Doctor of Chiropractic

Interprofessional Education

SCU’s model of experiential learning in interprofessional settings combines learning alongside other healthcare disciplines, coursework, clinical experiences, community engagement, and campus clubs to expose students to a variety of philosophies, practices and treatment options; help students develop a broad base of knowledge; and prepare future healthcare professionals with a deep understanding of integrative, evidence and team-based, whole-person healthcare.

Preparation for Boards

SCU uses competency exams that mimic the board certification. The competency exams give students feedback on how they are doing, and offer us insights into our performance as a program.

Customized Studies

SCU offers multiple paths to specialize your academic experience with 22 credits of electives that include courses in Sports Medicine, Eastern Medicine, Functional Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, and more. Customize your education to best fit your interests and career goals.

Practitioner Faculty

Our practitioner faculty bring timely experience to the classroom every day, supplementing their lectures with practical advice. Discover real-world insights from faculty who currently practice chiropractic care, and who are deeply connected to the field beyond a theoretical and academic perspective. At the intersection of two worlds, our practitioner faculty help guide your first steps into the world of practice, paving the way for a more gentle and gradual transition from student to professional.

Early Clinical Experience

You will be introduced to multiple care settings and business structures. Students start their clinical studies on-campus at the University Health Center, which has an enriched teaching environment and the Human Performance Optimization Center. The SCU Health Systems provides integrative care to over 45,000 patients per year.  The University Health Center is equipped with an expansive herbal pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, and an electronic health record system. You will interact with other health professions and disciplines and learn how to co-manage patients in an integrated setting within an interdisciplinary team environment. Read more at our Clinical Experiences page.

Clinical Rotations

After your first clinical term, you can expand your clinical experience to partner health centers, private practice rotations, and Veterans’ Health Administration (VA) hospitals. The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities. SCU students have the opportunity for clinical experience at many locations. These include Greater Los Angeles, Loma Linda, Long Beach, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

Cadaver Lab

Cadaver-based anatomy is a classic teaching method that offers invaluable lessons and insight into the shape, feel, and function of the body. During this unique experience for future chiropractors, students express reverence and awe as they approach the body to make their first cut in real tissues and structures. The cadaver lab offers unparalleled insight into anatomical variation, structure, and function to help you become an outstanding provider.

Learning Technology

Education at SCU is supplemented by advanced anatomical teaching tools. All learning technologies are available on site, and many are also accessible at home. SCU offers convenient access to anatomy educational materials outside of normal classroom hours. Advanced learning technologies include: 

• Anatomage, a simulated cadaver. Anatomage is a 6’ by 3’ table with a touchscreen of the human body to aid in learning anatomy. You can also upload pathology and look at images and MRIs.
• Complete Anatomy, also known as 3D4 Medical. Complete Anatomy is a powerful simulated anatomy suite that can be used on your computer at home. Its advanced capabilities enable you to perform intricate tasks such as removing layers of tissue and visualizing details of the human body.
• Diagnostic Imaging Technology, such as X-rays. Diagnostic imaging is crucial to health care. Order diagnostic imaging within the learning environment.
• Draw It to Know It (DITKI), an interactive online learning tool.
  As SCU’s most utilized teaching software, DITKI teaches students internal structures and physiology. The software consists of YouTube-style videos featuring drawings and animations and digital drawing worksheets that empower you to learn. With DITKI, test yourself through multiple methods and prepare successfully for licensure exams. Available for every student at all times, DITKI enables you to study and learn anatomy at your convenience outside of the lab setting.
• SynDavers, silicone structures that replicate living human tissue and are attached in the shape of a full-sized body. SynDavers are designed to be high-fidelity and ultra realistic, helping you to understand the human body as you move muscles and parts. 

SPORTS MEDICINE EMPHASIS CERTIFICATE

Sports Medicine Chiropractors help people of all activity levels, from high-caliber athletes, recreational athletes, and those seeking to feel great engaging in daily activities, to optimize their athletic performance.  Work with elite faculty like Dr. Joe Horrigan, Conditioning Coach for the LA Kings NHL team.  Learn More.

PRIVATE PRACTICE ROTATIONS

You have the opportunity to learn through direct experience in a private practice setting. Private Practice Rotations (PPR) provide students with an opportunity to gain clinical experience at roughly 100 private practice locations. You can gain invaluable insight that will better prepare you for private practice after graduation.