You did the preparation, and now that you’re in chiropractic college; all you have to do is navigate the more than 4,200 hours of class and lab time, plus master all there is to know about assessing, diagnosing, and leading patients to better health and wellness. That’s quite a challenge for even the most well-prepared students. Stay on track for graduation in 3.3 years by knowing and using all the “student success” tools and concepts available.
Anytime you begin thinking your academic preparation for chiropractic college is lacking, call a chiropractic college advisor and ask for their input. Advisors can offer great guidance to ensure you don’t fall behind once classes begin.
If you find yourself struggling with academics after you start, investigate tutoring. Typically, tutoring is free in chiropractic colleges. Plus, the tutors available will be students who have a record of success in those classes.
Another available option is to go directly to faculty and staff. They are specifically chosen for their expertise and talents in understanding situations and will be eager to help you overcome any difficulty.
Didn’t check out the availability of on-campus study rooms and computer labs during your campus visit or tour? Find time early in the trimester to investigate where labs and study rooms are and their hours. Most colleges also have student ambassadors who can help fill in information gaps. They’ve been where you are, and they will have lots of good advice.
Also, talk to the library staff so you know all the learning resources that can help you stay on track. You’ll be amazed about the materials and media options you may not find out about until you ask.
It’s also a fact that learning capacity increases when your nutritional needs are being met. Take advantage of on-campus dining options, especially when the college offers a full-service, on-campus cafeteria, and snack/treat kiosks for self-service dining.
A feeling of being “in community” really helps your energy level and mental health. One way to do that is to live close to campus, and within the immediate area, there are plentiful homes and apartment options where other students like you choose to reside.
When you’re near the campus and close to classmates, setting up study groups and test review sessions is much easier. Another bonus is having convenient access to shopping, recreation, and restaurant choices.
You will likely feel time pressure because of the curriculum, but remember the value of enhancing your education by looking for chiropractic learning opportunities. Job shadowing and internships are two activities that help prepare students for the chiropractic workforce.
Obviously, finding out about these openings is easier when the chiropractic college is well-connected to area chiropractic alumni. Alumni doctors are eager to coach the next generation of chiropractors in how to be successful.
Seeing how experienced chiropractors care for their chiropractic patients in real-time reinforces what you learn in class, in labs, and time spent at the in-school chiropractic health center.
As you know, chiropractors devote themselves to preserving and enhancing health through various strategies, including nutrition, lifestyle counseling, constructive exercise, posture correction, and proper spinal and musculoskeletal function.
It makes sense, then, to join up with other students with like-minded interests. At chiropractic college, you’ll have many opportunities to join student clubs with specific interests.
These clubs often focus on adjusting techniques and chiropractic topics, and there are student memberships in professional chiropractic organizations. These include the Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA), Student International Chiropractic Association (SICA).
You’ll find participating in professional association activities will deepen your professional knowledge while providing excellent networking practice.
In addition to keeping in mind the rewarding goal of serving patients as a doctor of chiropractic, remember these four keys to success during those 3.3 years of chiropractic college:
For more strategies to help you achieve your dream, check out this blog.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university specializing in the chiropractic and health sciences. Our chiropractic history started in 1922, and today, there are more than 11,000 alumni who have earned the Doctor of Chiropractic degree from our College of Chiropractic.
The CUKC campus is in Overland Park, Kansas, a vibrant, Kansas City-area suburb of 190,000 residents. Overland Park is well-known for its livability, family friendliness, and affordability.
For the answers you’re looking for, connect with an academic advisor and download this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.
