Return to: College of Chiropractic

Mission and Goals

Mission

The Mission of the Life University College of Chiropractic, centered on the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, is to educate, mentor and graduate skilled and compassionate Doctors of Chiropractic to be primary care clinicians, physicians, teachers and professionals, using the University’s Core Values as their foundation.

Goal #1 - Assessment & Diagnosis

An assessment and diagnosis requires developed clinical reasoning skills. Clinical reasoning consists of data gathering and interpretation, hypothesis generation and testing, and critical evaluation of diagnostic strategies. This dynamic process includes the collection and assessment of data through history, physical examination, imaging, laboratory tests, and case related clinical services.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to develop a list of differential diagnosis (’s) and corresponding exams from a case-appropriate health history and review of external health records.
2. Students will be able to identify significant findings that may indicate the need for follow-up through additional examination, application of diagnostic and/or confirmatory tests and tools, and any consultations.
3. Students will be able to generate a problem list with diagnosis/es. 

Goal #2 - Management Plan

Management involves the development, implementation and documentation of a patient care plan for positively impacting a patient’s health and well-being, including specific health care goals and prognoses. It may include case follow-up, referral, and/or collaborative care.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to develop an evidence-informed management plan appropriate to the diagnosis, including obstacles to improvement, measurable healthcare, prognoses and target endpoint of care in consideration of bio-psychosocial factors, natural history and alternatives to care.
2. Students will be able to refer for emergency care and/or collaborative care as appropriate.
3. Students will be able to present a management plan that includes obtaining informed consent.
4. Students will be able to deliver appropriate chiropractic adjustments/manipulations, and/or other forms of passive care as identified in the management plan.
5. Students will be able to implement appropriate active care as identified in the management plan. 
6. Students will be able to make recommendations for changes in lifestyle behaviors, activities of daily living and/or dietary and nutritional habits as appropriate. 
7. Students will be able to implement changes to the management plan as new clinical information becomes available. 
8. Students will be able to identify maximum improvement and document the endpoint of care of determine rationales for continuing care. 

Goal #3 - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Health promotion and disease prevention requires an understanding and application of epidemiological principles regarding the nature and identification of health issues in diverse populations and recognition of the impact of biological, chemical, behavioral, structural, psychosocial and environmental factors on general health.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to manage health risks and public health issues, including reporting, as required.
2. Students will be able to recommend or provide resources (educational, community-based, etc.) and instruction regarding public health issues. 
3. Students will be able to provide recommendations regarding patients’ health status, behavior and life style, recommendations or provision of resources (educational, community-based, etc.), and instruction designed to encourage a patient to pursue change.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to provide recommendations of dietary habits and/or nutritional approaches designed to restore, maintain or improve the patient’s health.
5. Students will be able to address appropriate hygiene practices in the clinical environment.
6. Students will be able to communicate health improvement strategies with other health professionals.

Goal #4 - Communication and Record Keeping

Effective communication includes oral, written and nonverbal skills with appropriate sensitivity, clarity and control for a wide range of healthcare related activities, to include patient care, professional communication, health education, and record keeping and reporting.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to document health risks and management options considering the patient’s health care needs and goals. 
2. Students will be able to consider the patient’s ethnicity, cultural beliefs, and socio-economic status when communicating. 
3. Students will be able to generate accurate, concise, appropriate and legible patient records, narrative reports and correspondence.
4. Students will be able to safeguard and keep confidential the patient’s protected health and financial information. 
5. Students will be able to generate patient records that are in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and applicable/accepted industry standards.

Goal #5 - Professional Ethics and Jurisprudence

Professionals are expected to comply with the law and exhibit ethical behavior.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to maintain appropriate physical, communication (verbal and non-verbal) and emotional boundaries with patients.
2. Students will be able to maintain professional conduct with patients, peers, staff, and faculty. 
3. Students will be able to comply with the ethical and legal dimensions of clinical practice.

Goal #6 - Information and Technology Literacy

Information literacy is a set of abilities, including the use of technology, to locate, evaluate and integrate research and other types of evidence to manage patient care. 

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to use relevant scientific literature and other evidence to inform patient care. 
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of research methodology and exposure to research in chiropractic.

