Chiropractic

Andrea Herold

lauren.innes — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:47:03 +0000

Andrea Herold lauren.innes

Fri, 02/20/2026 - 09:47

Andrea Herold, DC

Director of Clinical Education

Education & Training

DC, ��Ƶ, 2012

Chiropractic

Massage Therapy Meets Wellness Leadership at D’Youville

lauren.innes — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:59:06 +0000

Massage Therapy Meets Wellness Leadership at D’Youville lauren.innes

Mon, 02/09/2026 - 12:59

D’Youville University is expanding opportunities in integrative health with the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Wellness Management and Massage Therapy, a first-of-its-kind program designed to prepare students for both hands-on clinical practice and leadership roles in the growing wellness industry.

This innovative degree blends licensure-aligned massage therapy education with wellness management, allowing students to build practical skills while gaining the knowledge needed to coordinate, lead, and advance wellness initiatives across healthcare and community settings.

As students progress, the wellness management component prepares them for expanded career pathways beyond traditional massage therapy roles, including leadership, program coordination, teaching eligibility in New York State, and pre-professional pathways such as chiropractic. Coursework integrates anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, professional ethics, and wellness coordination, supporting safe, effective, and client-centered care.

Graduates are prepared to work in medical and rehabilitation clinics, spas, wellness centers, corporate wellness programs, community organizations, or independent practice. As demand grows for licensed massage therapists and integrative care professionals, this program offers a flexible, future-focused pathway that supports early workforce entry and long-term career growth.

For more information, please visit the BS in Wellness Management and Massage Therapy program page. To apply directly click here.

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Chiropractic

School

School of Health Professions

Wellness Management and Massage Therapy (BS)

erin.sullivan — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:12:23 +0000

Wellness Management and Massage Therapy (BS) erin.sullivan

Mon, 01/12/2026 - 13:12

On Campus

128 Credits

Expanding Massage Therapy Through Wellness Management

D’Youville University’s Massage Therapy (BS) is a first-of-its-kind bachelor’s degree that integrates hands-on massage therapy education with wellness management, expanding career pathways across clinical, community, and wellness-focused settings. The wellness management portion of the program positions them to advance into leadership, coordination, and management roles across the health and wellness field as the profession continues to evolve toward whole-person and integrated care.

Program Requirements

Admissions

Admission to the Massage Therapy (BS) program follows D’Youville University’s institutional standards and includes both general and program-specific criteria:

First-Year Applicants: Minimum high school average of 80%.
Transfer Applicants: Minimum GPA 2.5; letters of recommendation and statement of intent encouraged.
Conditional Admission: Applicants with GPA below 2.5 may be considered; must complete four courses with a B or higher.
A.A.S. Degree Holders: Eligible under transfer criteria.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum combines core massage therapy training with wellness management and professional practice education. Areas of focus include:

Foundational and advanced massage therapy modalities
Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology for therapeutic practice
Wellness promotion and program coordination
Ethical and professional standards in therapeutic care

(Full degree requirements and course lists are available in the D’Youville academic catalog.)

School of Health Professions

Chiropractic

Program Overview

Program Length: 4 Years

Credits: 128

Delivery Format: In-Person

Pathway Program: Chiropractic (DC)

Bachelor's Degrees

Nursing, Health, Wellness

Program Highlights

Gain integrated preparation across massage therapy and wellness management:

Massage therapy education — hands-on training in eastern and western techniques aligned with New York State licensure requirements.
Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology — study of the human body to support safe, effective therapeutic care.
Professional practice and ethics — focus on boundaries, cultural humility, hygiene, and client safety.
Wellness management and coordination — preparation to support and advance wellness initiatives across clinical and community settings.
Benefit from a first-of-its-kind integrated bachelor’s degree that expands career pathways beyond traditional massage therapy roles. Graduates are prepared for licensure, leadership opportunities, teaching eligibility in New York State, and pre-professional pathways, including chiropractic.

Why This Program?

