Academic Programs

Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Mission Statement

The mission of the Doctor of Chiropractic Program is to advance chiropractic by promoting learning, delivering health care, engaging our communities and advancing knowledge through research.

The Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program is the foundation of the educational experience at Palmer College of Chiropractic. The course of study prepares graduates to succeed as primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being. The degree of Doctor of Chiropractic is awarded based upon successful completion of the required course of study in accordance with the standards of the College, which meet or exceed those of its accrediting agencies. To earn a D.C. degree from the College, a student must satisfy all academic, clinical and ethical requirements and complete not less than the final 25% of the total credits required in residence at the College. Up to 75% of the total credits may be awarded through advanced standing. The final academic year prior to graduation must be completed at the campus awarding the degree. Refer to the College Catalog Academic Programs section for additional program information.

Additional Academic Degree Offered on Palmer’s Main Campus

Bachelor of Science Degree
Palmer’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in General Science completion degree provides students with a solid foundation for a successful chiropractic career. The program is designed to complement the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) coursework and prepare students as a future Doctor of Chiropractic. Candidates must have applied to the Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP), have a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale, and have completed 45 college-level credit hours. Candidates who are not currently enrolled in the D.C. program and who have a minimum of 45 credit hours, may be selected if they have completed an application for the D.C. program at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

The Bachelor of Science completion program is located on our Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

Program Requirements
The minimum program requirements are 120 total credit hours: a minimum of 30 of which are general education:

• 30 credit hours of basic science courses from the Palmer DCP.
• 90 credit hours of undergraduate courses (60 credit hours freshman/sophomore level and 30 credit hours junior/senior level) from an institution or institutions accredited at the college level by an accrediting body that is nationally recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. No grade below “C” (2.0 on 4.0 scale) will be accepted toward the Bachelor of Science in General Science Degree.
• Up to 20 credit hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit may be granted (transferable as freshman/sophomore level courses).
• Up to 15 credit hours may be granted from coursework in vocational/technical programs (transferable as freshman/sophomore level courses)

Students must complete the Bachelor of Science degree within one year of graduation from the DCP.

MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS BY SUBJECT AND CREDIT HOUR

*These courses require a lab experience.

Undergraduate courses that do not fall into the categories listed above will be classified at the discretion of the Program Oversight Committee.

Application Procedures
Each of the following forms must be completed and fees paid to the Business Office of Palmer College.

1. Application for Admissions
   • Pay $150 fee ($50 application fee and $100 evaluation fee).
   • Attach unofficial transcripts.
   • Complete form prior to entering 4th trimester in the D.C. curriculum.
2. Intent to Graduate
   • Pay $100 graduation and records fee.
   • Complete prior to entering 10th trimester in the D.C. curriculum.

All forms are available through the Department of Undergraduate Studies, 3rd Floor Campus Center Building, 1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803.

Contact Information
Additional information may be obtained from the program coordinator, Annette VenHorst, at 563-884-5867 or annette.venhorst@palmer.edu.

Clinic Capstone Programs

Intern Preceptorship Program
The Preceptor Program is a clinical educational experience in an approved field doctor’s chiropractic practice during the student’s last term. During this program, the student is supervised and practices under the guidance and license of a chiropractic field doctor contracted with the College as extension or adjunct faculty. The student is required to communicate progress to the College.

The Post-Graduate Preceptorship Program: The participant is supervised and practices under the guidance of the chiropractic field doctor during the period after graduation while working toward state licensure.

Palmer DoD/VA Student Rotation Program
This program offers students a clinical experience opportunity in a Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility. Working with the staff chiropractor(s) in the facility, students provide chiropractic care to active-duty military personnel and veterans. They also gain insight into developing collaborative relationships with other health professionals. Students are eligible to participate during their last two terms.

Residency Programs (Main Campus only)
The College offers two post-graduate residency programs.

Chiropractic Radiology Residency: This in-house three-year program provides education, training and experience in chiropractic radiology and specialized imaging. The resident is then eligible to sit for the board examination administered by the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology.

Chiropractic Rehabilitation Residency: This is an intensive clinical postgraduate program focusing on neuro-musculoskeletal rehabilitation care within an interdisciplinary clinical setting. This three-year program follows the educational requirements outlined by the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board. Upon completion, residents are eligible to sit for diplomate (DACRB) in chiropractic rehabilitation.