Frequently Asked Questions
SCU has compiled several of the most popular questions from prospective students.
Where can I find the application? How can I fill it out?
You can find applications on our website under the “Apply Now” button located on every page. You can also download a hard copy there.
How much is the application fee?
DC program: $50
AOM program: $50
Dual-Degree program: $75
Can I pay the Application fee with a credit card?
Yes. You can pay the application fee with a credit card. There is a section at the end of the online application where you can enter that information. You can also provide the Admissions Office with that information over the phone.
What documents do you require for admission?
We require a completed application (including essay), application fee, official college transcripts, high school transcripts/diploma (DC/Dual only), two letters of recommendation, a copy of your driver’s license and a copy of your social security card.
Is there an application deadline?
Currently, there is not a deadline. We do strongly encourage applications to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the term.
How soon can I apply?
You can apply as early as 12 months before the start of the term and as late as to 30 days before the term begins.
How selective is the admissions process?
Admission to SCU is competitive and selective. Many factors weigh in our decision, including academic history performance, oral and written skills, maturity, and intellectual potential.
Can I apply for both the Doctor of Chiropractic and the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine programs?
Yes. SCU offers a first-of-its kind program in which students may co-enroll in both programs. Graduates of the DC and AOM programs enter the health care profession with two powerful degrees from one of the most prestigious complementary and alternative medicine institutions in the country.
Is an interview required?
Yes, an interview is required as part of the admissions process. A faculty member conducts the interview, which will last about a half hour. We encourage you to visit and participate in an in-person interview. However, we understand traveling can be difficult and can arrange for a phone interview.
How soon will I know if I am accepted?
After the interview occurs, you will be notified within one week.
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
Two letters of recommendation are required.
Is there a set format?
We do not have a specific form to be completed. We ask that each reference write at least one paragraph regarding your character and ability to be in the health care field.
Who should write the letters?
One letter needs to come from someone in the health care field. The other letter can be from a professor/teacher, advisor, employer or another health care provider.
Do I need to be finished with prerequisites prior to applying?
No. You can apply to the Doctor of Chiropractic program or the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program while you are finishing your prerequisites.
Do I need to have completed all of my prerequisite courses before attending SCU?
DC: all pre-requisites must be completed before entering the program
AOM: pre-requisites may be taken congruently with course-work as co-requisites
DUAL: all pre-requisites must be completed before entering the DC portion of the program
What are the pre-requisites?
DC/Dual:
15 semester units of Humanities/Social Sciences
6 semester units of English/Communications
3 semester units of Psychology
6 semester units of Biology with lab
6 semester units of General Chemistry with lab
6 semester units of Organic Chemistry with lab
6 semester units of Physics with lab
AOM:
2 semester units of Biology
2 semester units of Chemistry
2 semester units of Physics
2 semester units of Psychology
What courses count toward the Humanities/Social Sciences requirement?
Anthropology, Archeology, Introduction to Business, Child Development, Economics, Education, Geography, Government, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Art, Dance, Drama, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, Literature, Logic, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Theater, World Civilization
Are there any courses that count toward the pre-requisites other than the ones listed?
Yes:
Biology: Anatomy, General Biology, Microbiology, Physiology, Microbiology, Vertebrate Zoology, Cell & Molecular Biology
Organic Chemistry: Biochemistry (can count for ½ or all Organic Chemistry requirement)
Physics: Statistics, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology (3 semester units HAVE to be of Physics)
Do I need official transcripts?
Yes. Official transcripts must be received by SCU before the first day of class.
I attended several colleges; do you need all of them or just my final?
We need an official copy from ALL colleges (community or 4-year) attended prior to attending SCU.
Why do you need a copy of my high school transcripts/diploma?
Only applicants who are interested in the DC or Dual degree program need to provide us with their high school transcripts/diploma. This is a requirement of the California State Board.
What is the difference between quarter units and semester units?
Quarter units are based on 10-12 week courses. Semester units are based on 15 week courses. When calculating units from a quarter unit school, we must transfer them into semester units.
An example of unit conversion: a 4 quarter unit course, will count for 2.67 semester units. If you need to complete 3 semester units of coursework, we recommend a 5 quarter unit course or two courses combined if offered in smaller units.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree required?
We do not require a Bachelor’s degree. However, we do strongly encourage everyone to obtain one before entry, especially into the DC/Dual degree programs. There are states which require a Bachelor’s degree before matriculation into the DC program order to practice in their state.
A Bachelor’s degree is not required for the MAOM program.
Which states require a Bachelor’s degree?
Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin (as of Sept 2007, please double check your state’s website to see if information has changed)
Do you have an Articulation Agreement for the school I’m attending?
We have articulation agreements for most California schools and larger out of state universities.
When do new students begin the program?
DC accepted students can begin in September (Fall) or January (Spring)
AOM accepted can begin in September (Fall), January (Spring), or May (Summer)
How long is the program?
DC: 10 trimesters (3 1/3 years)
AOM: 9 trimesters (3 years)
Dual Degree: 13 trimesters (4 1/3 years) – completing DC degree after 3 1/3 years
Can I be a part-time student?
DC Program: The program is designed to be a full-time program
AOM Program: The program can be taken on a part-time basis
DUAL Program: The program is designed to be a full-time program
Do I need to be enrolled in the DC program in order to enter the AOM program?
No. Students do not need to be enrolled in the DC program to enter the AOM program.
When are classes offered?
DC: Classes are offered Monday-Friday between 8:00am-5:00pm
AOM Day Program: Classes are offered Monday-Friday between 9:00am to 6:00pm.
AOM Evening Program: Classes are offered Monday-Friday between 2:00pm to 9:30pm and Saturday between 9:00am to 5:00pm.
DUAL: Classes are offered Monday-Friday between 8:00am-6:00pm
How large are the class sizes?
DC classes average from 50 students to 75 students per term. Lecture courses accommodate all class sizes. Laboratory courses are broken into smaller groups of students.
AOM classes average from 5 students to 25 students per course.
How many units are in the program?
DC: 220 semester units
AOM: 172 semester units
Dual: 220 DC + 122 AOM
How many clinical hours are completed in the program?
DC: 1,200 clinical hours
AOM: 1,050 clinical hours
How is your DC curriculum better than other chiropractic schools?
Our program is a profound educational innovation that strategically interrelates all of your education in a systematic manner. At SCU we ensure that science, technique, and related skills do not become disparate islands of information. Rather, you are educated in a proactive manner which links all information together in a logical manner. In addition, SCU provides more hands-on technique hours and labs than any other school. Students begin learning chiropractic technique on the first day.
How do SCU DC students perform on their board exams?
SCU students fare extremely well on all 4 parts of the national board exams. SCU students cumulatively perform well above national averages on all parts of the American and Canadian board exams.
What chiropractic techniques are taught?
SCU offers the greatest amount of hands-on technique hours of any chiropractic school. Rather than teach specific labeled techniques (named for their developers), we describe our regional or body part approach using the term "Diversified Technique." We include all relevant techniques for each area of the body.
What makes the acupuncture and oriental medicine curriculum unique to SCU?
The key differentiating factors of the SCU program in acupuncture and oriental medicine are our world-class faculty, state-of-the art facilities, and our accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Our AOM faculty includes some of the finest licensed professionals. The students can achieve their academic excellence under these knowledgeable instructors. In addition to excellent instruction, students learn and train in our state-of-the art health center and in our technologically advanced classrooms and lecture halls. We are the only school has in campus herbal garden. Students can learn herbs from the real fresh samples. SCU was the first program in acupuncture and oriental medicine to be accredited by the stringent WASC.
Is SCU accredited?
Yes, SCU is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) for the DC program, and the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) for the AOM program. SCU is the only university of chiropractic and acupuncture and oriental medicine in the western states to be accredited by the prestigious and rigorous WASC.
What is the campus location like?
The beautiful 38-acre SCU campus is located in a small, quiet, residential, and safe suburb of Whittier, just outside of Los Angeles. Our campus is a serene haven where it is easy to feel at home, excel academically, and thrive personally. Whittier is surrounded by picturesque La Puente Hills and is close to the numerous attractions that make Southern California living so idyllic. In addition to a fantastic lifestyle, Southern California enjoys near perfect weather year round.
Does SCU provide campus housing?
Unfortunately, SCU does not provide on-campus housing. Whittier/North Orange County is a residential area that provides a wealth of affordable housing options for our students.
Does SCU offer job placement?
Yes. During the last year of study, students may take part in an off-campus preceptorship program with a private clinic, which often leads to placement after completion of the program. In addition, students are provided with abundant information on job placement, practices for sale and associate positions. Many students decide to open up a private practice after they complete their studies.
I’m looking to transfer to your school, how much credit will I receive?
The DC or AOM Dean will review your official transcripts to determine your placement within our program. Some courses may have to be repeated, due to variances in curriculum and quarter versus semester system schools.
As a transfer student, what will my schedule look like?