This full-time, four-year Bachelor of Science in Massage Therapy and Wellness Management integrates licensure-aligned massage therapy education with wellness management within a single undergraduate degree. The program offers:

A pre-professional pathway for students interested in advanced healthcare programs, including chiropractic.

Graduates are prepared for licensure and employment in spa, wellness, and medical settings, with preparation that also supports independent practice and long-term career growth.

Relevant Skills and Purposeful Degrees

Additional Program Information

Tuition & Fees

D’Youville University summarizes all tuition and fee information in one location to ensure accuracy and keep things simple for you. The Massage Therapy and Wellness Management degree costs are aligned with our standard Undergraduate Degree costs for on campus/hybrid programs. Click here to be re-routed to our Tuition and Fees Page.

Info for Canadian Border Commuters

Canadian applicants interested in commuting to D’Youville University should review the information listed regarding Canadian border commuters on the F-1 Status Page.

Efficiency Statement

We respect your time, and that of others. In alignment with this, we don’t ask for unnecessary paperwork (that you or someone else needs to generate). As standard practice across all degree programs, D’Youville University is a test-optional institution, which doesn’t require SAT/ACT, or graduate entrance exams. We won’t ask you for letters of recommendation, and official transcripts aren’t necessary to be admitted. Just focus on your life transition and provide verification of your official transcripts sometime after you choose DYU is right for you, but before your first day of classes.

Careers

Our program prepares students for professional practice and leadership across the health and wellness field by combining hands-on massage therapy education with wellness management preparation.

A Massage Therapist’s Role

Massage therapists play a vital role in supporting physical function, recovery, and overall well-being through therapeutic, client-centered care. They assess client needs, apply evidence-informed massage techniques, and adapt treatment approaches to support health, mobility, stress reduction, and quality of life across clinical and wellness settings.

The Massage Therapy (BS) satisfies New York State Education Department educational requirements and allows students to sit for the New York State Massage Therapy Board Examination.

Industries & Settings

Graduates are prepared to work across a wide range of settings, including:

Medical and rehabilitation clinics
Medical and luxury spas
Wellness and fitness centers
Corporate wellness programs
Community health and wellness organizations
Independent and private massage therapy practices

Job Outlook

Demand for licensed massage therapists continues to grow as healthcare and wellness systems increasingly emphasize integrative care, prevention, and whole-person health. Graduates who obtain licensure are positioned for employment in both clinical and wellness-focused environments.

The integration of massage therapy and wellness management within the bachelor’s degree also supports long-term career flexibility, professional growth, and advancement opportunities beyond entry-level practice.

Contact Admissions

Request Info

Apply Now

Nicholas Jones

api — Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:56 +0000

Nicholas Jones api

Wed, 05/22/2024 - 01:00

Nicholas Jones

Clinical Assistant Professor

Biography

Dr. Jones is a proud Buffalo native and happy to serve his hometown community. As an alumni, he also enjoys providing his insight and experience to students.

Education & Training

Doctor of Chiropractic, DC, ��Ƶ (formerly College), 2018
BS, Health and Wellness, SUNY Buffalo State University (formerly College), 2014

Research Interests

Chiropractic Technique
Clinical and Diagnostic techniques
Interprofessional Education
Health and Exercise Performance

Awards & Honors

Chiropractic Department Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, 2023, 2022

Chiropractic

Colleague ID

0075868

Lisa DeMarco

erin.sullivan — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:28:45 +0000

Lisa DeMarco erin.sullivan

Wed, 10/11/2023 - 14:28

Lisa DeMarco

Clinical Associate Professor

Biography

Dr. Lisa A. DeMarco has been in private practice serving the Depew area since 1996. Dr. DeMarco held multiple teaching positions at New York Chiropractic College and New York Institute of Massage before joining ��Ƶ. As a chiropractic technique faculty, she utilizes evidence-informed practice models to provide students with the knowledge to succeed as competent Doctor of Chiropractic and become skilled at the art of chiropractic manipulative therapy. In 2009, she co-founded We Can Row-Buffalo, NY, a program that promotes healthier lifestyles by building physical strength, and endurance, and empowering women who are in different phases of cancer survivorship through participation in sweep rowing.

