Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree Program

Program Prerequisites

  • Bachelor’s degree earned or a minimum of 90 credits completed
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher within the best 90 credits
  • Minimum of 24 credits in the physical/ life sciences, with a C or better (half of which must contain labs)
  • Recommended coursework in the following areas:
    • Biology/Anatomy and Physiology
    • General Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physics

Required Materials

  • Application
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended
  • 1 letter of recommendation from a healthcare practitioner
  • Personal statement
    • In 250-500 words, detail why you are seeking this degree, how you expect to apply your degree to your professional career after graduation and why you seek to pursue your degree through University of Bridgeport

Deadlines

Completed application and all supporting materials must be received by:

  • July 15 for the fall semester
  • December 1 for the spring semester

International Applicants

Please consult the International admission requirements page, or for specific queries, contact your admissions counselor.

Chiropractic Clinic

University of Bridgeport’s Chiropractic Clinic offers a conservative, drugless, non-surgical approach to healthcare. The Chiropractic Clinic is guided by the following principles:

  • The body is an integrated unit
  • The body has intrinsic self-regulating and healing mechanisms
  • Structure and function are interrelated
  • The neuromusculoskeletal system can affect the functioning of other body systems and in turn, be affected by these systems

Chiropractic care includes spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, physiotherapeutic modalities, exercise, rehabilitation, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling. Senior chiropractic students actively provide care in UB’s on-campus out-patient clinic. Students have the opportunity to work in an integrated health care setting alongside UB’s Acupuncture, Dental Hygiene, and Naturopathic Medicine students. UBSC also has a state-of-the-art human performance Biomechanics lab where students can directly work with athletes from UB’s NCAA Division II sports teams.

Off-Campus Training

Rotations and externships at various off-campus teaching clinics provide UBSC students with diverse clinical experiences. Each semester, select students participate in rotations at two regional Veterans Administration Hospitals where they assist in providing chiropractic care to veterans. Students also have the opportunity to assist UB clinical faculty with the treatment of patients at six community health centers across Connecticut.

UBSC students participate in unmatched clinical training opportunities, including rotations at the following prestigious locations:

Observational Only Rotations

Interns have the opportunity to participate in short term (2 days per week for 2 weeks) to longer term (2 days per week for 6 weeks) observational only rotations. Interns can observe how physicians specialized in orthopedics, radiology, neurology, and may include both MD and DC providers working in a clinical setting. These observational rotations include:

  • Orthopedic Practices – Interns work with two of the largest multidisciplinary orthopedic groups in the State of Connecticut: the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center (OSG) and the Orthopaedic Specialty Group (OSM). Interns have the opportunity to observe how this type of integrated care is provided by working directly with a DC who is employed in these group orthopedic medical practices. Interns are exposed to a variety of clinical conditions that they may not typically see in a traditional chiropractic clinic.
  • MRI Clinical Radiology Training – Interns participate in a 6-week MRI neuroradiology rotation at Stony Brook Medical School and Hospital. Interns observe advanced MRI neuroradiology readings from specialized medical radiologists. Interns participate in this rotation with medical students, medical interns, and fellows specializing in advanced neuroradiology imaging. This rotation provides interns with training and discussion of a variety of complex patient health conditions in a major university teaching hospital.
  • Externships – Upon completion of all quantitative clinical requirements, an intern is eligible for an off campus observational rotation. This is done at the office/clinic of a private practitioner. The experience is strictly observational and the intern cannot participate in any type of patient care. The experience allows an intern to see how a practice operates on a day-to-day basis, from front desk procedures, scheduling, insurance, and patient care. The externship is 3-4 days per week and can be as long as 6 weeks or less. During this experience an intern is required to return to the campus clinic for at least one day per week. During this time they have the opportunity to continue to see patients and continue to be assessed and evaluated in their clinical competency.

Community Health Center, Inc. Clinical Opportunities

Student Training Rotations (CHCI)

In August 2012, the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC) entered into an Academic Affiliation with CHCI. The Affiliation allows UBSC students to participate in clinical rotations at CHCI centers.

The 9 week clinical rotation offers the fourth year chiropractic student an opportunity to evaluate and treat patients suffering from chronic pain due to neuromusculoskeletal conditions/diseases within a community health center. The Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI), a large, statewide Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Connecticut, permits credentialed UBSC senior students to participate in this rotation under the direct supervision of board certified chiropractic specialists that are UBSC faculty members. CHCI provides comprehensive, integrated primary care services including medical, dental, and behavioral health care to over 145,000 medically underserved patients in the state. Over 60% of CHCI patients are racial/ethnic minorities, over 90% are below 200% federal poverty level, 60% are on Medicaid or state insurance, and 22% are uninsured. Each CHCI patient has a designated primary care provider. CHCI is a level 3, Patient-Centered Medical Home and a world class community health center organization.

