welcome Quick Become a doctor of chiropractic and... University of Western States will get you there.

welcome

• Make a difference in people’s lives.

• Launch a rewarding, flexible career in an ever-growing health care field. • Join an accredited program that will prepare you for the real world. • Improve the health of society and shape the future of health care.

University of Western States will get you there.

ChiropraCtiC StudentS

(aS of fall 2012)

465

% Male/feMale StudentS

64/36

Student-to-teaCher

(in teCh labS)

7:1

Quick

faCtS

Mission

StateMent

Become a doctor of chiropractic and. . .

entry for new ClaSS

Winter

&

Fall

Graduation paSS rate

(SuMMer 2010 - fall 2011 StatiStiCS)

87.3%

The mission of the University of Western States is to improve the health of society and advance the science and art of integrated health care through leadership and excellence in health sciences education, service and the enhancement of knowledge through research and scholarship. 2900 ne 132nd ave. portland, or 97230

www.uws.edu | 800-641-5641

1900

1895

Chiropractic founded by d.d. palmer

1904

Marsh School and Cure established

1915

oregon State legislature recognizes chiropractic as licensed profession

1909

renamed pacific Chiropractic College

1932

incorporated as western States College, School of Chiropractic and School of naturopathy

1946

enrollment surged with the G.i. bill

1932

naturopathy degree offered

1919

Curriculum expanded

heritage

As the second oldest chiropractic educational program in the world, established in 1904, the University of Western States (UWS) has continually been a leader in integrating health and science. UWS recently expanded its programs and course offerings to enrich student’s education. The university is committed to maintaining its reputation for academic excellence in chiropractic education integrated with related fields of health study to support a balanced, wellness-based approach to patient-centered health care.

spotlight: Michelle wozniak, dC, Class of 2011 choose chiropractic as a career: after

a lifetime of pain due to migraines led her to a chiropractic physician who helped reduce her pain

“I knew this was my calling. If I had

discovered chiropractic years earlier, I

could have saved all the time and pain.

I knew I wanted to be an advocate for

the profession.”

caMe to uWs: after seeing the strong board

performance, low loan default rates, high graduation rates

evidence

integrated

learninG

The doctor of chiropractic (DC) program is a 12-quarter degree program that is typically completed in four years. A three-year track is available by enrolling in the summer term. The faculty’s approach to instruction is to reinforce learning by emphasizing the clinical importance and applicability of knowledge acquired versus memorization. They have created a curriculum that significantly enhances students’ ability to readily use information in a clinical setting, and have a genuine interest in student success both in the classroom and in practice. The low 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio in chiropractic technique labs helps ensure more personalized instruction and mentorship.

uwS is a leading chiropractic research institution and the first chiropractic college to receive a multi-million dollar federal grant for research.

the grant funded a collaborative study with oregon health & Science university’s department of family medicine.

Basic

SCienCeS

The first five quarters of the doctor of chiropractic program emphasize gaining knowledge of the basic sciences – the building blocks of human biology. Early quarters include substantial hands-on dissection of human cadavers in the anatomy lab. During this same period, students are also introduced to the chiropractic sciences of biomechanics and palpation, adjustive technique and radiographic anatomy.

clinical and

chiropractic

SCienCeS

After the first academic year, the curriculum begins to shift its focus toward clinical sciences (physical diagnosis, radiology, infectious diseases, etc.) and chiropractic sciences (soft tissue therapy and adjustive technique). By the end of the 7th quarter, students have learned how to adjust most of the joints in the human body and will be familiar with the art of diagnosis, clinical reasoning and clinical problem solving.