Education & Training

CHSE® -Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator® Society for Simulation in Healthcare, 2020
D.C. Doctorate in Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic College, 1996
B.S. Exercise Science, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 1990

Research Interests

Interprofessional Education and Simulation in Healthcare

Awards & Honors

Faculty Award- Outstanding Service - Department of Chiropractic 2021

Publications

Butterfoss, K.H., Cieri-Hutcherson, N.E., Ferro, H. et al. Interprofessional education and transitions of care: a simulated curriculum from preoperative to community care. SN Soc Sci 2, 51 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-022-00355-2
DeMarco, L., Panzarella, K., Ferro, H., Pownall, L., Case, A., Nowakowski, P., Stewart, M., Duszkiewicz, A., Verni, C., Kennedy, M., Cieri, N., Dowd, C., & Dunford, D. (2015) Outcomes of an Interprofessional Simulation Curriculum, Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 7(2), 453-468.
Panzarella, K., Rivers, L., Bright B., Whelan M., Butterfoss, K., Russ, L., Case, A., Brian, S., Ferro, H., DeMarco, L., Dunford, D., Schmitz, K., Kittleson, H., Kennedy, M., Brzykcy, D., Pownall, L., Reddington, M. (2013). Using Actors as Simulated Patients in Interprofessional Education Medical Science Educator, 23(3), 438-448.

Chiropractic

Rachel Ersing

erin.sullivan — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 16:26:11 +0000

Rachel Ersing erin.sullivan

Fri, 10/06/2023 - 12:26

Rachel Ersing

Executive Director, Doctor of Chiropractic Program
Chair, Division of Wellness and Rehabilitation
Clinical Associate Professor

Biography

Dr. Ersing joined ��Ƶ in 2019 as Executive Director of the Chiropractic program. As a proud alum, she has enjoyed the opportunity to further ��Ƶ's mission of service through collaboration with several departments of the institution, including Athletics, Mission Integration, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Education & Training

Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Higher Education Leadership, National Louis University, 2023
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Medaille University, 2019
Master of Business Administration, ��Ƶ, 2013
Doctor of Chiropractic, ��Ƶ, 2012

Chiropractic

Lauren Tollefson

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:49:42 +0000

Lauren Tollefson api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:49

Lauren Tollefson, DC, DACBR

Assistant Professor

Biography

Dr. Lauren Tollefson grew up in northwestern MN. She pursued her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Parker University in Dallas, TX and completed a 3-year residency in diagnostic imaging at the same institution. She moved to Buffalo, NY in 2019 and has since been at ��Ƶ teaching in the chiropractic program. Dr. Tollefson has spoken at multiple international, national, and local conferences. She currently lives in Buffalo with her husband, Nick, and dog, Hazel.

Education Training

Diplomate in the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology, 2019
Doctor of Chiropractic, Parker University, 2015
BS, Zoology, North Dakota State University, 2012

Research Interests

Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging
Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound
Case Studies
Diagnostic Imaging Pedagogy

Awards Honors

D’Youville University Chiropractic Program - Outstanding Educator (2023)
D’Youville University School of Health Professions – Faculty Award Recipient – Chiropractic Program (2022)
D’Youville University Chiropractic Program - Outstanding Educator (2022)

Publications

Galante A, Tollefson L “Splenic calcifications in a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, an imaging case review”. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Accepted. To be published April 2023.
Jayalathge S, Tollefson L, Mackenzie D, Patel S, “Report of Two Cases of Familial Occipitalization of the Atlas in a Father and His Daughter”. Journal of Craniovertebral Junction & Spine. June 2021. 12(2);209-11.
Cho JCS, Tollefson L, and Reckelhoff KE, “Sonographic Characteristic of the Medial Meniscus During Thessaly Test”. Chiropractic and Manual Therapies. 2021. 29, 31.
Mignelli J, Tollefson L, Stefanowicz E. “Conservative Management of an Adult with Neurofibromatosis- 1”. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. April 2021. 65(1);121-6.
Tollefson L and Cho JCS, “Progression of Diagnostic Imaging Findings of a Patient with Traumatic Spondylolisthesis Secondary to Unilateral Facet Fractures: A Case Report”. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. June 2019. 18(2);139-43.