The chiropractic students gain valuable clinical experiences with both observation and direct hands-on evaluation and management of patients suffering with chronic pain and numerous co-morbidities. Each student will observe faculty members perform interview/history taking, physical examination procedures, differential diagnosis, report of findings, and treatment of patients. The faculty members will observe students performing these same clinical activities and provide direct supervision. This 9 week rotation will allow students to observe and work with clinical faculty in Danbury, New Britain, and Waterbury primary care facilities.

Sixth and seventh-semester UBSC students should express their interest in the rotation and request the materials necessary to seek CHCI credentialing from the Director of the UBSC clinical training.

Community Based Internships

Interns have the opportunity to be selected for a 9-week rotation at a private practitioner’s office. The practicing DC is a member of the clinical faculty and the intern can be involved in all levels of patient care.

Optimus Health Care

The mission of Optimus “is to improve the overall health of our communities in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Stratford, particularly the medically underserved, by providing preventive, primary care and supplemental health care services along with health education in a culturally sensitive manner regardless of one’s ability to pay.”

Optimus is a medical health care organization providing health services to patients in need. Patients are referred for chiropractic health services by medical primary care providers. Care is provided at the Optimus health care clinic site. Interns currently have two locations for rotations each two days per week for five hours per day. This is a 9-week, clinical, hands-on rotation where interns provide care under the supervision of chiropractic faculty. Patients seen here have complex medical health conditions and many are co-managed by chiropractic and medical providers.

VA Clinical Opportunities

In June 2005, the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC) entered into an Academic Affiliation with the VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS). This affiliation allows select UBSC students to participate in clinical training at VACHS facilities. Such training is common in medical education and is typically called a clerkship.

Student participation in VA training is an emerging opportunity in chiropractic education, with UBSC the second chiropractic school in the U.S. to engage. Successful students are self-motivated and able to thrive in a self-directed environment.

The program demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence and professionalism in chiropractic education. Through this affiliation, the following two educational programs for chiropractic trainees are available:

Student Training Rotations VA

Select UBSC students can participate in clinical training at the VACHS facilities in West Haven and Newington, CT. Students provide direct clinical services under the supervision of VA staff DCs. Rotations are typically 35 hours per week for 10 weeks. Each graduating class is allotted 6 rotation slots. Admission is through a competitive application process open to UBSC students only.

Chiropractic Residency Training VA

UBSC is one of only four chiropractic schools in the nation to be partnered with a VA facility in a chiropractic postgraduate residency program. The residency focus is Integrated Clinical Practice, emphasizing the delivery of chiropractic care as part of an interdisciplinary health care team. Residents provide full scope diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions under the mentorship of VA staff DCs. Extensive interprofessional training includes rotations through primary care, physical medicine, pain medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, health psychology, geriatrics, and other services.

The program is 40 hours per week for 52 weeks. One resident slot per year is available. Admission is through a competitive application process open to graduates of a CCE-accredited chiropractic school.

Curriculum

Semester 1

Course  
PP 511 Principles and Practice I: History and Philosophy
TE 511L Chiropractic Examination Skills I: Palpation and Biomechanics of the Spine and Pelvis – Laboratory
AN 512 Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics I: Spine
AN 513 General Anatomy I: Viscera
AN 514 Clinical Embryology
BC 511 Biochemistry, Metabolism and Nutrition: I
TE 511 Chiropractic Examination Skills I: Palpation and Biomechanics of the Spine and Pelvis
PP 512 Principles and Practice II: Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
AN 511 Cell and Tissue Microscopic Anatomy and Physiology

Semester 2

Course  
DI 521 Diagnostic Imaging I: Normal Anatomy (spinal)
MB 521 Clinical Microbiology I: Introduction to Infectious Diseases
NS 521 Neuroscience I (Neuroanatomy)
PH 521 Organ System Microscopic Anatomy and Physiology I (Immune/Endocrine)
PP 523 Principles and Practice III: Contemporary Chiropractic Studies
TE 522 Chiropractic Examination Skills II: Palpation and Biomechanics of the Extremities
TE 522L Chiropractic Examination Skills II: Palpation and Biomechanics of the Extremities Lab
AN 525 General Anatomy II: Head and Neck
AN 526 Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics II: Extremities

