Chiropractic - Pre-Professional | Health Sciences | University of Nebraska at Kearney

About the Pre-Chiropractic Program

On Campus

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat patients’ conditions, such as back or neck pain.

The Pre-Chiropractic program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will prepare you for higher education in the field, and is designed to be completed alongside a bachelor's degree. A 3+3 Dual Degree program is also offered in partnership with four universities who offer Doctor of Chiropractic programs.

PROGRAM INFORMATION GUIDE

Responsibilities of a Chiropractor:

Assesses a patient’s medical condition by reviewing his or her medical history, listening to the patient’s concerns and performing a physical examination.
Analyzes the patient’s posture and spine.
Provides musculoskeletal therapy, which involves adjusting a patient’s spinal column and other joints by hand.
Conducts diagnostic tests, including X-rays.
Provides additional treatments, such as applying heat or cold to a patient’s injured areas.
Advises patients on health and lifestyle issues, such as exercise and sleep habits.
Refers patients to other medical specialists if needed.

The 3+3 Dual Degree Program

The combined degree program was specifically developed for students who intend to pursue a chiropractic education. The program provides qualified students an opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree and the Doctor of Chiropractic degree in only six years! The combined degree program is offered in partnership between UNK and the following institutions:

Cleveland University Kansas City
Life Chiropractic College West (Bellevue, NE)
Logan University (Chesterfield, MO)
Northwestern Health Sciences University (Bloomington, MN)
Palmer College of Chiropractic (Dubuque, IA or Port Orange, FL)

How does it work?

UNK students are given guaranteed acceptance after 3 years (90 credit hours) of prerequisite coursework and completion of all requirements. Each program has a minimum GPA requirement in order to receive guaranteed admission. The first year of chiropractic coursework will fulfill the remaining senior level requirements at UNK. The student will then be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree from UNK at the completion of the first year of professional study at chiropractic school.

Median Pay: $75,380 per year

9% Projected Employment Growth

from 2022 to 2032 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

100% Placement Rate in Clinical Programs and Graduate Schools

Statistic based on cumulative placement data for the last 3 years

"I had an experience with a chiropractor and it sparked my interest.” Dr. Brandon Brill decided on an Exercise Science major and Health Science minor, pursued his interest in a healthcare profession by taking courses that would prepare him for chiropractic school. “UNK professors were great, and classes were interesting to me." Brill interned with Dr. Jerry Milligan of Milligan Chiropractic. "The opportunity showed me a real-world perspective of a chiropractor as I observed how he ran his business."