Chiropractic

Colleague ID

0090225

Lynn Pownall

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:44:46 +0000

Lynn Pownall api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:44

Lynn Pownall, DC, DACNB

Clinical Associate Professor

Biography

Dr. Pownall has been a faculty member at ��Ƶ since 2006 in the Chiropractic Program being responsible for development and delivery of the neurology curriculum. She has a part time clinical practice in Jamestown New York and shares clinical cases and practice experiences with learners in the Chiropractic Program which supports the evidenced influenced basis of the curriculum at ��Ƶ.

Education & Training

M.S. Anatomy, ��Ƶ, 2022

Diplomate of Chiropractic Neurology, DACNB Cleveland College of Chiropractic, 1997

DC, Doctor of Chiropractic, Logan University, 1992

BA Human Biology, Logan University, 1990

AS Biology and Chemistry, Jamestown Community College, 1989

Research Interests

Balance and vestibular control
Simulation education
Rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal condition

Chiropractic

Colleague ID

0057839

Stephen Grande

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:44:41 +0000

Stephen Grande api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:44

Stephen Grande, DC, CCSP, PSP

Clinical Associate Professor

Biography

Dr. Stephen Grande serves as Clinical Associate Professor in the Chiropractic Program at D’Youville University and has been teaching in the chiropractic program since 2007. His teaching includes orthopedic assessment, chiropractic theories, case management, and adjustive technique involving simulation training. He has served as a supervising clinician at ECMC, Thrive and as a preceptorship site. He has maintained a private practice in Cheektowaga, NY since 1983. Dr. Grande recently completed the Primary Spine Practitioner Program from the University of Pittsburgh which focused on integrative care and evidence-based practice. He has served as a content expert for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners since 2016.

Education Training

Certified Primary Spine Practitioner, PSP, University of Pittsburgh, 2021
McGill Methods Certification-Levels 1, 2, 3, 2019
Rock Blade Certification, 2017
Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner, CCSP, New York Chiropractic College, 1990
Doctor of Chiropractic, Summa Cum Laude,DC, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1983
B.S. Biology, Cum Laude, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 1980

Research Interests

His research interests include technique, sports injuries, rehabilitation, integrative care in the primary health care setting, and prenatal care.

Awards & Honors

D’Youville Chiropractic Program- Excellence in Clinical Education (2021)
Teacher of the Year- Department of Chiropractor (2014)
D’Youville College Chiropractic~ Holistic Health Services Faculty of the Year (2009-2010)

Presentations

Buffalo MRI by Windsong Radiology/ NYSCA District 17 October 2022 Symposium: “Evidenced-Based Approach to Peripheral Nerve Syndromes”
Buffalo MRI by Windsong Radiology/ NYSCA District 17 November 2021 Symposium: “Spinal Stenosis Case Presentation: High Level Clinical Decision Making”.
Buffalo MRI/ NYSCA District 17 September 2020 Symposium: “Clinical Reasoning and Cluster Testing for Cervical Radiculopathy/ TOS
Buffalo MRI/ NYSCA District 17 September 2020 Symposium: “Clinical Reasoning and Cluster Testing for Cervical Radiculopathy/ TOS”. (Part 2)
Buffalo MRI/ NYSCA District 17 April 2019 Symposium: “Case Based Orthopedic and Neurological Examination”
ACC-RAC 2019- platform presentation- “Assessing Competencies in the Performance of Spinal Manipulation.”
ACC-RAC 2018- platform presentation- “Low Tech Strategies to Enhance Spinal Manipulation Performance.”