Goal #7 - Chiropractic Adjustment/Manipulation

Doctors of chiropractic employ the adjustment/manipulation to address joint and neurophysiologic dysfunction. The adjustment/manipulation is a precise procedure requiring the discrimination and identification of dysfunction, interpretation and application of clinical knowledge; and the use of cognitive and psychomotor skills.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to identify subluxations/segmental dysfunction of the spine and/or other articulations. 
2. Students will be able to analyze and interpret findings indicating the need for chiropractic adjustment/manipulation.
3. Students will be able to identify indications, contraindications, and risk factors for the chiropractic adjustment/manipulation; and, explain the anticipated benefits, potential complications and effects to patients.
4. Students will be able to apply chiropractic adjustment/manipulation to patients while ensuring patient safety. 
5. Students will be able to identify the effects following the chiropractic adjustment/manipulation.

Goal #8 - Inter-Professional Education

Students have the knowledge, skills and values necessary to function as part of an inter-professional team to provide patient-centered collaborative care. Inter-professional teamwork may be demonstrated in didactic, clinical or simulated learning environments.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to explain their own roles and responsibilities and those of other care providers and how the team works together to provide care. 
2. Students will be able to use appropriate team building and collaborative strategies with other members of the healthcare team to support a team approach to patient centered care. 

Goal #9 - Philosophy of Chiropractic

Life University has always embraced the philosophy of vitalism. The chiropractic profession is a philosophy, science and art and vitalism has been a core principle of the university. This philosophy proposes that there is an innate intelligence to the body that provides for self-adapting, self-regulating, and self-healing.

Objectives:

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the concept of vitalism and innate intelligence.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate to patients the body’s ability to self-adapt, self-regulate, and self-heal.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate to patients the subluxation as an interference to the body’s control system, the nerve system, thereby causing an interference to the body’s ability to self-adapt, self-regulate, and self-heal.

Goal #10 - Service

Life University has always maintained a value of service. ‘To give, do, love and serve out of a sense of abundance’ is the expression of this value and provides a guiding principle for the university. The college of chiropractic attempts to instill this value and attitude in students.

Objectives:

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the value of community service by actively participating in the community and outreach activities.

Career Information

Historically, the chiropractic profession has been open and available to all qualified and interested persons, regardless of sex, race or creed.

In the healthcare marketplace, Chiropractic has been a powerful and highly competitive force. Public acceptance and consumer confidence in Chiropractic is at an all-time high. As public understanding of the positive benefits of chiropractic care increases, so does consumer demand for chiropractic services.

As a primary contact healthcare profession, Chiropractic needs only to point to private sector demand and marketplace viability for economic validation. Thousands of American consumers spend out-of-pocket cash for chiropractic care, even when traditional medical care is available through insurance or government programs at a subsidized cost or, in some cases, no cost at all. This choice is made due to benefits received from chiropractic care.

Employment prospects for the graduates of the Doctor of Chiropractic Program

“Employment is expected to grow faster than average because of increasing consumer demand for alternative health care. Job prospects should be good…

Employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. 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.”

From the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018-2019 edition, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Application Procedures

Chiropractic Applicants

Any student wishing to apply and/or transfer to Life University from another chiropractic college must apply for admission, meet current admission standards, and is subject to review by the Admissions Committee.

In order to have the Life University Doctor of Chiropractic degree conferred, a transfer student must have earned not less than the final 25% of the total credits required for the degree in residence at Life University.

Application Procedures and Requirements:

1. A completed online application or paper application accompanied by an application processing fee of $50.00. (The fee is non-refundable and constitutes part of the application file/record.); and
2. Official transcripts from all of the applicant’s previously attended colleges/universities showing courses, grades, and anticipated or actual date(s) of graduation should be sent directly from the institution where the coursework was completed to Life University’s Office of Enrollment. Unofficial transcripts may be initially accepted for admission consideration. (International transcripts may require an official international transcript evaluation conducted by an approved international evaluation service. These hours must be equivalent to courses taught at Life University. Equivalency is determined by the college.); and
3. A signed DC Technical Standards Form; and
4. A signed DC Disclaimer Form.

Application Procedures for International Students

Life University is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accept and enroll international students on a F-1 student visa.

Life University welcomes the other categories of international applicants who hold a variety of immigrant and nonimmigration statuses. Immigrant visa categories include Permanent Residents (green card), and individuals who are in the process of obtaining permanent residency. Nonimmigrant visa holders are the citizens of other countries who enter the U.S. on a temporary basis – whether for tourism, business, temporary work, or study.

Life University also welcomes refuges, asylum seekers, undocumented and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants and does not make lawful status in the U.S. a condition for admission. There are currently no state or federal laws prohibiting Life University from admitting and enrolling undocumented students, and the University has no legal obligation to notify immigration officials of the presence of undocumented students on campus. According to FERPA and Life University policy, we will not share information on the immigration status of undocumented students to any third party unless legally required by subpoena, warrant, or court order, or if approved by a student.

