Overview

The Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP) leads to a doctoral level professional degree and is offered over a period of 10 consecutive semesters (trimesters), just over three calendar years. The chiropractic curriculum emphasizes the development of chiropractic skills in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions and the application of research methodologies in an integrative evidence-informed practice model. While utilizing the latest technology, our skilled and experienced faculty work alongside students through didactic and online lectures, clinical skills, labs, and diverse internship rotations. 

In preparation for success as part of a collaborative healthcare team, students participate in the cutting edge Interprofessional Education and Simulation Center, gaining exposure to emulated, realistic patient scenarios in the safety of a controlled environment. The internship and preceptorship experiences include approximately 30-35 hours per week at a variety of clinical settings including, but not limited to, the D’Youville campus clinic, Health Professions Hub, and integrative private practices. Preceptorships are offered in the last term to supplement the clinical education, during which students gain further practical experience across a wide offering of practice environments.

Pre-Chiropractic Pathways for D’Youville Undergraduate Students

D’Youville University offers several undergraduate pathways to the Chiropractic Program. A few of the most popular pathways are listed below. Although these pathways are the most common, students from any undergraduate degree may be considered as long as they have met the pre-requisites for admission.

B.S. in Exercise and Sports Studies (Health Professions Track for Pre-Chiropractic students)

Students interested in chiropractic matriculate into the sequential-degree program (B.S. in ESS + Doctor of Chiropractic [D.C.] program). Entering freshmen matriculate into and complete a B.S. in ESS under the administration of the ESS department. Students choosing the ESS + DC track intimately study the basic sciences (chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology) in addition to the exercise sciences in preparation for the Chiropractic Program.

Exercise and Sports Studies B.S. < D'Youville University (dyouville.edu)

B.S./B.A. Biology (6.5-7.5 year tracks)

Start as a freshman and become a chiropractor in 6.5 to 7.5 years (depending on track) with our B.S. or B.A. in Biology programs. Students will complete their B.S. or B.A. in biology and move directly into the Chiropractic Program provided they complete all Chiropractic Program pre-requisites at a grade of C or better and continue to meet all graduate admissions standards. Refer to the Chiropractic Program section for further details.

Biology B.S. < D'Youville University (dyouville.edu)

B.S. Wellness Management and Massage Therapy

This program contains all Chiropractic Program pre-requisites in its curriculum. Students will complete their B.S. degree requirements and move directly into the DCP provided they complete all pre-requisites at a grade of C or better and continue to meet all graduate admissions standards.  

Massage Therapy and Wellness Management B.S. < D'Youville University

Program Mission Statement

The Chiropractic Program of D'Youville University, through quality academics, research, scholarship, and service, prepares students for rewarding careers as primary health care practitioners, specializing in spine and neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

Vision Statement

The D'Youville Chiropractic Program students, faculty, staff, and alumni are actively engaged with the chiropractic profession and the healthcare community, influencing both through education, research, and service. As a result, chiropractors are respected partners with all other healthcare professions in the delivery of direct patient care, implementing and developing patient-centered best practice protocols, and applying integrative clinical management strategies that enhance patient health outcomes.

Strategic Intent

The Chiropractic Program at D'Youville will be a recognized center of academic and clinical excellence in chiropractic education, practice, and research, and a leader in chiropractic education.

The Chiropractic Program adheres to the core values and principles of D'Youville University. In addition, we affirm the following values:

Core Values

• Evidence-informed practice is central to the program and is the foundation of our research and clinical education.
• Social responsibility is demonstrated through advancing the health and well-being of patients, communities, and at-risk populations through advocacy, education, volunteerism, and service.
• Interprofessional collaboration is fundamental to our program and essential to patient-centered care and supports improved patient outcomes.

Accreditation

The program is approved by the New York Board of Regents and is registered with the New York State Education Department. The Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at D'Youville University has been awarded full, eight-year programmatic accreditation by the:

Council on Chiropractic Education 
8049 North 85th Way 
Scottsdale, AZ, 85258-4321 
Tel: (480) 433-8877 
Website: http://www.cce-usa.org

Individuals with concerns about compliance of the program with the CCE Standards should be directed to the CCE at the above address. Students who successfully complete the Doctor of Chiropractic Program are eligible to sit for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) and the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) licensure examinations.

Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Licensure

Students should be aware that graduation from an academic program does not guarantee licensure, registration, and/ or board certification for entry into practice. It is the student's responsibility to check with the state licensure board in the jurisdiction(s) in which they wish to practice for any additional requirements that must be met for licensure in that state, and to meet those requirements if they desire to obtain licensure to practice in that state. For a complete list of individual state requirements please see http://www.fclb.org.

Graduates who pass the NBCE examinations may apply for licensure in all states. Students are advised that some states may have additional or special requirements that must be met to obtain licensure in that state. Individual state requirements for chiropractic licensure are subject to change. New York State requires specific undergraduate courses and green card/citizenship to qualify for New York State licensure. Please see http://www.nysed.gov for specifics.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
BIO-511	Histology I	1
BIO-512	Histology II	1
BIO-530L	Musculoskeletal Anatomy Lab	1
BIO-535	Embryology	1
BIO-603	Biochemistry	3
BIO-603L	Biochemistry Lab	1
BIO-608	Microbiology	3
BIO-608L	Microbiology Lab	1
CHR-649L	Psychomotor Skills Lab	0.5
BIO-659	Advanced Physiology I	3
CHR-700L	Static Palpation Lab	1
HP-203	Medical Terminology	1
NTR-610	Nutrition and Health	3
	Credits	20.5
Spring
BIO-609	Microbiology II	2
BIO-620	Cranioaxial Anatomy	3
BIO-620L	Cranioaxial Anatomy Lab	1
BIO-639	Human Gross Anatomy	6
BIO-639L	Human Gross Anatomy Lab	0
BIO-660	Advanced Physiology II	3
CHR-701L	Spinal Motion Palpation Lab	0.5
CHR-720L	Evaluation and Management History and Physical Exam Lab	1
CHR-740	Public Health	2
CHR-741	Chiropractic Principles: A Historical Foundation	1
CHR-742	Chiropractic Practice: Science of Chiropractic Theories	1
	Credits	20.5
Summer
BIO-604	Biochemistry II	2
BIO-615	Endocrinology	2
CHR-631	Biomechanics	3
BIO-650	Pathology I: Basics of Pathology	3
CHR-661	Diagnostic Imaging I	3
CHR-661L	Diagnostic Imaging Lab	0.5
CHR-671L	EIP 1: Information Literacy Lab	1
CHR-702L	Thoracic Technique Lab	1
CHR-721	Evaluation and Management of Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat Conditions	2
CHR-721L	Evaluation and Management of Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat Conditions Lab	1
CHR-735	Clinical Neurology I Spine and PNS	4
CHR-735L	Clinical Neurology I Spine and PNS Lab	1
CHR-743	Science of Chiropractic Clinical Applications	1
	Credits	24.5
Second Year
Fall
BIO-651	Pathology II: Systems Pathology	3
CHR-628	Evaluation and Management of Dermatologic Conditions	2
CHR-662	Diagnostic Imaging II	4
CHR-662L	Diagnostic Imaging II Lab	2
CHR-672	EIP II Resh Meth Design & Stats Intp	3
CHR-703L	Lumbopelvic Technique Lab	1
CHR-709L	Motion Palpation Extremity Lab	0.5
CHR-710	NMS I Lumbopelvic Conditions	1
CHR-710L	NMS I Lumbopelvic Lab	0.5
CHR-713L	Soft Tissue Technique Lab	0.5
CHR-736	Clinical Neurology II Central Nervous System	4
CHR-736L	Clinical Neurology II Central Nervous System Lab	1
NTR-611	Life Cycle Nutrition	3
	Credits	25.5
Spring
CHR-665	Diagnostic Imaging V	2
CHR-665L	Diagnostic Imaging V Lab	1
CHR-670	Professional Communications	2
CHR-673	EIP III: Chiro Prin: Evid Inform Pract	3
CHR-704L	Lower Extremity Technique Lab	0.5
CHR-711	NMS II Cervical and Thoracic Conditions	2
CHR-711L	NMS II Cervical and Thoracic Lab	0.5
CHR-715	Passive Rehabilitation Care	2
CHR-715L	Passive Rehabilitation Care Lab	1
CHR-716	Active Rehabilitation of the Spine	1.5
CHR-716L	Active Rehabilitation Spine Care Lab	2
CHR-722	Evaluation and Management of Cardiorespiratory Conditions	2
CHR-722L	Evaluation and Management of Cardiorespiratory Conditions Lab	0.5
CHR-723	Evaluation and Management of Neurological Conditions Capstone	3.5
CHR-723L	Evaluation and Management of Clinical Neurologic Conditions Capstone Lab	1.5
	Credits	25
Summer
CHR-663	Diagnostic Imaging III	4
CHR-663L	Diagnostic Imaging III Lab	2
CHR-674L	EIP Iv: Journal Club Seminar	1
CHR-705L	Upper Extremity Technique Lab	1
CHR-706L	Cervical Technique Lab	1.5
CHR-707L	Flexion Distraction Technique Lab	1
CHR-712	NMS III Extremity Conditions	2
CHR-712L	NMS III Extremity Conditions Lab	0.5
CHR-717	Active Rehabilitation Care Extremities	2
CHR-717L	Active Rehabilitation Care Extremities Lab	1
CHR-724	Evaluation and Management: Emergency Procedures	1
CHR-724L	Evaluation and Management: Emergency Procedures Lab	1
CHR-725	Evaluation and Management of Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Conditions	2
CHR-725L	Evaluation and Management of Gastro/Intestinal and Genital/Urinary Conditions Lab	0.5
CHR-727	Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Conditions	2
	Credits	22.5
Third Year
Fall
CHR-638	Psychology for Health Care Professionals	3
CHR-664	Diagnostic Imaging IV	4
CHR-664L	Diagnostic Imaging IV Lab	2
CHR-677	EIP V: Evidence-Informed NMS Clinical Management Capstone Lecture	3
CHR-677L	Evidence Informed Practice V: NMS Case Management Capstone Lab	0.5
CHR-726	Evaluation and Management of Obstetrics and Gynecology	2
CHR-726L	Evaluation and Management of Obstetrics and Gynecological Conditions Lab	0.5
CHR-729	Evaluation and Management of Athletic Injuries	2
CHR-730	Evaluation and Management Capstone	2
CHR-730L	Evaluation and Management Capstone Lab	1
CHR-731	Professional Development I: Ethics & Law	1
CHR-750	Student Clinic	3
	Credits	24
Spring
CHR-646	Geriatric & Special Needs Populations	2
CHR-732	Professional Development II: Billing & Coding	3
CHR-733	Professional Development III: Starting a Chiropractic Practice	2
CHR-737	Pharmacology	4
CHR-751	Clinical Internship I	7
	Credits	18
Summer
CHR-633	Clinical Nutrition	2
CHR-734	Professional Development IV Managing a Chiropractic Practice Capstone	2
CHR-752	Clinical Internship II	7
	Credits	11
Fourth Year
Fall
CHR-753	Clinical Internship III	7
	Credits	7
	Total Credits	198.5