Chiropractic

Colleague ID

0057831

Pre-Chiropractic

moe — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:34:13 +0000

Pre-Chiropractic moe

Mon, 10/10/2022 - 16:34

Undergraduate (BS) + Doctorate (DC)

6.5 - 7.5 Years

Begin a Journey That Transforms Lives

Turn your passion for helping people into a rewarding career as a Chiropractor. The Pre-Chiropractic Program at D’Youville University is an undergraduate pre-health pathway designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to prepare students for the graduate-level Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. Pre-health students are prepared in the necessary health sciences curriculum to provide care to a wide range health settings, among people of various age groups and backgrounds.

The demand for skilled chiropractors continues to rise as more individuals seek holistic, conservative approaches to healthcare. Through D’Youville’s Early Assurance Pathways, you’ll gain access to an evidence-based, interdisciplinary chiropractic education that prepares you to make a lasting impact on patient well-being.

Employment Settings to Explore

Independent practice
Associateship/Group practice
Multidisciplinary practice
Hospital setting
Research
Faculty
Higher education
Healthcare administration

$95,163

Mean Annual Salary in New York State (2025)
10%

National Job Growth Projected by 2034 (Faster Than Average)
318.5

Credit Hours
In Person

Teaching Modality

Lean More About Pre-Chiro Pathway Degrees

Admission Requirements

At ��Ƶ, we are committed to selecting students who are academically well-rounded and committed to meeting the challenges of a high-quality education. If you have been successful in a traditional college preparatory program in high school, you should be well-prepared for the academic challenges at ��Ƶ. While we don't require you to submit ACT or SAT test scores, if you have taken or intend to take a standardized test we encourage you to submit your scores if you'd like them to be evaluated as part of your application.

First Time in College Student Requirements

Submitted application for admission
- Applications are free of charge and can be found on our Apply: First Time in College webpage.
Official high school transcripts
- An overall weighted GPA of 85 with successful completion of high school graduation requirements and three years of math, history, english, and science.

Not Required (utilized in a holistic review for admission if provided):

Standardized SAT/ACT test scores
Admissions essay
Letters of recommendation

Transfer Admission Required Review Criteria

Submitted application for admission
- Applications are free of charge and can be found on our apply webpage.
Official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges/universities
Cumulative GPA of 2.5

Not Required (utilized in a holistic review for admission if provided):

Coursework relevant to major of interest
Admissions essay
Letters of recommendation

DC Program

The Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP) admits students whose goals, abilities, and personal attributes are consistent with the DCP's mission.

Students who wish to enroll in the DCP must meet the following requirements:

Completion of 90 semester hours of college study at an institution(s) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent foreign agency.
- The minimum GPA for these 90 hours is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum of 24 semester hours must be life and physical science courses, which may include, but not be limited to, courses in general biology, human anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biomechanics, and kinesiology. At least half of these courses must include a laboratory component.
One letter of formal recommendation
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
International/foreign students (other than Canadian) whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores (additional information regarding international applications available at /admissions/international-and-canadian-admissions)
A bachelor's degree is recommended but not required. It is the student's responsibility to check with the state licensure board in the jurisdiction(s) in which they wish to practice for any additional requirements that must be met for licensure in that state, including whether a bachelor's degree is required.

Applicants may be offered a conditional admittance if enrolled in required pre-requisite courses and will complete the courses prior to beginning the DCP.

Students who have been dismissed from a chiropractic program, including ��Ƶ's Doctor of Chiropractic Program, will not be considered for admission to the DCP.

What are "life science" and "physical science" courses?

A life science includes any branch of science that studies living organisms, their organization, life processes, and relationships to their environment. This would include areas of study such as biology, ecology, medicine, anthropology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other similar areas of study.