Your schedule will depend on the amount of credit received when the Dean reviews your transcript. The faculty will work you to create a “special schedule” which will keep you on track to graduate in a timely manner.
I already have my degree in AOM, PT, MD, DDS, DO, etc, how much advanced standing will I receive for the DC program?
The DC or AOM Dean will review your official transcripts to determine your placement within our program. Some courses may have to be repeated, due to variances in curriculum and quarter versus semester system schools.
I’m an International student, what steps do I need to take to get into your school?
We require a completed application (including essay), application fee, official college transcripts, high school transcripts/diploma (DC/Dual only), two letters of recommendation, a copy of your driver’s license and a copy of your social security card or birth certificate. Official college transcripts must be evaluated by an educational eervice, such as WES (World Educational Services).
When do I get the I-20 form?
Southern California University of Health Sciences will issue the I-20 Form if you are selected for admission and are able to prove that you have sufficient resources to support yourself while at the University.
How much money do I need to have to get I-20 form?
The affidavit of support documents (bank statements, financial certification forms etc.) should show a minimum amount of $19,875 for the AOM program and $31,500 for the DC or Dual degree program, which covers one year of study at Southern California University of Health Sciences.
Do you send I-20 form to students by express mail (FedEx, DHL, UPS)?
All I-20 documents are sent via FedEx.
If I have an I-20 form from another school, do I still need a new one?
Yes. Once you decide to come to SCU, you must receive a new I-20 form. Also, you need to submit the transfer recommendation form signed by the international student advisor at the school you are transferring from.
How long does it take to receive I-20 Form?
It takes approximately seven to ten business days to process an I-20 form from the time we receive all required documents, including all financial certification.
What residency programs do you offer?
We offer a sports medicine residency program, radiology residency program, and a chiropractic research residency program. Residency programs require a separate application which is completed during your final year of school at SCU through our Professional Studies department.
What community service do you participate in?
Each Spring we hold a 5k run/walk and health fair on campus. We invite the community to learn about health wellness, participate in the 5k. All proceeds go to support a local foundation. Our students also participate in the AIDS Ride every summer. Under faculty supervision, upper term students treat riders at the end of each day. We also participate in the AVON Walk for breast cancer, Corona Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and many other Southern California charities/foundations.
What clubs or organizations do you have on campus?
Technique Clubs: Applied Kinesiology; Gonstead Club; Motion Palpation Club; Sachrial Orbital Technique
Acupuncture Clubs: Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Association; Tai-Qi Club; Medicinal Herb Club; Progressive Acupuncture Association
Chiropractic Clubs: Christian Chiropractic Association; Canadian Student Chiropractic Association; Student American Chiropractic Association; Student California Chiropractic Association; Student International Chiropractic Association; Persian Student Chiropractic Association; Student American Black Chiropractic Association
Sports Clubs: Outdoors Club; Surf Club; Sports Injury Council; Wellness and Yoga; Martial Arts
Other Clubs: Chinese Student Association; Japanese Student Association; Business Club; Delta Tau Alpha; Healing Hands for Humanity; Latter Day Saint Student Association; Stock Traders Club; Toastmasters; Visiting Scholars Program,.
How much is tuition/fees?
DC tuition/fees are a little over $8,000 per term. One year of school costs approximately $25,000. It will cost approximately $80,000 for the program. Tuition increases are estimated at 4% per year.
AOM tuition is broken down by units. Each unit is $207, plus additional fees.
DUAL tuition is a combination of the full amount of DC tuition along with AOM tuition at $197 per unit. DUAL students are given a 5% discount on the AOM program.
Can I receive Financial Aid?
It is the policy of the Financial Aid office to assist our students as much as possible to afford their education.
Are there Scholarships available?
Yes, we do offer scholarships for those who demonstrate academic merit and financial need. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for details.
What type of loans can I receive?
Federal loans carry low interest rates, and can be either need and non-need based. These loans must be repaid once a student leaves the university and are processed every eight months.
Can I work while in school?
We do offer a Federal Work-Study program through on and off-campus employment. These need-based funds must be earned through authorized work experience.
How do I know if I qualify for financial aid?
To find out if you qualify for financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA form?
Yes, in order to receive any type of financial aid, the FAFSA must be completed.
Where do I complete the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is located online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov
What is your school’s FAFSA code?
Our school code is 001229
How do I contact the Financial Aid Office?
The Financial Aid office can be reached at calling (562) 902-3360, 800-221-5222 ext 360 (outside of Southern California) or by email at financialaid@scuhs.edu
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