Vermillion, S.D. (KELO AM) - Students in the SDSU pre-chiropractic program have the opportunity to condense their path to chiropractic school from four years to three, thanks to articulation agreements with three universities.
Those who complete at least 90 credits of specified coursework and maintain a minimum grade-point average set by each program are guaranteed admission to one of three chiropractic programs, according to pre-health professional adviser Greg Heiberger.
They then receive a bachelor's degree in biology from SDSU based on credits they earn during the first year of chiropractic school.
"We want to provide opportunities for our pre-professional students while they're still here," explained Provost Laurie Nichols. This is part of the Impact 2018 strategic plan, to partner with other institutions to create these pathways for SDSU students.Students have three choicesIn the Midwest, Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn., which has 513 students enrolled in the chiropractic program, offers the 3-3 early admission program.
"For decades, bright students and graduates from SDSU have enrolled in our health science programs, and now, with this articulation agreement, the process has become student-centered and streamlined," said Provost Michael Wiles of Northwestern Health Sciences University.At the National University of Health Sciences, students can choose from two campuses—Lombard, Ill., which is a suburb of Chicago, and St. Petersburg, Fla.
"We look forward to providing South Dakota State University students the opportunity to launch an exciting chiropractic career with a focus on integrative medicine," said Nicholas Trongale, vice president for academic services at National University of Health Sciences.Those students who would like to go west can consider the nation's second-oldest chiropractic school, the University of Western States in Portland, Ore. Patrick Browne, UWS vice president of enrollment and student services, said, "We are excited to work with SDSU students to help them achieve their professional goals.
"Juniors can apply nowJuniors who meet the course requirements can apply this fall, according to Heiberger. More information about the specific programs at each school is available at http://www.sdstate.edu/academic/transfer/index.cfm or by contacting Greg Heiberger at greg.heiberger@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4294.These three chiropractic schools were chosen because they are among the best in the nation, explained Nichols.
The land-grant university's strong science curriculum and the high caliber of its pre-professional students make this possible."We are combining the best of what each of us has to offer into one package," Nichols said. She estimated students will save about $14,000 with the accelerated programs, plus they'll be earning a salary a year earlier when they would otherwise have still been in school.Opening doors to chiropractic school is just the beginning, explained Nichols. SDSU plans to explore similar agreements for students who wish to become medical doctors, dentists and optometrists."We want students to come to SDSU and know there is a path to go on in the professional health-related fields," said Nichols.