A physical science includes any branch of science that studies the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter. This would include areas of study such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology. Included in the list of acceptable science classes are those that combine these areas of study such as kinesiology, exercise science, and biomechanics.

Transferability

Students transferring credits applicable to the DCP must meet the following requirements:

The applicant for transfer from another Doctor of Chiropractic program must meet the prerequisite admissions requirements detailed above.
Credits considered for transfer must have been awarded for graduate-level courses offered by an institution which is recognized by a national accrediting agency.
Only credits recorded on an official transcript of the issuing institution with an equivalent grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale or better will be considered for transfer credits. Courses recording a grade of "pass", "satisfactory", or equivalent will not be considered for transfer credit.
Credits accepted for transfer must be determined to be substantially equivalent to courses offered by ��Ƶ.
Credits accepted for transfer must have been awarded within five years of the date of admission with the exception that ��Ƶ may, at its discretion, accept older credits if the entering student holds an earned professional degree in one of the health sciences (e.g., DC, MD, DO, DDS, DPM) or a graduate degree in an academic discipline closely related to the health sciences.
Credits accepted for transfer from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by evidence of the individual student's proficiency in the subject matter of each course for which credits are accepted. Students may be required to take a challenge examination to demonstrate proficiency prior to transfer credit being awarded.
Transfer students must complete all of the internship requirements at D’Youville.
Transfer students may not transfer more than 50 percent of chiropractic-specific courses.
Transfer students must earn no less than 25 percent of the total credits required for the DC degree from ��Ƶ.

Performance Qualifications

Physical Requirements

Students should have adequate physical abilities, strength, and coordination necessary for appropriate execution of procedures related to patient care.

Sensory Requirements

Students must have the ability to utilize sensory information as necessary and appropriate toward the acquisition, analysis, and integration of knowledge as follows:

Visual

ability to utilize visual observational skills, whether in the laboratory, classroom, or clinical setting, to the degree of being able to inspect a patient, use diagnostic instruments such as an otoscope and ophthalmoscope, interpret radiographs and other diagnostic images, and be able to accurately discern discolorations of the skin.

Auditory

capacity to acquire information through auditory-based systems such as auscultation and percussion.

Touch

ability to make determinations through palpation.

Smell

ability to recognize that certain odors may be indicative of specific pathological conditions and to accurately identify odors and recognize the significance of a particular odor.

Technical Requirements

Cognitive

ability to acquire, assess, analyze, and integrate information in varying settings and situations.
ability to conceptualize three-dimensional objects and their relationship to related structures and/or function.
capacity to problem solve and to appropriately utilize knowledge and skill sets in novel situations.
ability to demonstrate professionalism, decorum, and sound judgment as expected of a physician.

Communication

have the ability to effectively communicate with individuals, notably patients, towards the objective of gathering and disseminating information.
skill set necessary for clear, articulate, and coherent communication, including verbal and written with all involved individuals including other practitioners, faculty, and patients.

School of Health Professions

Chiropractic

Why ��Ƶ

Collaborative learning: In the Interdisciplinary Education Lab, you’ll treat simulated patients alongside students from seven other healthcare majors—building teamwork skills proven to improve patient outcomes.

Hands-on experience: Clinical internships take place in multidisciplinary settings, preparing you to work effectively with diverse healthcare professionals.

Research opportunities: A unique multi-disciplinary research approach prepares graduates for success in hospitals, private practice, and community health environments

Business advantage: An accelerated MBA option is available for chiropractic students—classes are held on Saturdays, and you’ll receive a 10% tuition discount while earning both degrees.

Pre-Health Pathways

Nursing, Health, Wellness

Pathway Options

You can choose to apply to enter the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Chiropractic Pathways to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed:

Biology (BS)
Biochemistry (BS)
Exercise Sports Studies (BS)
Massage Therapy and Wellness (BS)
Health Science (BS)

Pre-Chiropractic Early Assurance Track:

D’Youville sets aside a number of early assurance seats available to exceptional first-time-in-college students each year. This early assurance pathway allows students to enroll directly into the Doctor of Chiropractic program without having to submit an additional application provided they complete all Chiropractic program prerequisites at a grade of C or better and continue to meet all graduate admissions standards.

