SCU's Innovative Chiropractic Program Coming to Phoenix
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is making headlines with its announcement to extend its flagship Doctor of Chiropractic program to Phoenix, Arizona. This endeavor is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first chiropractic program in the Southwestern United States, a region that until now has not offered such educational opportunities.
Founded in 1911, initially as the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, SCU has maintained a history of excellence in chiropractic education for over a century. This expansion not only marks a milestone for the university but also illustrates its commitment to transforming healthcare accessibility in the region, where there are currently no chiropractic programs in neighboring states like New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, or Nevada.
A New Standard in Chiropractic Education
The SCU Phoenix program aims to set a new benchmark in chiropractic education, thanks to its advanced features and innovative curriculum. According to Dr. Nic Poirier, Executive Dean of the College of Chiropractic Education, the program offers a comprehensive blend of practical training, the latest teaching technologies, evidence-based practices, and an emphasis on collaborative learning.
Key Features of the Program
- - Comprehensive Clinical Experience: Students will gain hands-on training at SCU’s extensive network of more than 500 partner sites. These include private practices, VA hospitals, and various community health centers, ensuring students receive diverse clinical exposure.
- - Business and Practice Readiness: The curriculum is designed not just to provide medical knowledge but also to prepare students for the business side of chiropractic care, including coding, billing, and management practices.
- - Customization Options: SCU's program allows students to tailor their education with elective pathways in disciplines such as Sports Medicine, Eastern Medicine, Functional Medicine, and more. Additionally, students have the option to pursue a dual-degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
- - Technology-Enhanced Learning: With advanced learning tools like force-sensing tables and 3D anatomy software, the curriculum incorporates modern technology to enhance educational outcomes.
- - Holistic Approach to Healthcare: Students will be trained to work across both conventional and complementary disciplines, highlighting SCU's philosophy of treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Answering a Long-Standing Need
SCU’s expansion addresses a longstanding gap in chiropractic education within the Southwest. Dr. Tamara Rozhon, Provost of SCU, emphasized that this initiative fills a crucial void in the region, providing essential training in integrative and whole health practices. The university strives to teach its students to synergize conventional medicine with complementary approaches, anticipating the future of healthcare as holistic and encompassing.
Upcoming Launch and Enrollment Details
The new hybrid program is slated to commence in January 2026. It will blend online learning with immersive, hands-on training sessions at the Phoenix campus, enabling local students to pursue their degrees without the need to relocate. Those interested in joining this forward-thinking program can apply through SCU's official website.
Through this pivotal expansion, SCU is poised to shape the next generation of chiropractors, ensuring the community has increased access to quality care that meets evolving healthcare demands. As SCU continues to push the boundaries of conventional education, its contributions to health sciences reflect a commitment to both innovation and societal needs.
Southern California University of Health Sciences remains a pioneer in integrative health education, shaping healthcare professionals who are well-equipped to meet diverse population needs across Arizona and beyond.
About SCU
SCU stands out as one of the few integrative health educational institutions, incorporating complementary medicine with traditional approaches to foster a whole-person care model. Founded over a century ago, SCU continues to redefine healthcare education through innovative practices and progressive curricula across various disciplines, including Chiropractic, Sports Medicine, Acupuncture, and more. For further information, visit
SCU's website.