Application Materials

In addition to these materials, all categories of international students must meet the application and admission requirements for their intended, unique program of study.

1. Submit an online application with a non-refundable $50 application processing fee
2. Submit your high school and/or college official transcripts. Please see the “Official Evaluation” section for further instructions on how to submit your transcripts to Life University.
   • Official transcripts from the colleges and high school in the Unites States must be received directly from the institution in the unopened official high school/college envelope to the address below:
     • Life University
       Office of Enrollment
       1269 Barclay Circle
       Marietta, GA 30060
   • Transcripts from international high schools and colleges and universities must be received with the official evaluation report from the foreign credential evaluation company either via at admiss@life.edu or post-mailed to the address above. Please see the Transcript Evaluation section below for more details on international transcripts.
3. Submit a course by course or comprehensive transcript evaluation that demonstrates your official graduation date, and final GPA. 
   • LIFE University has an agreement with the Foundation for International Services (FIS) credential evaluation company. As a part of the agreement LIFE University applicants will get a considerable discount and faster (maximum 2 weeks) evaluation services. Please request the FIS-Life U application form to receive the discount benefit at international@life.edu. When requesting an evaluation select the option that provides your official graduation date, and final GPA.
     • Please make sure to request that FIS attach copies of your high school transcript with the evaluation report. Copies of transcripts that are received directly from the evaluation company are considered official.
   • Life University also accepts academic credential evaluations from any of the NACES.org evaluation network members.
     • Note: In some cases, the international applicant may be offered conditional acceptance based on the in-progress (high school or college) transcript evaluation. If it is the case, conditionally admitted international student is required to order a comprehensive final evaluation of the completed academic credential (s) with the graduation date and final GPA. 
   • Evaluation exemptions.  The transcripts of the following colleges in Canada are exempt from the credential evaluation requirement: Athabasca University, Bishop University, Brandon University, Brock University, Dalhousie University, Fanshawe University, Mount Royal College, Mount Saint Vincent University, Niagara College, Queens University, Red Deer College, Sheridan College, St Mary’s College, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Guelph, University of Manitoba, University of Ottawa, University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario, University of Winnipeg, University of Toronto, Wilfred Laurier University, Windsor University or University of Windsor
     • Note: However, evaluation exemption for these universities is subject to the approval of the Admissions Committee and, in some cases, Life University Admissions Office may request a course- by the course/ comprehensive evaluation with a GPA from the graduates/ transfer students from the listed above colleges and universities in Canada. 
     • Note: The following categories of the United States citizens are required to provide a comprehensive foreign credential evaluation with a GPA and graduation date of their high school or college credentials when it is applicable:
       • United States born citizens who graduated high school or college outside of the United States
       • Naturalized citizens of the United States who were foreign born and raised in a foreign country and graduated from high school or college in a foreign country
       • United States citizens having earned college credit hours as an exchange student in a foreign country
4. Submit a standardized assessment of English Language Proficiency (ELP). Testing options include:
   • OPTION 1: Life University now accepts Duolingo English Proficiency Test results as a part of the international admissions process. A minimum score of 85-90 is required. Get started by following steps:
     • Go to: go.duolingo.com/applicants and register
     • Click: Take a test
     • Click: Purchase the test
     • Click: Take the test and save the results and exit  
   • OPTION 2: Life University also accepts TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A score of a 500 or higher, 173 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL, or 61 or higher on the Internet-based test.
     • Please send the test scores via the https://www.ets.org/toefl  by accessing your account and selecting Life University/The Life University TOEFL code is 5358.
   • OPTION 3: Life University also accepts IELTS (International English Language Testing System). A minimum score of 5.5 on the IELTS is required.
     • Please order a paper report of the test scores by accessing your account at https://www.ielts.org/en-us and send to this address:
       • Life University
         Office of Enrollment
         1269 Barclay Circle
         Marietta, GA 30060
   • Note: The following category of international applicants are exempt from the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement
     • International students who have graduated from high school in the United States and/or its territories
     • International students who have received SAT/ Reading/Writing Language sub score of 2; or, ACT-English sub score of 18
     • International students who have taken 24 or more credit hours in an American college and/or have passed English Composition I, English Composition II or equivalent classes
     • International students who have received a four-year degree from the United States
     • Applicants from the following countries where English is official language are exempt from English language proficiency exam requirements: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Canada — except Québec, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Ghan, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Micronesia Islands, Federated States of Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Helena, South Africa, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales), Virgin Island, Zimbabwe

*Additional items may be required depending on student’s program of interest

Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Visa Students

All international applicants who need a F-1 student visa need to apply for the Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status. Please note that the information in this section is applicable to only F-1 visa students.

