Program Overview

Introduction to the Pre-Chiropractic Program

The Pre-Chiropractic program at SUNY Plattsburgh is designed to prepare students for a career as a chiropractor. This program provides students with the necessary courses and experiences to apply to chiropractic schools.

Program Requirements

Chiropractic schools have fewer definite prerequisites than other post-graduate professional schools. The general criteria for admission include:

• Completion of 90 semester hours of a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
• A minimum of 24 semester hours in life and physical sciences courses, with at least half of these courses including labs
• A well-rounded general education program, including courses in the humanities and social sciences

Shadowing Opportunities

Admissions committees at chiropractic schools expect applicants to have experience working in a chiropractic office or shadowing a chiropractor. SUNY Plattsburgh has many board-certified chiropractors, and shadowing opportunities can be arranged in conjunction with the chairman of the Pre-Health Professions Advising Committee (PHPAC).

Applying to Chiropractic School

There is no central application service for chiropractic schools, and each school has its own timetable and deadlines. Students can research schools and their requirements to prepare for the application process.

Partner Programs

SUNY Plattsburgh has an articulation agreement with the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, which provides scholarships to qualified applicants. This 4+4 articulation program offers several advantages, including:

• An easier application process due to the relationship between the University of Bridgeport and SUNY Plattsburgh
• Guaranteed admission for students graduating with a GPA of 3.0 or greater in an approved major
• Scholarship money built into the program based on scores in science courses

Requirements for the Articulation Program

To be eligible for the articulation program, students must:

• Complete the equivalent of three academic years of undergraduate study (90 semester hours) at an accredited institution with a GPA of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in life and physical science courses, with at least half of these courses including labs
• Have a well-rounded general education program in the humanities and social sciences, and other coursework deemed relevant by the Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP)

Areas of Undergraduate Study

Students can matriculate at SUNY Plattsburgh in a program of study leading to the Baccalaureate Degree or articulated coursework required to satisfy all entrance requirements of the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic. Approved programs include:

• Athletic training
• Behavioral biology
• Biology and related majors
• Biochemistry and related majors
• Biophysics
• Chemistry and related majors
• Earth sciences and related majors
• Exercise science and related majors
• Exercise physiology
• Health and human performance
• Kinesiology
• Nutrition
• Physics and related majors
• Psychology
• Sports sciences and related majors

Scholarships

Students who complete the course of study with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all specified science courses may be eligible for scholarships. The scholarships include:

• A one-time UBCC merit scholarship valued at $1,750 for students entering with a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• A one-time UBCC merit scholarship valued at $2,000 for students completing the course of study with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earning a minimum grade of C+ (2.5) in all specified science courses
• A one-time UBCC merit scholarship valued at $2,500 for students completing the course of study with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earning a minimum grade of B (3.0) in all specified science courses

Application Process

To apply for the articulation program, students must:

• Submit a letter of intent to the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic by their first two years at the college/university or during the first year in the upper division of exercise science/exercise physiology/biology
• Apply for admission to the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic one year in advance of their desired entrance date
• Complete all other application procedures, including a satisfactory admission interview
• Provide three required references, including one from a doctor of chiropractic and one from a faculty member at the college/university