Pre-Chiropractic

If you are interested in the growing field of chiropractic medicine, a strong foundation in the natural and social sciences as part of a well-rounded liberal arts education is the best preparation for a graduate program in chiropractic. Central students succeed in securing acceptance into chiropractic programs with help from an on-campus pre-health advisor, internship coordinator and academic advisors.

Central College has a transfer agreement with Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which allows Central biology majors to earn both a bachelor’s degree and the doctor of chiropractic degree.

Central students will take three years of required courses for the biology major at Central. After transferring to Palmer for one year, credits from Palmer will transfer back to Central and students will then earn their bachelor's degree from Central. Students who transfer to Palmer College also have options for how quickly they complete the doctor of chiropractic degree: 1) five academic years of eight months at Palmer College or 2) three and one-third consecutive years of continuous coursework at Palmer.

The Central Difference

Individualized Attention

Thanks to Central's small class and laboratory section size, faculty can provide each student with individualized attention and the opportunity to develop skills necessary for graduate school. Our faculty members also provide personalized advising that ensures students meet the coursework requirements for graduate school. And to help students get into graduate school, faculty provide letters of recommendation that make a vital difference in the decision process for acceptance into medical programs.

Wrestler, Potter, Scholar, Entrepreneur

Tanner Zimmerman ’20 studies biology and Spanish, wrestles and runs a successful pottery studio on the side. He says it all ties in with his goal to be a chiropractor.

Heartland Global Health Consortium

Central College is a founding member of the Heartland Global Health Consortium whose mission is to establish and expand multidisciplinary educational, research and service opportunities to inspire and equip students to become leaders in global public health. The consortium provides additional opportunities for students to participate in educational, global research and global medical service experiences.

Hands-On Research

Central faculty provide students with many research and professional development opportunities, of which students are encouraged to take full advantage while on campus. Opportunities include undergraduate research and presentations at scientific meetings, internships, shadowing programs, targeted service-learning opportunities related to career goals and much more.

Off-Campus Experiences

Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.

Facilities

Central’s Vermeer Science Center was awarded the silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from the United States Green Building Council, the first LEED-rated building in the state. Students have direct access to classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and presentation technology.

For chiropractic students, Central’s exercise science building includes a dedicated classroom for the athletic training program that features stools, tables and a taping station instead of desks. The human performance lab features a hydrostatic underwater weighing tank, one of only three in the Midwest. The building uses LCD screens and classroom capture, which enables all classes to be videotaped for review by students.

Beyond Central

Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education

  • Chiropractor/Owner, Dr. Taylor Family & Sports Chiropractic, Ames
  • Chiropractor, ADIO Chiropractic, Des Moines
  • Chiropractor, Gonstead Family Chiropractic, Albuquerque, N.M.
  • Chiropractor, Browne Family Chiropractic, Pella
Central College student

Organizations

  • Biology Club
  • SCATE (Students Concerned About The Environment)
  • Tri-Beta (national biological sciences honor society)
  • Health Professions Club
  • CAAT (athletic training club)

Graduate Placement

  • Palmer College of Chiropractic
  • Northwestern Health Sciences University, Minnesota
  • Life University, Marietta, Ga.

Internships

Students interested in the chiropractic program are able to shadow local professionals for limited hours. Shadowing opportunities are available across the state including Van Wyk Chiropractic, Pella Regional Health Center and Broadlawns Medical Center.

Central College student

Courses & Faculty

Students planning to transfer to Palmer College after three years at Central must major in biology. Students planning to graduate from Central before attending another chiropractic program may major in any discipline that fits with personal and professional life goals. Regardless of major, students are required to successfully complete a series of courses in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, social sciences and English.

The Central College Career Center provides the following activities to help pre-health students narrow career options: individual appointments to identify career options in the health field, job shadowing opportunities with local professionals or Central alumni, assistance with finding and applying for internships and summer opportunities, help with graduate school applications and much more.

Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.

Meet the Faculty

  • Ellen DuPre, B.S., Ph.D., Professor of Biology
  • Katelin Valster, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
  • Shelli Green, B.A., M.S., D.A.T., Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
  • Lee Macomber, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology
  • Dave Pavlat, B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Associate Professor of Kinesiology
  • John Roslien, B.S., M.S., Associate Professor of Kinesiology

TAKE THE NEXT STEP


Learn More

Want to find out more about Pre-Chiropractic at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.

Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.

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