Palmer College of Chiropractic is one of the oldest chiropractic schools in the United States

Palmer College of Chiropractic was founded in 1897 in Davenport, Iowa, by D.D. Palmer, who is credited with developing chiropractic as a profession. The school still operates its main campus in Davenport and has expanded to include additional campuses in Florida and California. If you are considering chiropractic education, Palmer is one of the larger and more established institutions in the field.

The college offers Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree programs at each of its three locations. The curriculum typically includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, chiropractic techniques, radiology, and clinical practice. Students complete classroom instruction, laboratory work, and supervised clinical hours before graduating.

Palmer is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), which is the recognized accrediting body for chiropractic programs in the United States. This accreditation means the school meets established standards for curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes.

Key Takeaways

  • Palmer College operates three campuses — in Davenport, Iowa; Tampa, Florida; and San Jose, California — each offering Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs.
  • The school has been operating since 1897 and is one of the oldest chiropractic institutions in the country.
  • Palmer programs are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, the standard accrediting body for chiropractic schools.
  • Chiropractic degree programs typically take three to four years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and clinical training components.
  • Graduates must pass licensing exams in the state where they plan to practice, which are separate from the school's degree requirements.

The three Palmer campuses and their locations

Palmer's main campus is in Davenport, Iowa, where the school was originally founded. This location houses the largest student body and the most extensive facilities, including multiple clinic locations where students gain hands-on experience.

The Florida campus opened in Tampa and serves students in the southeastern United States. The California campus in San Jose serves the West Coast region. Each campus offers the same Doctor of Chiropractic degree but may have different class schedules, campus facilities, and local clinical opportunities.

If you are deciding between campuses, consider location relative to where you want to practice after graduation, cost of living in each area, and whether the campus schedule fits your situation. Some students prefer the main campus for its history and established reputation, while others choose a satellite location for geographic convenience.

What the Doctor of Chiropractic program includes

Palmer's D.C. program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice. The curriculum covers foundational sciences like anatomy and physiology, chiropractic-specific subjects like spinal adjustment techniques and radiography, and clinical skills through supervised patient care in college clinics.

Students typically spend their first year and a half on core sciences and chiropractic theory. The second half of the program shifts toward clinical training, where students work with actual patients under faculty supervision. This structure allows students to build theoretical knowledge before moving into hands-on practice.

The total program length is typically three to four years, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time and which campus you choose. Full-time students generally complete the degree faster than part-time students.

Admission requirements and what to expect

Palmer requires applicants to have completed specific prerequisite coursework before enrolling, typically including biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences. You will need to submit transcripts showing completion of these courses, usually from an accredited college or university.

The school uses the Chiropractic Admissions Test (CAT) as part of its admissions process. This standardized exam measures science knowledge and reasoning skills relevant to chiropractic study. You will also submit personal statements and may participate in interviews as part of the review process.

Palmer considers your overall academic record, test scores, and personal fit for the profession when making admissions decisions. Requirements may vary slightly between campuses, so check the specific campus website for exact prerequisites and important date.

Cost and financial information

Tuition and fees at Palmer vary by campus and program length. The total cost of the Doctor of Chiropractic degree typically ranges significantly depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time and which location you choose. Living expenses, books, and equipment add to the overall cost of attendance.

Palmer participates in federal student loan programs, and many students finance their education through a combination of loans, scholarships, and personal funds. The school offers some institutional scholarships and financial aid, though the amount varies. You can contact the financial aid office at your chosen campus for specific information about what may be available to you.

Before enrolling, research the total cost of the program and understand what your financial obligations will be after graduation. Many chiropractic graduates carry student debt, so understanding loan repayment terms and your expected income after licensure is important for financial planning.

Licensing and practice after graduation

Completing Palmer's D.C. program does not automatically license you to practice. After graduation, you must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams, which test your knowledge of chiropractic theory and practice. You will also need to pass your state's specific licensing exam, as requirements vary by state.

Some states require additional state-specific exams or practical demonstrations beyond the national board exams. Before enrolling, research the licensing requirements in the state where you plan to practice to understand what you will need to do after graduation.

Palmer's curriculum is designed to prepare you for these exams, but passing them is your responsibility. The school publishes pass rates for its graduates on national board exams, which you can review to understand how recent graduates have performed.

How Palmer compares to other chiropractic schools

Palmer is one of several accredited chiropractic schools in the United States. Other established programs include Life University in Georgia, Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota, and the University of Western States in Oregon, among others. Each school has different locations, program structures, and costs.

Palmer's main distinction is its age and history — it is the oldest chiropractic school still operating and was founded by the profession's originator. This history carries weight in the field, though it does not may provide better outcomes than newer schools. What matters more is whether the school's location, program structure, and cost fit your situation.

When comparing schools, look at accreditation status (all should be CCE-accredited), campus location, program length and schedule, total cost, and graduate licensing exam pass rates. Speaking with current students and alumni from each school can also give you insight into the actual student experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bachelor's degree before attending Palmer?

Palmer does not require a completed bachelor's degree, but you must complete specific prerequisite courses in sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics. Many students complete these prerequisites as part of a bachelor's degree, but you can also take them at a community college or through other institutions. Check with your chosen Palmer campus for the exact list of required courses.

Can I attend Palmer part-time while working?

Palmer offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options at its campuses. Part-time programs take longer to complete but allow you to maintain other commitments. The intensity of clinical training in the later part of the program may limit how much outside work is realistic, so discuss scheduling with the admissions office before enrolling.

What is the job market like for Palmer graduates?

Chiropractic job prospects depend on your location, credentials, and whether you plan to open your own practice or work for an established clinic. Palmer publishes employment data for its graduates, which you can request from the school. Research job openings and average income in the state where you plan to practice before enrolling.

How long does it take to become licensed after graduation?

After graduating, you typically take the National Board of Chiropractic Exams, which you can schedule within a few months of graduation. Your state licensing exam follows. The entire process usually takes a few months, though timing varies by state and how quickly you schedule your exams.

Are Palmer's three campuses equally rigorous?

All Palmer campuses follow the same accreditation standards and curriculum framework, so the degree requirements are equivalent. However, campus culture, faculty, and clinical opportunities may differ. If campus environment matters to you, visit or speak with current students at each location before deciding.