• Required documents:
  • You must be accepted at Life University
  • I-20 Request Form. Complete the I-20 Request Form) submit at admiss@life.edu
  • A PDF copy of your most recent PASSPORT submit at admiss@life.edu
  • A PDF copy of any type of the U.S. VISA (if applicable), submit at admiss@life.edu
  • A PDF copy of a Bank letter showing US $30,000 (undergraduate programs), $31,000 (graduate programs), and $50,000 (Doctor of Chiropractic Program). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires international students show the University evidence of adequate financial resources to provide for at least one year of full-time education, travel, and living expenses as estimated below. A financial statement, a standard bank letter on letterhead with your or your sponsor’s name (names) must state that you (your sponsors) have established sufficient funds in USD to support your education in the United States and must be submitted to Life University to receive an I‐20. 
    • If you are bringing your immediate family (spouse and children), please add $6,200 for spouse, $9,800 for spouse and child, $13,400 for spouse and two children, $3,600 for no spouse and one child, $7,200 for no spouse and two children.
    • If you are a recipient of any scholarship that covers your first year expenses fully or partially then please send a copy of the award letter signed by the recipient and sponsoring department/ program stating the source of the scholarship and award amount at admiss@life.edu  
  • A PDF copy of Sponsor Letter. A sponsor affidavit is also required unless the funds are in the student’s name by utilizing the LU Sponsor Form. Additional acceptable affidavits include a personal letter, a financial guarantee from an institution, a US I‐134 form (if your sponsor is the U.S. citizen https://www.uscis.gov/i-134). Please follow the instructions on the forms.
    • Please note: An original bank letter is required at the time of International Student orientation or during mandatory SEVIS check-in with the Coordinator of International Programs aka Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
  • The SEVIS fee of $350 unless you have an active I-20 from the U.S. college or high school at the time of acceptance at Life University. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on or after September 1, 2004, is responsible for paying this fee to SEVP. You must pay this fee before your interview in the U.S. Embassy. Processing of the SEVIS fee takes up to 3-5 business days. Please visit here for more information.
  • Transfer Eligibility. F-1 students who are transferring from another U.S. college and graduating from the U.S. high school must to fill out and send the Transfer Eligibility form by using  Transfer Eligibility form of Life University at international@life.edu.
  • Enrollment Fee. To secure a place in the entering class and save your seat at Life University, all newly admitted students are required to submit their $125 (non-refundable and non-waivable) Enrollment Fee.

Mandatory Health Insurance Policy

All F-1 visa students must have a health insurance policy that meets the following minimum requirements for entire duration of their study as an F-1 visa student. The proof of coverage is due during the mandatory SEVIS check-in followed by the international student orientation at the beginning of each quarter. We accept the health insurance policy from your home country if the policy is accepted in the U.S.  Please see below the links for a few insurance companies that offer coverage for F-1 students and make sure to select a plan that satisfies the following requirements:

• Both accident and sickness coverage
• Minimum benefit $250,000 per policy year
• A deductible of $500 or less and/or co-pay per individual, per year
• In-patient and outpatient, mental and nervous disorder benefits
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Pay benefits worldwide
• Medical evacuation to one’s home country and family reunification of not less than $50,000*
• Provision for repatriation of remains of not less than $25,000*

Please see below for the health insurance companies that offer policies for international students and their immediate families (note: none of these companies are affiliated with Life University):

• INext International Travel Protection
  300 Fore Street
  Portland, ME 04101
• ISO (International Student Insurance)
  150 West 30th Street, Suite 1101
  New York, NY 10001
• PSI International Student & Scholar Health Insurance
  8206 Leesburg Pike, Suite 305
  Vienna, VA 22182
• International Student Insurance
  224 First Street
  Neptune Beach, FL 32266

International Application Deadlines

Life University recommends that all international students apply at least 6 months before their intended start date. International students who will apply for an F-1 student visa must submit required application materials at least 90 days before the start of the quarter.

Criminal Record

All applicants must reveal whether they have a criminal record and cooperate by providing complete information for its review. A record of serious criminal convictions, particularly for a felony, may disqualify an applicant for admission and/or for licensure in most states.

Application Schedule

A student may begin their course of study at Life University in any quarter as applications for admission are accepted quarterly throughout the year. All admissions requirements should be met, and all required documentation received in the Office of Enrollment (Admissions) 30 days (60 days for all international students) prior to the beginning of the quarter of intended enrollment.

