Choosing a chiropractic college is an important decision that many students fail to recognize. Of the schools, some have radically divergent theories, philosophies, and treatment methods. To many students choose on the basis of proximity and their own chiropractors recommendation, which can land them in the wrong institution.

You may view student ratings of some of the chiropractic colleges, but at this time only a few colleges are rated.

The following article addresses the key considerations when choosing your chiropractic institution.

Key Tenets

Philosophy

Probably the biggest defining factor between most of the schools.  Some schools focus heavily, or even exclusively on the philosophy. So what do I mean by philosophy? Philosophy is the theory as to why chiropractic works and thus how to treat your patients. At times it can almost become dogmatic in its approach.

The type of philosophy can vary dramatically too. Some schools are known as ‘mixer’ colleges. At these institutions chiropractic is seen as on of the many tools a chiropractor can provide to heal their patients, along with nutrition, modalities (Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, cold laser, etc.), soft tissue and muscle work, and exercises. Other schools that are more ‘traditional’, primarily focus on the manipulation of spine.

Schools that focus highly on philosophy include… Life College and Sherman College.

Science

To diagnose properly, and recognize diseases outside of a Chiropractor’s realm, one needs extensive teaching in science. This includes anatomy, physiology, physics, pathophysiology, kinesiology, chemisty, and so forth. Some chiropractic schools excel in this department, competing with medical colleges in the content taught. Others offer a more basic science education, often associated with their greater emphasis on the philosophy.

Schools that focus highly on science include… National University of Health Sciences, New York Chiropractic College, and Western States.

Art

Adjusting techniques and patient interactions. This is really the bread and butter of a chiropractor, and of course every school is going to tell you their technique program is the best. In all reality, pretty much all the schools provide a roughly equal education, and its really up to the student to take it as far as possible.

The schools however do teach different techniques, so for example if your doctor uses Toggle on you, and you love it, a school like NYCC which doesn’t teach it in its core curriculum may be a poor choice. Make sure when talking with school representatives to find out what techniques they include in their core teachings.

Business

The unfortunate reality is that chiropractic is ultimately a business, and unless you’re a trust fund baby, if you want to eat you better learn how to run and advertise an office. The importance of a good business education is really dependent on your plans post chiropractic school. If you plan on going solo, you need all the education you can get or your odds of failure go up tremendously. If you plan on being an associate, most likely you’ll get plenty of training in that department.

A key item to ask the college representative is how you obtain patients when you enter your clinical trials. Some colleges will provide the patients, others make it your responsibility.

Schools that focus highly on business include… Parker College.

Location

Ok, ok, I know I played down this factor, but it is important. If its located somewhere that really isn’t you, you’ll be miserable and education will suffer because of it. For the county bumpkin:  New York Chiropractic College and Palmer College. For the city slicker… National University of Health Sciences and Life University. For the beach bum…  Palmer College Florida for example.

In Summary

At the end of the day, all of the colleges only have so many hours to afford in any type of class, and thus ‘best’ college really depends on what you are looking for. But don’t leave it all to location.