Semester 3

Course  
DI 612 Diagnostic Imaging II: Normal Anatomy (Extremities)
DX 611 Diagnostic Skills I: Physical Examination
DX 611L Diagnostic Skills I: Physical Examination: Lab
DX 612 Diagnostic Skills II: Orthopedics and Neurology
DX 612L Diagnostic Skills II: Orthopedics and Neurology Lab
MB 612 Clinical Microbiology II: Infectious Diseases
NS 612 Neuroscience II (Neurophysiology and Disorders)
PA 611 Fundamentals of Pathology
PH612 Organ System Microscopic Anatomy and Physiology II (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Urinary, GI, Reproductive)
TE 613 Technique Procedures I: Introduction to Full Spine Technique Lecture
TE 613L Technique Procedures I: Introduction to Full Spine Technique Lab
BC 612 Biochemistry, Metabolism and Nutrition: II

Semester 4

Course  
DI 623 Diagnostic Imaging III: Bone Pathology
DX 623 Diagnostic Skills III: Orthopedic and Neurology
DX 623L Diagnostic Skills III: Orthopedic and Neurology Lab
DX 624 Laboratory Diagnosis
MB 623 Public Health I: Introduction to Public Health and Epidemiology
PA 622 Systems Pathology
PP 624 Principles and Practice IV: Evidence-Based Practice
TE 624 Technique Procedures II: Intermediate Full Spine and Upper Extremity Technique
TE 624L Technique Procedures II: Intermediate Full Spine and Upper Extremity Technique Lab
TE 625 Technique Procedures III: Soft Tissue
TE 625L Technique Procedures III: Soft Tissue Lab
CN 621 Clinical Nutrition I: Pathology and Assessment

Semester 5

Course  
DD 711 Differential Diagnosis I: Internal Disorders
DD 711L Differential Diagnosis I: Internal Disorders Laboratory
DI 714 Diagnostic Imaging IV: Arthritis and Trauma
ER 711 Emergency Procedures
PH 713 Toxicology and Pharmacology
PP 715 Principles and Practice V: Ethics
PS 711 Clinical Psychology
PT 711 Physiological Therapeutics I: Modalities
PT 711L Physiological Therapeutics I: Modalities Laboratory
RS 711 Evidence Based Practice I
TE 716 Technique Procedures IV: Intermediate Full Spine and Lower Extremity Technique
TE 716L Technique Procedures IV: Intermediate Full Spine and Lower Extremity Technique Laboratory
TE 717L Technique Procedures V: Soft Tissue II
CN 712 Clinical Nutrition II: Treatment and Management

Semester 6

Course  
DX 725 Special Populations
CS 721 Clinical Services I
DD 722 Differential Diagnosis II: Neuromusculoskeletal
DI 725 Diagnostic Imaging V: Chest and Abdomen
DI 726 Diagnostic Imaging VI: Positioning and Physics
MB 724 Public Health II: Community Health and Wellness
PT 722 Physiological Therapeutics II: Rehabilitation
PT 722L Physiological Therapeutics II: Rehabilitation Laboratory
RS 722 Evidence Based Practice II
TE 728 Technique Procedures VI: Advanced Chiropractic Technique I
TE 728L Technique Procedures VI: Advanced Chiropractic Technique I Laboratory
BP 722 Business Procedures and Marketing
BP 721 Documentation and Insurance Protocols (Billing and Coding)

Semester 7

Course  
DI 827 Diagnostic Imaging VII: X-Ray Review
RS 813 Evidence Based Practice III
TE 819L Technique Procedures VII: Advanced Chiropractic Technique II
CS 812 Clinical Services II
BP 813 Starting a Chiropractic Practice and Office Management

Semester 8

Course  
CS 823 Clinical Services III
CS 824 Clinical Services IV (summer session)
RS 824 Evidence Based Practice IV

 

Graduates of the Doctor of Chiropractic program earn the ability to

  • Practice direct contact health care as a portal-of-entry provider for all patients.
  • Assess a patient’s general health status and determine a diagnosis.
  • Develop a goal-oriented case management plan.
  • Assume appropriate doctor/patient relationships with continuity in the chiropractic management of health problems, and coordination of care with other health care providers.
  • Promote wellness by assessing health risk and providing problem-related information and counseling.
  • Gain eligibility to sit for NBCE licensure.