Financial Aid Information

For information and details about financial aid, please visit www.life.edu/financialaid, make an appointment with your Financial Aid Counselor, or call 770.426.2700. Visit EagleNet, the 24/7 student self-service portal, as well.

Admission Information

For all categories of applications, admissions-related documents/data are maintained by Life University’s Office of Enrollment, according to Retention and Disposition of Records guidelines established by the University and related AACRAO guidelines. 

Recommendations for admission status are sent directly to the Dean of the College of Chiropractic or to the Admissions Committee. The Dean of the College approves recommendations for admission status, including denial.

The College of Chiropractic strives to admit a diverse student population. It is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee and/or the Dean to set additional conditions or stipulations for the acceptance, if deemed necessary.

The study of the philosophy, art and science of Chiropractic is comprehensive, challenging and demanding. Every chiropractor is expected to be a professional leader and an example of good character and goodwill in the community. The University has, therefore, set guidelines, standards, and requirements for Doctor of Chiropractic admission.

Doctor of Chiropractic Admission Requirements

Life University’s College of Chiropractic (COC) is committed to following the accepted standards of professional ethics, especially with respect to student recruitment and public information. The College of Chiropractic’s Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP) supports and is in compliance with the Standards of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) in regard to admission requirements.

The Doctor of Chiropractic Program has specific prerequisites as follows: Prior to beginning your chiropractic education, you must have completed a minimum total of 90 semester credit hours or 135 quarter credit hours of non-duplicate coursework with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

A minimum of 44 semester credit hours or 66 quarter credit hours must be in the coursework listed below.

Required Coursework: (each course must be earned at a 2.0 GPA or higher)

* At least half of these courses must have a substantive laboratory component.

Survey, or non-major courses, may not be accepted. Check with your Enrollment Representative at (770) 246-2884 or (800) 543-3202.

In each of the distribution areas above, if more than one course is taken to fulfill the requirement, the course contents must be unduplicated. In situations in which one or more courses have been repeated with equivalent courses, the most recent grade(s) may be used for grade point average computation and the earlier grade(s) may be disregarded.

Credits Earned via Examination: Applicants may earn a portion of the required/pre-requisite credits through examination or means other than formal coursework, but only if these credits are identified by an institution accredited by a nationally recognized agency and if the institution has formally accepted or awarded such credits. Admission to the Doctor of Chiropractic educational program may be contingent upon receipt of such evidence of earned credits by the Admissions Department.

Alternative Admissions Track

Students who have not met the standard requirements for admissions may be considered for the Alternative Admissions Track if they: 

1. have a GPA of 2.75 - 2.99 for the required 90 semester credit hours/135 quarter credit hours OR
2. have completed a bachelor’s degree and have a GPA of 2.75 - 4.0 for the required 90 semester credit hours/135 quarter credit hours but do not possess the minimum CCE criteria for regular admissions.

All science courses used towards admissions must be completed with a grade of C or higher and at least half should have a substantive laboratory component. All students eligible for admission under the AAT will be considered on an individual basis based upon their educational transcript evaluation. Final decision for admission rests with the Dean of the College of Chiropractic.

Technical Standards Doctor of Chiropractic Program

Life University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended and the ADAA 2008. These laws provide a framework for qualified individuals with documented disabilities to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a program. Reasonable accommodations are defined as adjustments or modifications that enable a qualified individual with a documented disability to participate as fully as possible in an educational program. An adjustment or modification must be reasonable and may not be provided if it would alter essential academic or technical requirements or result in undue financial or administrative burdens.

Qualified candidates with documented disabilities who wish to request accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act must follow the University’s procedure for requesting an accommodation. This procedure requires the submission to the Student Success Center of a written request for accommodations, along with supporting documentation from a licensed professional demonstrating the existing of a disability, the functional limitations resulting from the disability and the need for specific accommodations. Documentation must meet specific Guidelines, which are set forth in the Student Handbook.

Technical Standards Procedures

While inviting and encouraging voluntary self-identification by students with disabilities, Life University has always related to its students as responsible adults with the independent right to make such life decisions. One of those responsibilities is to work with the Student Success Center in requesting reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services pursuant to the procedures set forth in this catalog.

Any Chiropractic candidates who self-identify their disability during any of the four stages will be referred to the Director of Disability Services: 

• Prior to applying for admission,
   
• During the application process,
   
• After acceptance but before attending classes or
   
• While currently attending classes

The Director of Disability Services will work in concert with the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) whenever a question arises as to an individual’s ability to meet the requirements and technical standards of the specific program to which the student is applying, or in which the student is enrolled. The DAC has been established to adjudicate this process in a timely manner. The Director of the SSC ensures compliance with policy.

