Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Timeframe

CUKC offers an accelerated Doctor of Chiropractic degree that is structured to give you control over your education and flexible training in many different chiropractic techniques. The degree can be completed in just 3.3 years (10 trimesters).

However, we understand that life changes, and sometimes you need to change with it. For that reason, we offer a “Flex 10” option in addition to the regular 10-trimester track. Consult with your admissions advisor to see if the Flex 10 is right for you. See below for an example of a 10-Trimester progression schedule.

Chiropractic Degree Application Deadlines

Qualified applicants may enter the chiropractic degree program in September, January or May of each year.

Why not get two healthcare degrees rather than one?

Students enrolled in the CUKC Doctor of Chiropractic degree program have an additional benefit. Some states require chiropractors to also hold a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree as part of their pre-licensure process.

CUKC can help you maximize the overall value of your education with a dual degree. Students may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degree at Cleveland University-Kansas City, while concurrently completing the Doctor of Chiropractic program.

See our Concurrent DC/BS Program page for more information.

And CUKC isn’t just about chiropractic

CUKC has accelerated pre-professional science courses you can complete in just eight weeks. We also offer other healthcare degrees.

• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
• Associate of Arts in Biological Sciences
• Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion

For more information, please see the degree list on our Academics page.

Here is an example of what your first trimester schedule might look like:

Trimester I

Doctor of Chiropractic program requirements

The prerequisites for consideration of acceptance into the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program are in compliance with the standards, policies and guidelines of the Council on Chiropractic Education. Admission to the D.C. program requires students to have earned 90 semester hours with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 grade scale. The 90 hours will include a minimum of 24 semester hours in the life and physical sciences of which half the courses must have a substantive laboratory component.

Candidates who have a cumulative grade point average less than 3.0 on a 4.0 grade scale may apply for admission consideration under the Alternative Admissions Track Plan (AATP). Students admitted under the AATP will work closely with the learning specialist and the Office of Academic Support and Access Services to optimize the opportunity for success. No student who has a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.75 on a 4.0 scale can be accepted for admission into the D.C. program.

Successful candidates for the D.C. program will have completed a well-rounded undergraduate general education program of studies along with preparatory life and physical science courses.

Strongly recommended minimum coursework prior to entry into the D.C. program will include among the sciences:

• 8 hours of chemistry (other than introductory level courses) with lab, and at least one organic chemistry course
• 12 hours of life and/or physical sciences which will include biology with lab
• Preferred sciences include biomechanics, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, and exercise physiology.

Strongly recommended minimum general education courses will include:

• 6 hours of English and communication skills, including at least one English composition course
• 3 hours of psychology, plus 12 hours of additional social sciences and humanities courses

Preference will be given to candidates for the D.C. program who have completed the recommended coursework listed above.

Contact Us

Call Cleveland University-Kansas City Admissions at (800) 467-2252 with questions, to schedule a campus tour and/or shadow a doctor of chiropractic in the office, or to request an information packet.

Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Applicant Requirements

To apply to our chiropractic degree program, applicants must submit the following: official transcripts, meet physical requirements, and specific documents for international students.

College Transcripts

Official college transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Transcripts must be presented in sealed envelopes, sent via the postal service, or electronically from the institution you attended. The transcripts must be from a doctor of chiropractic, healthcare professional, or college instructor.

Physical Requirements

Students must possess the following physical qualifications for admission and throughout the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program:

• The coordination and ability to use both upper and lower extremities
• Manual dexterity
• The necessary tactile sense as it relates to the diagnosis and treatment of patients
• Visual and hearing senses, appropriately assisted if necessary, of sufficient acuity to; identify histologic, cytologic, microbiologic and patho­logic structures through a microscope; to record patient histories; to provide routine patient safety services; to perform stethoscopic and other auscultatory examinations; and to read all forms of diagnostic imaging.

The final determination of an individual’s ability to meet these physical qualifications will be made by the University.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Cleveland University-Kansas City believes in the principle and practice of equal employment opportunity and equal educational opportunity. The University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation or preference, disability, pregnancy, Vietnam-era or other military status, or any other legally protected status in its admission, treatment, and evaluation of students or in its hiring, supervision, evaluation, placement, training or promotion of employees.

The academic dean has been designated by the University to coordinate this institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination Act. Persons may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, in Washington, D.C.

This policy applies in all matters, including admission and education of students; availability of student loans, grants, scholarships, and job opportunities; employment and promotion of teaching and non-teaching personnel; and student and faculty housing situated on-premises owned or occupied by the University.

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 467-2252.

Where do you want to practice?

Pre-chiropractic and pre-licensure requirements vary from state to state. Each individual is encouraged to research this information before enrolling at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC).CUKC discloses its licensure compliance at www.cleveland.edu/about-us/consumer-information/. Please note state licensing information is subject to change. Contact the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) for additional information or the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB). The FCLB website to reference is www.fclb.org/boards.aspx. The FCLB phone number: (970) 356-3500.

International Student Applicants

• Submit proof of proficiency in English, as required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, by completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a passing score of 550 or better (paper-based test), 79-80 (internet-based) or 213 or better (computer-based test). Testing information may be obtained by writing to TOEFL, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08504. This requirement is waived if the applicant earned an undergraduate or advanced degree at an accredited institution in the United States.
• Submit evidence of having the financial resources, or funding commitment, as required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, to complete a minimum of one calendar year of education (three trimesters).
• Comply with the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.
• Have their academic documents evaluated by the World Education Service or a service approved by the Director of Admissions. Contact the Office of Admissions regarding evaluation service forms and procedures.
• Meet the same educational requirements (or international equivalency) as United States citizens.
• Submit proof of valid health insurance coverage.
• Submit a copy of the page of the applicant’s valid passport, including name, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, photo, and signature.

As of September 2004, the Department of Homeland Security requires all-new I-20 students to pay an I-901 fee before applying for a VISA. Proof of payment is required at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

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NOTE: If you currently have an I-20 and F-1 visa from another educational program, you may be eligible for a transfer I-20 and F-1 visa. Immediately notify your current institution of your intent to transfer. A letter of acceptance must be sent to your current institution to authorize your transfer as required by the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCSIS). (Canadian citizens are not required to have a Visa to study in the U.S. The only document needed is the I-20.)

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE)

NBCE Exam Completion Rates

D.C. Degree Completion Rates