While traditional models for chiropractic education have taken an approach involving a period of academic coursework followed by experiential training, Life Chiropractic College West has taken on a more revolutionary methodology to chiropractic learning. Now four quarters into the Clinically Inspired Learning program, Life West’s decision to integrate clinical experience earlier is picking up steam.
The Clinically Inspired Learning program accepted its first students in Fall 2018. The goal, according to Vice President of the Office of Academic Affairs Pardeep Kullar, EdD, is to blend what students are learning in the classroom with real, hands-on clinical experience that corresponds to the subject they are currently studying. Based on thorough analysis, studies have consistently shown that when classroom learning is paired with hands-on learning and exposure, as well as reflective analysis after the fact, students perform better and are more engaged.
Life West’s new and innovative curriculum has students begin with assignments and clinical observational experiences in the first few quarters, but by the fifth quarter, students progress into hands-on clinical engagement. Students also have the opportunity to join a chiropractic practice during their last quarter, gaining valuable insight by training with experienced professionals. While students who began Life West with the program are currently entering their fourth quarter, the program is structured so that Life West students farther along in their educational track can benefit from the clinically inspired curriculum as well.
Life West is continuing to fine-tune the details of the program for students. “We’ve added some experiences that tie to student learning in their Diversified and Gonstead classes,” Kullar said. The development of the program will continue to evolve as new tasks and experiences are added each quarter.
In the third quarter after its initial launch, 70 students were enrolled in the program; that number jumped to 140 by the fourth quarter, with enrollment continuing to climb.
About Life Chiropractic College West
Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, Calif., traces its founding to 1976, when the institution was known as Pacific States Chiropractic College. In April 1978, the first group of students at Pacific States Chiropractic College began attending classes.
Life Chiropractic College West, which offers a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, is internationally recognized for leadership and innovation in chiropractic education. Life Chiropractic College West is accredited by both the WASC Senior College and University Commission and the Council on Chiropractic Education, agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information on Life West, visit lifewest.edu.
For more information about Life West’s Clinically Inspired Learning program, check out this article from earlier in 2019.