Technical Standards for Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission and continued enrollment, all applicants to Life University must be able to meet and maintain the University’s technical standards for the specific program for which they are applying or enrolled. Technical standards are those physical, behavioral, emotional and cognitive criteria that an applicant must meet at the time of application to and during enrollment in that specific program at the University. These standards are essential requirements needed to participate fully and complete the entire spectrum of study, training and experiences within an educational program offered by the University. All official clinical and academic communications will be in English.

Applicants must review the technical standards that apply to the specific educational program in which they intend to enroll. All applicants are required to certify in writing that they have read, understand and are able to meet and maintain the standards of that program with or without a reasonable accommodation. This information is provided in order to help every applicant be aware of the required performance and expectations associated with different educational programs that the University offers.

Chiropractic Students

Individuals who receive a Doctor of Chiropractic degree must be able to assume responsibility for providing chiropractic care to patients safely and ethically. Because the care provided by Doctors of Chiropractic touches a broad variety of clinical disciplines, the education for the D.C. degree must be broad in nature. All chiropractic students must take the full curriculum of academic and clinical courses in order to graduate with a D.C. degree. Chiropractic students must have the following abilities and skills:

Sensory/Observation: A chiropractic student must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences including, but not limited to, demonstrations on human cadavers, animals, microbiologic cultures and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A chiropractic student must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and nearby, using hearing, touch and vision. A chiropractic student must also be able to perform a thorough physical examination using customary diagnostic techniques, including but not limited to auscultation (listening with a stethoscope); percussion (tapping of the chest or abdomen to elicit a sound indicating the relative density of the body part); palpation (feeling various body parts such as the spine, extremities or abdomen so as to discern the size, shape and consistency of masses and other pathologies); visual observation sufficient to note changes such as color and condition of the skin, the eyes and other areas of the body; to use instruments such as an otoscope (magnifying device for examining the ear); ophthalmoscope (magnifying device for examining the eye); and to note subtle changes in grey scale (viewed on x-rays and other diagnostic imaging).

Communication: A student must be able to communicate with patients and their family members in order to elicit information, describe changes in affect, mood, activity and posture and to perceive nonverbal communications. A student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech, but also reading and writing. The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form. In summary, a student must have verbal and written communication skills sufficient to conduct patient interviews and record clinical histories, communicate results of diagnostic findings and make assessments and plans known to patients, their family members and members of the healthcare team.

Motor/Strength/Coordination: A student must have sufficient dexterity and motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation and percussion, to perform basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC and etc.), to perform diagnostic procedures including but not limited to tools of physical examination (digital exams, chiropractic instrumentation and reading EKGs and X-rays). A student must also be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, balance and equilibrium, in the provision of general chiropractic care. A student must be able to provide minimal emergency treatment required of healthcare providers, including the ability to perform quickly and effectively such emergency procedures as CPR, the application of pressure to stop bleeding and the opening of obstructed airways. Examples of general chiropractic care involve the requisite strength and dexterity to be able to effectively perform procedures such as but not limited to static and dynamic palpation of joints, movement of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment and sufficient motor function to coordinate and balance the hands and body while manually delivering the thrusting action associated with the controlled chiropractic adjustments frequently applied to the spine or extremities of a patient, and providing documentation in a legible format.

Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include but are not limited to measurement, calculations, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Additionally, a student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem solving in group, individual and collaborative settings requires all of these intellectual abilities. Testing and evaluation of these abilities in the College of Chiropractic employ examinations as an essential component of the curriculum. Successful completion of these examinations is required of all candidates as a condition for continued progress through the curriculum. Examples of these assessments include but are not limited to essay, oral and/or extended multiple choice tests, compositions, oral presentations and lab practicals designed to assess a variety of cognitive and non-cognitive skills in simulated or supervised clinical settings, including the ability to make a differential diagnosis. All written or word processed information must be in a comprehensible format.

Behavioral and Social Attributes: Students must possess the emotional health required for utilization of their intellectual abilities. Students must be able to exercise good judgment in the prompt completion of all academic and clinical responsibilities. Students must be able to develop mature, sensitive, ethical and effective relationships. Students must be able to function effectively under stress or potentially life-threatening emergency care. Stressors may include but are not limited to environmental, chemical, physical or psychological. Students must also be able to adapt to change, display poise and flexibility in the face of uncertainties and stressful situations and independently demonstrate empathy, integrity, compassion, motivation and commitment commensurate with the habits and mannerisms of professional training to become a chiropractor. Students must portray attributes of professionalism that include but are not limited to honesty, caring, respect, trustworthiness, competence and responsibility to and for their colleagues and patients.