Academic Regulations

Good Academic Standing

To be in good academic standing for the Doctor of Chiropractic program, student must meet following standards:

• A cumulative graduate quality point average (CQPA) at a 2.5 or above
• Individual class grades at C or above or a satisfactory (S)
• A course may be repeated one time only

Academic Probation

Failure to meet the requirements for good academic standing will result in the student being placed on academic probation.

While on academic probation, if a student fails to achieve the 2.5 CQPA or above, or receives a grade below a C or unsatisfactory grade (U) in another course, the student will be placed on academic probation for an additional term.

Dismissal

Students will be dismissed from the chiropractic program for the following:

1. Failure to raise cumulative graduate G.P.A. of 2.50 or higher on all Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum courses by the end of the designated probationary period.

2.Receiving a failing grade (C-  or lower or U) in a repeated course.

3. Unsatisfactory Professional and Personal Behavior

Students may be dismissed from the chiropractic program for the following:

1. Receiving a failing grade (C-  or lower or U) three or more times in the same semester.

2. Receives four or more failing grades (C-  or lower or U) over the course of the program.

3.  Withdraws from more than three classes (other than in the case of an approved leave of absence) over the course of the program.

Disclaimer

Due to the continuing development of policies and curriculum for the Chiropractic Program at the printing of this catalog, the Chiropractic Program reserves the right to change and enforce said policies and curriculum post publication of this catalog. Students should contact the Executive Director of the program for the most up to date information concerning the program and its policies.

Appeals

To appeal a decision rendered by the School of Health Professions faculty/administration that has academic consequences, the student must follow the appeal procedures which are available at https://www.dyu.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-appeal-procedure.