Center for Outcome Studies

our

Motto

chiropractic physician

clinical

experienCe

Students spend most of their final year of study providing care to patients in the Campus Health Center and in the university’s Portland-area outpatient clinics. They also complete practice rotations in a variety of settings supporting Portland’s underserved communities. Student interns practicing under the supervision of licensed chiropractic physicians are allowed increasing levels of responsibility and clinical authority as competencies are demonstrated. Final-year instruction includes adjustive technique, radiology, correlative and differential diagnosis, pediatrics, geriatrics, clinical psychology, minor surgery and practice management. Twelfth-quarter students have the opportunity to complete their final term of clinical education in a community-based internship or a preceptorship in the office of a chiropractic physician or group practice. UWS students have interned throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Peru, the Netherlands, France and Chile.

health

centers of uWs

The Health Centers of UWS, the university’s network of clinics located throughout the Portland area and in Salem, provide students with clinical experiences in real-world settings. As a University of Western States graduate, students are prepared to diagnose most of the conditions commonly encountered by primary care physicians and to treat or co-manage many of those conditions. The university strongly promotes collaboration with other health professionals as the means to most effectively address patient health problems and wellness needs. The state of Oregon has the one of the broadest scope-of-practice for chiropractic physicians in the United States, and UWS curriculum prepares students with the broad-scope of professional knowledge and clinical skills needed to fulfill that role. At the same time, students become highly-skilled in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and related conditions.

University of Western States

Health Centers of UWS

outreach experiences at athletic, sporting and other community events offer students

a chance to work with a highly diverse patient population.

past outreach events:

• Mt hood Community College welcome week • Gresham high School teacher appreciation • ohSu health equality fair

• Gresham Chamber of Commerce expo • east portland Community Center health and fitness fair

• people Growers health fairs • Compassion events

• oregon dept. of transportation health fair

the uWs

excellence

Typical licensure eligibility requirements to practice chiropractic include: • pre-chiropractic coursework as required by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) • graduation from a CCE-accredited DC program • successful completion of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examinations, which are necessary to become eligible for U.S. state licensure • filing of an application with the state or provincial chiropractic licensing board or its equivalent The education at the University of Western States prepares graduates for licensure in all 50 U.S. states, 10 Canadian provinces and other countries.

Each state, province and country regulates eligibility for professional licensure. These regulations are subject to change without notice and are beyond the university’s control. A number of state licensing boards stipulate eligibility requirements in addition to completion of a chiropractic education. For example, several states also require a bachelor’s degree. Because each state is different, UWS encourages prospective students to contact the chiropractic boards for the states or provinces in which they are interested in practicing to learn the eligibility requirements for those jurisdictions. Contact information for all U.S. states and Canadian provinces is available through the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards at: www.fclb.org

spotlight: Christopher franklin, dC, Class of 2011 choose chiropractic as a career: after

receiving chiropractic care throughout his high school career as a football player

“My time in the National Guard shaped

my view of chiropractic. There are few

VA hospitals with chiropractors on staff.”

enjoyed: the anatomy courses and science-focus

of the uwS curriculum

licensure

Board exaMS

UWS students consistently perform among the best on both U.S. and Canadian national board examinations.

collaboration

The Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine (OCIM) is a collaborative organization comprised of the University of Western States, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine and Pacific University. OCIM’s vision is to facilitate interactive educational opportunities for students attending the health sciences institutions in Portland by pioneering a model of traditional and holistic health care integration. The organization aims to advance health care through education, research, patient care and advocacy.

“The education exchanges made possible by the Oregon

Collaborative of Integrative Medicine permits UWS students

to experience a unique blend of multidisciplinary education

unavailable elsewhere.”

- Joseph brimhall, dC, president

spotlight: Jennifer nishimura, Class of 2011 choose chiropractic as a career: when

looking to expand her rolfing clinic services

“This has been the most challenging

thing I’ve done, and it has had the most

pay off and it will continue to pay off.