Admitted Students

Upon application to the Doctor of Chiropractic Program, all candidates are subject to the Technical Standards Policy as presented in this Catalog. During application, all candidates must sign a certifying statement as represented below for placement in their permanent record.

“I hereby certify that I have read and understand the Technical Standards Policy as listed in the Life University Catalog and am able to perform the essential and fundamental functions and tasks of the Doctor of Chiropractic Program with or without a reasonable accommodation.”

Current, Reactivating and Reapplying Students

In considering a currently or formerly matriculated student with disability, the Director of Disability Services will work in concert with the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC), pursuant to the Policies and Procedures for Enrolled Students, under the process as published in the Student Handbook.

All returning students (whether reactivating or reapplying) should sign a certifying Technical Standards document.

Admission Status

Accepted - Full: This status is assigned to each applicant whose completed record has been evaluated by the Office of Enrollment which subsequently recommends that the applicant meets the admission requirements and has submitted all required documentation. This recommendation is presented to the College of Chiropractic Admissions Committee and/or the Dean of the College of Chiropractic. An applicant will be and is accepted by the Committee and/or the Dean with no outstanding requirements or documentation.

Accepted - Conditional: Applicants who have met minimum admission requirements but who are unable to provide one or more of the required application materials may be admitted conditionally in some instances and required to submit satisfactory final documents/credentials before explicit deadlines provided.

Accepted – with Contingencies:  Applicants who have not met the minimum admissions requirements but are over the 60 semester/90 quarter hour mark needed for applying may receive an acceptance pending completion of the requirements outlined by the admissions staff before enrolling in the program. In this instance, the Office of Enrollment will issue an official letter explaining the coursework required for full acceptance.

Applicants will be designated as conditionally accepted pending the receipt of their official transcript(s) indicating completion of prerequisite coursework and/or other required documentation. In cases in which coursework is completed but delivery of official transcripts is pending, enrollment may be permitted.

Upon completing conditions successfully, the applicant’s status will be converted to full admission status if all conditions are met on or before the first day of classes.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Accepted - Student-at-Large: Students-at-Large wishing to audit classes at Life University may apply at the Office of Enrollment Services. Auditing placement is based upon registration seating availability. Proper paperwork obtained from both the Office of Enrollment and the Office of the Registrar must be filed before the quarter begins. No credit is granted for courses scheduled on an auditing basis, and students are not permitted to change to or from an auditing status except through the regular procedures for admissions acceptance and registration schedule change. The grade for auditing is “AU” for Audit, and students will not be permitted to have the audit grade changed at any future date. Students accepted under this status are not enrolled as degree seeking students and, therefore, do not qualify for financial aid.

Reactivation

A student in the College of Chiropractic program, who voluntarily or involuntarily remains out of the program for less than three consecutive quarters, must complete a Reactivation form to return to the program. This form can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office website. Once completed, this form may be referred to the College of Chiropractic Admissions Committee and/or Dean of the College for evaluation.

Readmission

A Life University student who voluntarily or involuntarily remains out of the program for three consecutive quarters or more, for any reason, must apply for readmission through the Office of Enrollment. This will include completing a new admissions application through the Office of Enrollment. The completed application will be referred to the College of Chiropractic Admissions Committee and/or Dean of the College for evaluation.

When a student has remained out of the program for more than five consecutive years, no credit will be awarded for courses taken during their previous enrollment. If the student’s application for readmission is accepted, they will be required to start the program over.

Any former student petitioning for reactivation, readmission or reinstatement (see below) who cannot be expected to complete their degree within the eight (8) calendar years must obtain a waiver of the “eight-year rule” from the Dean. This waiver must be obtained as part of the petition process or returning status may be denied.

F-1 visa international student who voluntarily or involuntarily remains out of the program for five (5) consecutive months or more, for any reason, must apply for readmission through the Office of Enrollment and submit all the required admissions documents and a new bank letter, sponsor letter, and pay a new SEVIS fee for the Department of Homeland Security fee to obtain a new I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 visa (I-20) from Life University.

Re-instatement Policy

For the College of Chiropractic Reinstatement Policy, please refer to Academic Policies & Information .

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is granted on the basis of work completed at an institution approved by the Dean of the College or their designee.

