Top 10 Answers for Prospective Students
1. How do I apply to Life West?
Our academic program accepts incoming classes four times per year, so you can get started as soon as you are ready! The first step is to contact us for an application and to review our admissions requirements. If you need to take additional undergraduate coursework to meet these requirements, an accelerated weekend science program is available on campus. Many states require a Bachelors degree in order to qualify for your chiropractic license. Our admissions counselors can help you every step of the way, please give us a call to discuss your specific situation.
2. How long is the doctor of chiropractic program?
There are two programs of study available:
- 14-quarter curriculum (completed in 4 years) or
- 12-quarter curriculum (more intense curriculum completed in 3 years)
If you have unique circumstances, such as parenting responsibilities, special schedules are also available.
3. Will I be able to handle the program?
Chiropractic school is a challenge for anyone entering the program, but you will be greatly rewarded for your efforts. Most of our students are re-entering the academic field after working in other careers, so you won’t be alone in taking on a new challenge.
You will be supported all the way by your teachers, classmates and mentors. We design our program to give you a balance of the science, philosophy and art of chiropractic.
Our Student Services department also offers learning style assessments and special testing facilities to accommodate different learning styles.
4. When will I get hands on?
You get started with hands on learning right from the first quarter at life west. And in our core curriculum you will experience more chiropractic techniques than at any other school. On campus technique clubs and supervised adjusting labs give you the confidence and competence to be a great adjustor. In fact, students come from around the world to study at Life West because of our international reputation for excellence in chiropractic education and unique learning opportunities.
5. Will I be properly prepared for my career?
Your course is capped with a year-long internship in the college’s Health Center. Here you will gain working experience by treating members of the public. This will be complimented by real-world skills such as establishing a successful practice, effective office management, and community relations. Life West grads are skilled chiropractors of high integrity with successful practices worldwide. Our student loan default rates are the lowest of any chiropractic school.
“I went into school as a person searching for direction, hoping that I could learn enough to help others and to make a decent living doing so. I came out of LCCW with more than I could ask for. Through all the seminars, mission trips, and conversations with fellow peers and teachers, I became the person I always knew I was, but couldn't seem to be.” –Life West graduate
6. Will I be able to find housing?
Life West is located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, so you do want to allow time to get resettled if you are coming from out of the area. Yet we are in one of the most affordable parts of the bay area and our Student Services department has an active list of local rental housing available. Many students choose to live together in shared rental accommodation, and this forms another close bond in the chiropractic community at Life West. Online resources such as www.craigslist.com also have many local housing listings.
7. Can I get financial aid?
The majority of our students qualify for financial aid to pay for tuition, fees, books and living expenses while studying at Life West. The financial aid department is very skilled at helping you to access available funding, as well as setting up work study positions, and helping you to apply for applicable grants and scholarships. Many students work part time to help with costs of living, and stay connected to the broader community, plus you get to meet more potential health center patients.
8. Is there a supportive community at the college?
When you walk through the halls of life west for the first time, you will immediately feel the Life West difference. We are a friendly community with a core philosophy of giving for the sake of giving. The close bonds that you will form with other students, faculty and staff will last a lifetime. The Student Services department is always available to help with academic and personal challenges and to promote life west’s unique community environment.
“Everyone at Life West, from the admissions and financial aid departments to instructors and administrators want you to succeed! There is so much support and encouragement, and instructors actually relate all courses to chiropractic and a vitalistic approach to life.”- Life West graduate
9. Is there access to up-to-date technology?
Our facilities are state-of-the-art, including digital X-ray and standing MRI, so you can experience the cutting edge of scientific developments in the field of chiropractic. You will also have access to wireless internet throughout campus and all the classrooms have integrated microphone and projector systems.
10. What is the faculty like at Life West?
Our faculty represent a wide variety of academic and technique backgrounds, giving you extensive resources for a well rounded chiropractic education. They are also extremely dedicated to chiropractic and to the student’s success. Many of our faculty are recognized leaders in the field, advancing the future of chiropractic through innovation.
“Life West faculty is exceptional! They are 100% dedicated to your success and specialize in a wide variety of techniques within chiropractic. So if you are passionate about working with kids or learning upper cervical chiropractic or extremity adjusting you can find someone whose interests match yours and get amazing mentorship. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to connect with people and the learning is non stop for 3 years. However, you will come out a skilled and versatile chiropractor who is ready to serve!”- Life West graduate