But it’s not easy, nor should it be—it’s a

doctorate program.”

caMe to uWs: after reading good reviews

about the uwS program online and learning of the research opportunities and collaboration

In just a short drive:

north: Vancouver, wash. or Vancouver, bC east: Mt. hood, Columbia river gorge west: pacific coast, state forests

South: willamette Valley, wine country

portland

_{culture & food}

sustainaBility

One of “The five best places to live in the world” – The Guardian (Jan. 20, 2012)

No. 1, “World’s Best Street Food” – U.S. News Travel (oct. 17, 2011)

No. 2, “America’s Top 10 Safest Cities”– Forbes (october 2010)

No. 4, “Healthiest Cities in America” – Business Insider (May 26, 2011)

No. 1 for street food/food trucks, microbrew beer, public transportation and pedestrian-friendliness,

environmental friendliness and pet-friendly vacation – Travel + Leisure, America’s Favorite Cities survey (november 2012)

“America’s Best Bike City: Portland, Oregon” – Bicycling (May 2012)

No. 1, “America’s Greenest Cities” – Travel + Leisure (april 2012)

“Portland is great—there is a

ton of stuff to do. You’ve got to

remind yourself to have a life

outside of school.”

– Jennifer nishimura, dC,

Class of 2011

admission

Our admissions

advisors will help

you every step of

the way.

acadeMic requireMentS

The doctor of chiropractic program at University of Western States is a rigorous, full-time, first-professional degree program that educates students as primary care chiropractic physicians. Applicants are expected to have undergraduate preparation similar to that of other health care professions. Admission requirements meet the academic standards and prerequisites established by the Council on Chiropractic Education and reflect the institutional expectations for professional degree candidates. The majority of applicants have earned undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, kinesiology or zoology. However, UWS has found there is no “best” undergraduate major to prepare for the chiropractic curriculum. Choose a major that you find most interesting, challenging and satisfying.

90 total semester credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA*

24 of the 90 credits must come from the life and physical sciences

** 12 of these 24 credits must include laboratory

Humanities and social sciences

uwS offers a full complement of online undergraduate science coursework to fulfill the entrance requirements for the dC program. Visit www.uws.edu for the most up-to-date course offerings.

* Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 but above 2.75 may be considered for admission to the DC program on a case-by-case basis.

** UWS recommends a science foundation consisting of a full-year sequence of biology, chemistry, organic or biochemistry and physics. Preferred sciences also include: anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology and zoology.

additional degrees

baChelor

science

of

Bs

MaSter

_{exercise & sports science}

of

SCienCe

_Ms

MaSter

huMan nutrition &

of

SCienCe

Ms

Functional Medicine

MaSSaGe

therapy

Mt

spotlight: Montserrat andreys, dC, Class of 2013 choose chiropractic as a career: while

running her own massage therapy practice

“The students right away told me

the academics were strong and the

faculty was open and friendly. After my

undergrad education, I was bowled

over by the quality of the professors

and the fact that they were all amazing.

That made me feel confident about my

decision.”

at uWs: took the Master of Science in exercise

and sports science program concurrently

passion: treating dancers and athletes

UWS offers a one-year certificate program in clinical massage therapy. The program teaches the art and science of massage therapy through lecture, laboratory and hands-on practice to provide real-world The MS in exercise and sports science can be pursued concurrently with the DC program on campus. Specific courses completed in the DC program are also attributed to the master’s program, making completion of the additional degree efficient and affordable. The hybrid version of the program is offered to qualified applicants in a distance-learning (online) format, which also requires participation in quarterly practicum experiences at approved facilities across the United States. The MS in human nutrition and functional medicine is an advanced-practice degree offered online to health care professionals. The degree encompasses the latest information in this growing field of health care, which focuses on clinical assessment and patient management strategies using nutritional approaches within a functional medicine model to improve a patient’s health. The MS in diagnostic imaging is a limited-seat, three-year residency program designed to prepare students for diplomate certification through the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology.

