Dual degree program - pre-chiropractic

If your career goal is to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, get on the right path by starting with your bachelor’s in biology degree with a pre-professional concentration at PennWest California.

You’ll be able to take advantage of PennWest California’s exceptional “3+3” dual degree program, which allows you to earn a bachelor of science degree in biology while transitioning into the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program at one of the nation’s top three chiropractic colleges.

The National Institutes of Health describes chiropractic as “a healthcare profession that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure – mainly the spine – and its functioning.” This complementary therapy often includes spinal manipulation and other treatments to address problems such as lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches.

Earning your B.S. in Biology at PennWest California will be an important part of your professional career planning, since many states require chiropractors to hold a bachelor’s degree, in addition to their chiropractic credential, in order to be licensed to practice. By earning both the B.S. and D.C. degrees, you’ll have maximum flexibility as you begin your career

Pre-chiropractic Program

PennWest California offers dual degree programs leading to a doctorate in chiropractic in conjunction with three of the nation’s top chiropractic colleges:

  • Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest chiropractic school, with campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, Calif.; and Port Orange, Fla.
  • New York Chiropractic College, founded in 1919. Since 1991, NYCC has been located in Seneca Falls, N.Y.
  • Logan University in Chesterfield, Mo. A longstanding PennWest California partner, Logan has been offering chiropractic education since 1935.


Under the agreements, students enroll in PennWest California’s B.S. in Biology program with a pre-professional concentration, where they take approved courses in human anatomy, human physiology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and chemistry, along with other science and general education courses.

After completing a minimum of 90 credits during three years of study at PennWest California, qualifying students transfer to Palmer, NYCC or Logan to begin their chiropractic education. Approximately 30 credits earned in their first year of chiropractic study are accepted at PennWest California, completing the requirements for the B.S. in Biology degree.

Students then complete just over two years of study at Palmer, NYCC or Logan to earn the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

Solid Career Options

Graduates with a D.C. degree are prepared for career opportunities as solo practitioners or members of a group practice, as sports team or corporate chiropractors, or as chiropractic educators or researchers.

Employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 12% through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wage for chiropractors was $68,640 in May 2017.

People across all age groups are increasingly becoming interested in integrative or complementary healthcare as a way to treat pain and to improve overall wellness. Chiropractic care is appealing to patients because chiropractors use nonsurgical methods of treatment and do not prescribe drugs.

Get your start today in the dynamic chiropractic field with pre-professional study at PennWest California – your first step toward a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Apply now!

Chiropractic degree

Benefits of a Dual Degree

Go Further.

The pre-professional program at PennWest California is an efficient and cost-effective first step toward specialized study and a top career as a chiropractic healthcare professional.

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Chiropractic dual degree

Chiropractic Career Options

Exciting Opportunities.

Explore many career opportunities, from solo practitioners and members of a group practice to sports team or corporate chiropractors, and chiropractic educators or researchers.

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Chiropractic degree

Top 10 Reasons to Become a Chiropractor

Many Opportunities.

Get a closer look at the top reasons to become a chiropractor – and why you’ll get the best start in this dynamic field at PennWest California. 

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