oregon 97213
www.uws.edu