Admission Requirements

The Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP) admits students whose goals, abilities, and personal attributes are consistent with the DCP's mission.

Students who wish to enroll in the DCP must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of 90 semester hours of college study at an institution(s) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent foreign agency.
  • The minimum GPA for these 90 hours is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A minimum of 24 semester hours must be life and physical science courses, which may include, but not be limited to, courses in general biology, human anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biomechanics, and kinesiology. At least half of these courses must include a laboratory component.
• One letter of formal recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• International/foreign students (other than Canadian) whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores (additional information regarding international applications available at https://www.dyu.edu/admissions/international-and-canadian-admissions)
• A bachelor's degree is recommended but not required. It is the student's responsibility to check with the state licensure board in the jurisdiction(s) in which they wish to practice for any additional requirements that must be met for licensure in that state, including whether a bachelor's degree is required.

Applicants may be offered a conditional admittance if enrolled in required pre-requisite courses and will complete the courses prior to beginning the DCP.

Students who have been dismissed from a chiropractic program, including D'Youville's Doctor of Chiropractic Program, will not be considered for admission to the DCP.

What are "life science" and "physical science" courses? 

A life science includes any branch of science that studies living organisms, their organization, life processes, and relationships to their environment. This would include areas of study such as biology, ecology, medicine, anthropology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other similar areas of study.

A physical science includes any branch of science that studies the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter. This would include areas of study such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology. Included in the list of acceptable science classes are those that combine these areas of study such as kinesiology, exercise science, and biomechanics.

Transfer Policies

Students transferring credits applicable to the DCP must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant for transfer from another Doctor of Chiropractic program must meet the prerequisite admissions requirements detailed above.
2. Credits considered for transfer must have been awarded for graduate-level courses offered by an institution which is recognized by a national accrediting agency.
3. Only credits recorded on an official transcript of the issuing institution with an equivalent grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale or better will be considered for transfer credits. Courses recording a grade of "pass", "satisfactory", or equivalent will not be considered for transfer credit.
4. Credits accepted for transfer must be determined to be substantially equivalent to courses offered by D'Youville University.
5. Credits accepted for transfer must have been awarded within five years of the date of admission with the exception that D'Youville may, at its discretion, accept older credits if the entering student holds an earned professional degree in one of the health sciences (e.g., DC, MD, DO, DDS, DPM) or a graduate degree in an academic discipline closely related to the health sciences.
6. Credits accepted for transfer from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by evidence of the individual student's proficiency in the subject matter of each course for which credits are accepted. Students may be required to take a challenge examination to demonstrate proficiency prior to transfer credit being awarded.
7. Transfer students must complete all of the internship requirements at D’Youville.
8. Transfer students may not transfer more than 50 percent of chiropractic-specific courses.
9. Transfer students must earn no less than 25 percent of the total credits required for the DC degree from D'Youville.

Performance Qualifications

Physical Requirements

Students should have adequate physical abilities, strength, and coordination necessary for appropriate execution of procedures related to patient care.

Sensory Requirements

Students must have the ability to utilize sensory information as necessary and appropriate toward the acquisition, analysis, and integration of knowledge as follows:

Visual

• ability to utilize visual observational skills, whether in the laboratory, classroom, or clinical setting, to the degree of being able to inspect a patient, use diagnostic instruments such as an otoscope and ophthalmoscope, interpret radiographs and other diagnostic images, and be able to accurately discern discolorations of the skin.

Auditory

• capacity to acquire information through auditory-based systems such as auscultation and percussion.

Touch

• ability to make determinations through palpation.

Smell

• ability to recognize that certain odors may be indicative of specific pathological conditions and to accurately identify odors and recognize the significance of a particular odor.

Technical Requirements

Cognitive

• ability to acquire, assess, analyze, and integrate information in varying settings and situations.
• ability to conceptualize three-dimensional objects and their relationship to related structures and/or function.
• capacity to problem solve and to appropriately utilize knowledge and skill sets in novel situations.
• ability to demonstrate professionalism, decorum, and sound judgment as expected of a physician.

Communication 

• have the ability to effectively communicate with individuals, notably patients, towards the objective of gathering and disseminating information.
• skill set necessary for clear, articulate, and coherent communication, including verbal and written with all involved individuals including other practitioners, faculty, and patients.