MaSter

diagnostic iMaging

of

SCienCe

Ms

The BS in human biology is completed concurrently with the DC program for students who would like to complete a bachelor’s degree and/or need the degree to become eligible for state licensure. The degree is also available to UWS DC alumni.

student life

tutoring

SerViCeS

The office of student services strives to ensure students have the support resources necessary to help them excel in the rigorous DC program. Student tutors and mentors provide academic assistance outside the classroom at no cost; and trained counselors are available weekly to meet student’s personal counseling needs.

career

SerViCeS

UWS is committed to providing students with tools to succeed after graduation, including business skills and networking connections. The office of career services connects students to experienced physician mentors and hosts business and professional development workshops for students and alumni.

aluMni

relationS

Once graduated, UWS stays connected and keeps alumni informed of what’s happening at the university, in the profession, and with classmates through the inTouch newsletter, social media, homecoming alumni reunions and other campus or online events.

continuing

eduCation

The university’s continuing education division offers an ever-changing selection of diverse, high-quality post-graduate certification programs and continuing education (CE) credit hours to support life-long professional study and advancement. The university provides verification of completed CE credit hours, which qualify for professional license renewal in all 50 states. UWS offers discounts to alumni.

spotlight: nathan and Kristina Coppock, dCs,

Class of 2012

choose chiropractic as a career: kristina: at the encouragement of her long-time

chiropractic physician

nathan: after attending the uwS chiropractic

forum with his wife, Kristina, and liking the lifestyle of the profession

“The hands-on experience of treating

athletes in the UWS master’s program

has opened doors that wouldn’t have

been open to me before.” - Nathan

at uWs: took the Master of Science in exercise

and sports science program concurrently

financial aid

_u.s.

_StudentS

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and use the school code 012309 to have information sent to UWS. Unlike undergraduate aid, parental information is not required. The typical financial aid package for DC program students consists of a combination of federal student loans, which may include Direct Stafford, Perkins and/or Grad PLUS loans. Students who qualify for federal student aid may borrow up to the entire estimated cost of attendance (funding for some types of aid are dependent upon credit qualification).

estimated program cost

• tuition: $25,323 • fees: $1,855

total: $27,178

*Tuition and fees are are based on full-time enrollment. Tuition rates and fees are annually reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, and typically any changes go into effect at the beginning of the summer term.

tuition

& CoStS

uWs loan deFault rate:

• 2009 0%

• 2008 .7%

• 2007 1.2%

• 2006 0%

The most recent statistics from the US Department of Education regarding the student loan default rate at www.uws.edu.

Veterans

Student veterans might be eligible to use veterans benefits to finance their education at UWS. For questions on eligibility, contact the Veterans Administration Office, or the UWS office of the registrar at 503-847-2560 or registrar@uws.edu.

scholarships

Scholarships may play a role in financing a student’s education. All UWS students are encouraged to seek outside scholarships or apply for school-sponsored scholarships. A number of free online scholarship searches can be found under the financial aid section of the UWS website. The financial aid office is available to answer student questions. Call 800-641-5641 or email finaid@uws.edu.

international

StudentS

Check national, state and/or provincial student aid programs to determine available options to fund studies in the United States. In addition, international students may be eligible for private loans or lines of credit through banks and other financial institutions in their home countries. International students who maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA while enrolled in the DC program are eligible to receive $500 grant each term. (‘13-’14)

next steps

call 800-641-5641 or email admissions@uws.edu

and take the next steps to prepare for your future in health care at the university of western States.

next

StepS

Visit

CaMpuS

Prospective students and visitors are welcome most weekdays during regular business hours. Tour the campus, sit in on a class and speak with an admissions advisor, faculty members and current students. The day will be tailored to individual interests and objectives. Call 800-641-5641 or email admissions@uws.edu to schedule a campus visit.

apply

today

UWS admits new students to the DC program twice each year, in the fall and winter terms. Required: • official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended • two recommendations • personal interview

apply online at www.uws.edu

connect

_{with uS:}

transcript eValuationS

forward a copy of your college or university transcripts for assessment and we’ll be happy to review them at no cost—even before you apply. admissions advisors are available to help you with prerequisite course selection and answer any questions about the university, the portland area or a career in chiropractic.