Training Specialties at Palmer College of Chiropractic

Palmer College of Chiropractic was the first chiropractic school.

History of Palmer College of Chiropractic

Located in Davenport, IA, the Palmer College of Chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1897. It was originally named the “Palmer School and Cure”. Dr. B.J. Palmer, son of D.D. Palmer, took charge of the school in 1904. It was B.J. Palmer’s son, Dr. David D. Palmer, who changed the school’s name to the one it has today. Because of “Dr. Dave”, the college “established non-profit status” and later received accreditation. Campuses in California (1980) and Florida (2002) have also opened. The main campus remains in Iowa.¹ Palmer accepts students with diverse undergraduate backgrounds, including “health disciplines” ranging from biology and nursing, to chemistry and physical therapy, to pre-medicine and pre-dentistry. Students with non-health backgrounds can also attend Palmer, including those with marketing management, sociology, psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics degrees.²

Areas of Study and Tuition

There are many areas of study at Palmer. Doctor of Chiropractic is one degree. Students can also obtain a Master of Science in Clinical Research, a Bachelor of Science in General Science, an Associate of Science in Chiropractic Technology, or enroll in other post-graduate programs. Some post-graduate offerings include courses that can help students with eligibility for diplomate status and certification. There are many options: Electrodiagnostics Certificate Program, Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (DICCP), Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians® (DACBSP®), and Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®). Students can learn about taking chiropractic X-rays and performing physical assessments and patient screenings. They could get training in supervising a chiropractic office. They may even participate in research. Doctorate of Chiropractic students can seek loans, grants, and “work-study employment through the U.S. Department of Education”, scholarships, or state grants to assist with tuition. As of 2014/2015, the tuition rate in Iowa, for a full trimester, is $10,828 dollars, with 10 trimesters required. In California, the quarterly tuition is $8,084, for 13 quarters. The Florida Campus, also requiring 13 quarters, has a quarterly tuition rate of $8,201. There are other fees associated with the programs as well. Books and equipment tend to average “$350 each term”.³

Palmerpalooza

One major event at the San Jose, CA campus of Palmer is called “Palmerpalooza”, where visitors can experience “a day in the life of a Palmer West student”. Aside from attending some short classes, participants can even don rubber gloves in a lab. There are also alumni panel discussions and other activities, including “tours, financial aid and admission advising and lots of good BBQ”.⁵