Chiropractic practice is based on the concept that the nervous system, the body's communication network, is central to health and is greatly affected by the relationships among the skeletal system, muscles, and nerves. The major therapeutic tool used by chiropractors, the adjustment by hand of the body's skeletal system and soft tissues, results in an improvement in the function of the nervous system. Chiropractors are adept in the treatment of back pain and headaches. They emphasize preventative measures through nutritional counseling, stress management, and physical conditioning as crucial adjuncts to comprehensive patient care. They treat patients using drugless and non-invasive methods.
Portland State offers a strong pre-chiropractic program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to chiropractic programs.
Pre-Chiropractic Medicine is a professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice. Common majors for pre-chiropractic students include Health Studies: Health Science, Science, and Biology.
Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-health advisor to learn about PSU’s pre-chiropractic program. Students must complete a minimum of 135 credits including a specific set of prerequisite courses before matriculating to a professional school to study chiropractic medicine.
Pre-Chiropractic Medicine is a professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.
PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the chiropractic school application process.
Portland State University has an agreement with the University of Western States (UWS) Chiropractic Program in Portland, Oregon. Students who complete a specific curriculum at PSU and are accepted into UWS can transfer back to PSU up to 45 credits of UWS coursework to fulfill requirements for either the Bachelor of Science in Science or the Bachelor of Science in Biology.
There are a very wide range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of chiropractors and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to chiropractic programs in the future.
Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.
PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.
Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.
Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.
Students who complete this program typically go on to become chiropractors or into other healthcare fields.