Each transferring student is required to present the following information:

1. Any credits considered for transfer must have been awarded for courses taken in a DCP accredited by the CCE or in a program accredited as a first professional degree in one of the health sciences by another nationally recognized accrediting agency, or in a graduate program in an academic discipline closely related to the health sciences offered by an institution which is recognized by a national accrediting agency.
2. Evidence that courses are substantially equivalent in credit hours, content and quality to those given at Life University. This shall be evaluated by an admissions advisor in cooperation with the COC Dean’s Office.
3. Official transcripts from all of the applicant’s previous college work should be sent by the Office of the Registrar of the institution(s) to the Office of Enrollment Services at Life University. International transcripts must be evaluated by an approved international evaluation agency such as World Educational Services (WES). Some Canadian schools need not be evaluated externally. Please call the Office of Enrollment Services for the exceptions. Students that do not provide “final official transcripts” from all previously attended institutions would be subject to delayed or negated transfer credit.
4. Evidence that the work has been satisfactorily completed (grade “C” or better, 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) at a chiropractic college acceptable to the Chiropractic Admissions Committee of Life University.
5. Credits accepted for transfer must have been awarded within five years of the date of admission to the receiving DCP, except that the receiving DCP may at its option accept older credits if the entering student holds an earned doctorate in one of the health sciences (e.g., D.C., M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.P.M.) or a graduate degree in an academic discipline closely related to the health sciences.
6. Although transfer credit will be awarded for applicable coursework done at other accredited institutions, the University reserves the right to also require transfer students to audit courses. The audits are required to provide either specific degree completion requirement, State Law eligibility, or to facilitate a better transition of knowledge, attitude and skills from a previous institution to LIFE’s Doctor of Chiropractic Program.

Students from non-CCE accredited colleges must sign a waiver stating that they understand their credits may not be accepted by all state boards. It is the student’s responsibility to verify the awarding of transfer credit within the first quarter of the program.

Offer of Admission Acceptance and Confirmation

An applicant admitted to Life University is expected to enroll in the academic program and the quarter for which they have applied and been admitted.  The admitted student may request to defer their start term within 3 quarters from the quarter for which they were originally accepted. 

• The deferral request must be submitted in writing to the Office of Enrollment a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of the quarter for which they were originally admitted. The request can be submitted by email to the student’s Admissions Counselor via email or mail, specifying their name and original term of admission and specifying the term for which they wish to defer their enrollment as well as a brief description of the reason for the deferral.
• All applicants requesting a deferral are required to reapply for admission, as well as resubmit any required document and/or application processing fees for reapplication.
• Life University reserves the right to request any or all of the required admission materials, updated credentials or documentation, and/or application processing fees for reapplication.
• In order to accept an offer of admission, confirm plans to enroll, and reserve a seat in the entering class, admitted students are required to submit the applicable $125 Enrollment Fee before the start of the term.
• The Enrollment Fee is non-refundable and non-waivable.
• The Enrollment fee is non-transferable within 30 days of the quarter’s start date and can only be transferred once.
• All newly admitted applicants and returning students are required to submit the Enrollment Fee.
• The Enrollment Fee can only be paid through EagleNet.
• Late applications (completed after published deadlines) that are considered for and earn admission are required to submit the enrollment deposit within 7 days of the admission notification.

Denied Acceptance

This status is assigned to each applicant whose file has been deemed complete and evaluated by the Office of Enrollment, presented to the College of Chiropractic Admissions Committee and subsequently denied acceptance by the Committee and/or the Dean of the College of Chiropractic.

College of Chiropractic Organization

Life University’s College of Chiropractic (COC) provides a first professional degree, the Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP).

Instructional Organization

The College of Chiropractic is divided into the following academic areas:

1. Division of Basic Sciences
   1. Anatomy
   2. Biochemistry
   3. Microbiology
   4. Pathology
   5. Physiology
2. Division of Chiropractic Sciences
   1. Analysis
   2. Chiropractic Principles and Philosophy
   3. Chiropractic Practice Management
   4. Research
   5. Technique
3. Division of Clinical Sciences
   1. Clinical Education (Didactic)
   2. Diagnosis
   3. Psychology
   4. Public Health
   5. Radiology
4. Clinics
   1. Campus Center for Health & Optimum Performance
   2. Center for Health and Optimum Performance – (C-HOP) Outpatient Clinic
   3. Department of Clinical Radiology
   4. Functional Kinesiology
   5. Outreach Program– Special Population 
   6. P.E.A.K. Clinic – Doctor’s Office-based Clinical Experience

Academic Policies for Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP)

Please visit Academic Policies & Information  for academic policies for the Doctor of Chiropractic Program.

Programs

• Doctor of Chiropractic (Research Track)
• Doctor of Chiropractic Program

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