UBSC Programmatic Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the UBSC Doctor of Chiropractic program the graduate will have the ability to:

  1. Apply basic science information to the clinical sciences, with focus on the role of the neuro-musculoskeletal system, normal and abnormal human structure, function, and homeostasis with the overarching goal of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patient health conditions.
  2. Obtain and document an accurate, detailed, case-appropriate history from a diverse patient population in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner.
  3. Select, perform, document and evaluate case-appropriate examination procedures and diagnostic tests, based on patient history and presentation, with sensitivity to disability, race/ethnicity, culture, belief systems and gender identity.
  4. Develop a list of differential diagnoses, determine working diagnoses and prognoses, and communicate these to patients in an accurate and concise informed consent.
  5. Develop, document, and monitor appropriate, evidence-informed management plans for acute, sub-acute, and chronic levels of pain and dysfunction that address biopsychosocial factors, goals, obstacles, risks, benefits and alternatives to care while incorporating patient values and expectations.
  6. Identify and apply appropriate use of chiropractic techniques, therapeutics, and other conservative care methods including recommendations for the modification of lifestyle behavior, activities of daily living and/or dietary and nutritional habits.
  7. Identify and document the need for appropriate referral of patients to other health care professionals or agencies for emergency, follow-up, or collaborative care.
  8. Demonstrate effective, respectful, honest, and compassionate communication with patients, their families, the community, and other stakeholders while employing sensitivity to disability, race/ethnicity, culture, belief systems, gender identity, and socioeconomic status.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to utilize health care informatics and scientific literature databases to locate and critically appraise research to facilitate evidence-informed practice.
  10. Identify the roles and responsibilities of all members of an inter-professional healthcare team and work collaboratively to deliver the highest level of safe, effective and equitable patient-centered care.

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the field of chiropractic is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. UBSC graduates are fully prepared to become licensed and pursue numerous career opportunities such as:

  • Solo or group practitioner
  • Educator
  • Sports team chiropractor
  • Chiropractic practitioner at an integrated medical group, wellness center, or hospital
  • Healthcare administrator
  • Researcher

Practices seeking UBSC Graduates

Employers seeking chiropractic practitioners know that UBSC graduates will deliver a high-level of care. Here are just a few of the practices and institutions seeking UBSC grads:

Licensure

UBSC graduates are eligible for licensure in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Canadian Provinces and other foreign countries as regulated by local laws and regulations without restrictions. U.S. licensure requires students to pass the national boards, which includes Parts I, II, III, IV, and Physiotherapy examinations as offered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). Students should contact the NBCE or the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) for additional information pertaining to licensure or the state(s) where they wish to practice.

UBSC NBCE Completion Data

The overall weighted average of the four (4) most recent years’ licensing exam success or licensure rates must not be less than 80%. This is in accordance with UBSC’s accrediting body the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

Licensing Exam Success Rates
Calendar Year
(Last 4 Years)		 Number of Graduates Number of Graduates Passing All Parts of Licensing exams* or are licensed to practice chiropractic within six (6) months post-graduation Percentage of Graduates Passing All Parts of licensing exams* or are licensed to practice chiropractic within six (6) months post-graduation
2018 Graduates 38 33 87%
2019 Graduates 45 39 87%
2020 Graduates 50 44 88%
2021 Graduates 49 41 84%
Totals 182 157 86%
Weighted Average

* NBCE Parts I, II, II and IV or CCEB Components A, B, and C

UBSC DCP Graduation Completion Rates

Completion of the D.C. Degree Program: The two-year average completion rate, calculated at 150% of the time normally designated for completion of the DC degree, must be at least 70%. This is in accordance with UBSC’s accrediting body the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC)
Normal Length of Program: 8 Semesters
Entrance Term
(Column A)		 # of Students Matriculated in Entrance Term Term 12 Semesters After Entrance Term
(Column C)		 # Students in Column A That Graduated by Term in Column C Completion Rate at the 150th Percentile
Spring 2015 12 Fall 2020 9 75.00%
Fall 2015 30 Spring 2021 25 83.33%
Spring 2016 18 Fall 2021 15 83.33%
Fall 2016 41 Spring 2022 33 80.49%
2-YR TOTAL 101   82

81.19%

Tution Fee : USD 15,075 per credit hour

Intake : august  jan  May 

Universities : The University of Bridgeport 

Study Level : Bachelors Degree

Location : Bridgeport, USA

Mode of Learning : On Campus

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