The four years you’ll spend in college to become a Doctor of Chiropractic is a smart part of your life, but so worthwhile. Considering you’ll practice of 30 years or more, you’ll want to make the most of every minute of chiropractic college.
You’ll be astounded at the number of people you’ll meet on the way to your doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree. The amount of connections a person can make with and through those people after four years is limitless.
Whether you are pursuing your undergrad or another degree program, here’s how to stay connected.
1. Attend Alumni Events
Check out the alumni activities at your college before graduation to make connections now that will carry into the future. One of the easiest ways to find out about alumni events is to connect with your university’s Alumni Office and make sure you’re on their mailing list.
The fall season is an excellent time for alumni events. Some schools combine these events with continuing education classes for their alumni.
Many alumni also attend to learn from guest speakers; others use the opportunity to hold an informal class reunion to keep in touch with their peers.
2. Subscribe, Submit, Read, Reach Out, Repeat
Carve time from your busy schedule to go online and subscribe to newsletters from your university and professional associations. Many universities have web pages where you can enter the information yourself. The goal is to make others aware of where you are what’s going on with you.
Once you receive the newsletters, scan the articles for a mention of people you know and people you would like to get to know. Send a text or short email to each of those people to connect with them. Something as simple as “I saw your great news in the alumni magazine. Congrats!”
3. Take Continuing Education Courses
Continuing education courses are useful for staying current and advancing in your profession, personal enrichment, and networking. Continuing education programs offer a wide variety of seminars that cater to many different chiropractic talents and specialties, and offer another way to enlarge your friend and referral networks.
4. Exchange Referrals
After graduation, exchanging patient and business referrals provides a two-way street for growing chiropractic practices. If you have a patient who’s moving to another town or state, you can refer that patient to a chiropractor you know and trust.
5. Become a Student Mentor
Take the time to make student mentorship a priority. Experienced chiropractors realize how hard it is to be a student and are willing to help chiropractic students be successful. By serving as a mentor, you’re paying it forward for future generations in your profession. Plus, you’re showing appreciation for your mentors.
The bottom line is this: It is never too early to start thinking about how you can stay in touch once graduation rolls around. Yes, your doctor of chiropractic degree is goal #1, but remember that making friends and connections will pay dividends far beyond your time in school.
About the College of Chiropractic at Cleveland University-Kansas City
The CUKC Chiropractic Degree Program
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, an award-winning city of nearly 190,000 people within the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The University’s College of Chiropractic has been a national leader since 1922 and has more than 11,500 graduates. CUKC is also the first U.S. chiropractic college to have two Force Sensing Tables in the adjusting laboratory on campus.
Now’s the time to request a free copy of the ebook, Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession today!
