What Life University Is
Life University is a private chiropractic school located in Marietta, Georgia. It offers Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree programs and related health science degrees. The school has been operating since 1974 and is one of the larger chiropractic institutions in the United States by enrollment.
Life University is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), which is the recognized accrediting body for chiropractic programs in the U.S. The school operates on a trimester system rather than the traditional semester calendar used by many colleges, meaning the academic year is divided into three terms instead of two.
The campus sits on approximately 110 acres and includes classroom buildings, laboratories, a teaching clinic, and student housing. The school also operates a patient care clinic where students gain hands-on experience under faculty supervision.
Key Takeaways
- Life University is a CCE-accredited chiropractic school in Georgia that has operated since 1974 and enrolls several hundred students per year.
- The school uses a trimester calendar system, meaning you complete the program in three academic terms per year rather than two.
- The Doctor of Chiropractic program typically takes three years to complete, though the trimester schedule compresses the timeline compared to semester-based schools.
- Life University operates a teaching clinic where students perform chiropractic care on real patients under faculty supervision as part of their training.
- Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of specific prerequisite courses in sciences and general education.
The Doctor of Chiropractic Program Structure
Life University's main offering is the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. The program is designed to prepare students for licensure exams and chiropractic practice. Because the school operates on trimesters, the program moves faster than schools using a traditional two-semester calendar.
The curriculum includes classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, chiropractic technique, radiology, and clinical practice. Students also complete laboratory work and clinical hours in the teaching clinic. The exact number of credit hours and course requirements can change, so you should check the school's current catalog for the most recent information.
The program requires students to pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams before they can be licensed to practice. Life University prepares students for these exams as part of the curriculum, but passing the exams is the student's responsibility and is required for licensure in every state.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
To be considered for Life University's chiropractic program, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. The school also requires completion of prerequisite courses before you enroll, usually including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and general education courses like English and mathematics.
Some prerequisites can be completed at community colleges or four-year universities before you explore. Life University may also offer some prerequisite courses on campus for students who need to complete them. You should contact the admissions office directly to confirm which courses are required and whether they accept transfer credits from other institutions.
The school uses the Chiropractic Admissions Test (CAT) or may accept other standardized test scores as part of the process process. Specific score requirements and whether the test is mandatory can vary, so check with admissions for current policies.
Cost and Financial Information
Tuition at chiropractic schools varies by institution and changes year to year. Life University's tuition is higher than many public universities but is typical for private chiropractic schools. The total cost to complete the program includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses if you do not live near campus.
The school offers information about financial aid options, including federal student loans, private loans, and payment plans. You can complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your may be able to access for federal aid. The school's financial aid office can explain what funding sources may be available to you based on your individual situation.
Because chiropractic education is a significant financial commitment, it is worth comparing the total cost across different schools and understanding what your earning potential might be after graduation in your state or region.
The Teaching Clinic and Hands-On Training
Life University operates a patient care clinic where students perform chiropractic adjustments and other treatments under the supervision of licensed faculty members. This clinic serves real patients from the community and gives students practical experience before they graduate and begin independent practice.
Clinical training typically begins in the first year and increases as students progress through the program. By the time you graduate, you will have completed hundreds of hours of supervised patient care. This hands-on experience is a key part of chiropractic education and is required by accreditation standards.
The teaching clinic also serves as a source of revenue for the school and may offer reduced-cost care to patients, making it accessible to people in the community while providing students with training opportunities.
Accreditation and Licensure Pathway
Life University holds accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), which means the program meets national standards for chiropractic education. Graduating from a CCE-accredited school is a requirement for licensure in all U.S. states.
After graduation, you must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams to become licensed. Most states require passage of Parts I, II, III, and IV of the NBCE exam series. Some states also require additional state-specific exams or jurisprudence tests covering state chiropractic laws.
Licensure requirements vary by state, so you should research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice. Some states have additional requirements beyond the NBCE exams, such as continuing education or specific clinical hour minimums.
Student Life and Campus Resources
Life University provides student housing on or near campus, which is helpful since the trimester schedule is intensive and many students come from outside Georgia. The school also offers student organizations, wellness programs, and other campus activities typical of college environments.
Because chiropractic education is demanding, the school provides academic support services, tutoring, and counseling resources. The library and learning commons provide study space and access to research materials and databases needed for coursework.
The school's location in the Atlanta metropolitan area means students have access to urban resources and internship or employment opportunities in a major city while attending school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the chiropractic program at Life University?
The Doctor of Chiropractic program typically takes three years to complete. Because Life University uses a trimester system with three academic terms per year, the program moves faster than schools using traditional semesters. However, the total time to graduation is still around three years of full-time study.
Do I need a bachelor's degree to attend Life University?
No, you do not need a bachelor's degree. You need a high school diploma or GED and completion of specific prerequisite courses in sciences and general education. Many students complete these prerequisites at community colleges before explore to chiropractic school.
What happens if I don't pass the NBCE exams after graduation?
If you do not pass the NBCE exams on your first attempt, you can retake them. Many students pass on the second or third attempt. Life University provides exam preparation resources, but passing the exams is your responsibility. Without passing, you cannot become licensed to practice chiropractic care.
Can I transfer credits from another school to Life University?
Life University may accept transfer credits for prerequisite courses completed at other institutions, but policies vary. Contact the admissions office to ask which credits they accept and what documentation you need to provide for transfer evaluation.
Does Life University offer online or part-time chiropractic programs?
Chiropractic education requires in-person classroom instruction, laboratory work, and supervised clinical practice, so the program is full-time and on-campus. Some prerequisite courses may be available online at other institutions, but the chiropractic degree itself must be completed in person.