When find yourself heading toward a Doctor of Chiropractic degree because of its emphasis on a non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive approach to care, you’ll also want to figure out the most time-efficient way to achieve that goal. One very smart option is to go for a concurrent degree – a special learning plan where a student earns two degrees in a way that takes less time and saves on tuition costs.
How a Concurrent Degree Works
Choosing a concurrent degree, such as a B.S. in Human Biology/Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), is a popular choice for chiropractic students, but remember, the B.S./D.C. option is different from earning dual college degrees or having a double major.
In a concurrent degree program like the B.S./D.C., you embark on a plan that first leads you to the B.S. in Human Biology. That means completing the minimum of 90 credit hours of foundational and general education courses that are part of the requirement for admission to any chiropractic or other physician-level school.
These courses will include American history, general psychology, English composition, college algebra, and health science terminology. Later, you’ll move into the science courses, such as physics with labs, general and organic chemistry, and anatomy and physiology.
If you already have some college coursework and love the idea of a D.C. program, it’s possible some of your biological and life science courses could satisfy the B.S. degree requirements. Your school’s advisor will be able to guide you.
Advantages of the B.S./D.C. Concurrent Degree
The concurrent degree plan shows its advantages when you move into the upper-division life sciences courses. Specific upper-level courses – which most often start with a “3” or “4,” designation – are also part of the Doctor of Chiropractic academic coursework. So, these 25-plus hours of courses are doing double duty by counting toward both the B.S. and D.C. requirements.
At this point, you’re probably thinking a concurrent degree is a magnificent idea, and it is. At the same time, remember that it’s an ambitious degree plan. You’ll want to choose it only after you evaluate its expectations and its rewards.
Reasons to Choose a Concurrent Degree
Academic program coordinators acknowledge this degree plan reduces time in school from a semester to up to a year because of all the classes that apply to the undergraduate degree and the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Here are four statements that should indicate if a concurrent degree is for you:
Get Your Chiropractic Training from CUKC
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, health care-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. The University’s College of Chiropractic has been a pioneer in chiropractic and health sciences for nearly 100 years.
CUKC provides a concurrent bachelor/D.C. program. Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degree while on track for the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. The general and foundational coursework is concentrated into eight-week segments instead of traditional 16-week (semester) classes. The accelerated pace of learning will require self-discipline and your best efforts, but you’ll be supported by plenty of student services and faculty who love to teach.
Enhancing the professional success of graduates is a priority for CUKC. In the University’s Success Strategies seminars and club activities, students receive guidance, resources, and training to:
Eager to know more? Get a comprehensive view of the Doctor of Chiropractic degree and its career outlook by requesting a free ebook, Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession today!