Pre-Chiropractic Advisory Track:

Students who are not eligible for early assurance can still take the Pre-Chiropractic undergraduate prerequisite courses, then apply to the Chiropractic (DC) program upon completion of their undergraduate degree.

Careers

The Pre-Chiropractic Pathway prepares students with the foundational science, clinical reasoning, and patient-care skills needed to pursue a doctoral degree in chiropractic medicine (DC) and build a rewarding career helping others achieve better health and mobility through holistic, hands-on care.

A Chiropractor's Role

The role of a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) extends far beyond spinal adjustments. Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare providers who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on how the body’s structure and function work together to influence overall health.

Chiropractors use a combination of manual therapies, rehabilitative exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance to restore alignment, reduce pain, and enhance performance. Their care emphasizes non-invasive, drug-free approaches that support the body’s natural ability to heal.

Modern chiropractors also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create integrated treatment plans, participate in research, and promote wellness through education, prevention, and patient empowerment.

Industries & Settings

Doctors of Chiropractic practice in a wide variety of professional environments that emphasize mobility, recovery, and wellness. Their training and expertise make them valuable members of healthcare teams across settings such as:

Private Practice – Chiropractors commonly operate their own clinics, diagnosing and treating patients directly while promoting spinal health, injury prevention, and lifelong wellness.

Integrated Healthcare Clinics – Many chiropractors work alongside physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care for musculoskeletal and chronic conditions.

Sports & Rehabilitation Centers – Chiropractors play an essential role in athletic care, helping athletes prevent injuries, enhance performance, and recover safely through tailored treatment and movement strategies.

Hospitals & Specialty Clinics – Increasingly, chiropractors are part of hospital systems and specialty practices that focus on pain management, rehabilitation, and physical medicine.

Research & Education – Some chiropractors advance the field through teaching and research focused on biomechanics, spinal health, and evidence-based chiropractic methods.

Job Outlook

The demand for chiropractors continues to grow as more individuals seek non-invasive, drug-free approaches to managing pain and improving quality of life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for chiropractors in New York was $95,163 in May 2023, with higher earning potential in private practice and specialized care settings.

As healthcare continues to emphasize preventive and holistic approaches, chiropractors will remain key contributors to patient-centered, whole-body care.

For more information about the job outlook for chiropractors, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website

Alumni Success

Our graduates have found positions in a wide variety of settings including private solo practices, group practices, hospitals, community-based clinics, multi-disciplinary referral centers, higher education, and management. Read about how D’Youville's unique approach helped these graduates find their niche in chiropractic.

Dr. Matthew Bauman, '12

I have been the Wellness Director at a center for adults with learning differences, part of the Rehabilitation Department at a center for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, MS, and Parkinson’s, and I am also pursuing residency in Family Practice.

Chiropractic is a very rewarding field of study. The professors at D’Youville provided me with an in depth knowledge that allowed me to reach out to a diverse population of patients in my clinical rotations.

I believe D’Youville has so much to offer, from its state of the art anatomy labs, to many very unique clinical placements. One of my best memories as a student was the chiropractic department taking us to various health fairs and health related events. It allowed me to see firsthand what the general impression of chiropractic was in the community, and also provided an opportunity to help others understand what chiropractic is and how it works.

The doctor of chiropractic degree provided me with a wide range of options coming out of the program. While most decide to go into private practice or join an integrative group, there are so many other alternatives available. You could go into research, apply for a residency, teach, and also pursue leadership roles in the business end of healthcare as an expert in wellness. Personally, I have had a number of doors open once I graduated. I have been the Wellness Director at a center for adults with learning differences, part of the Rehabilitation Department at a center for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, MS, and Parkinson’s, and I am also pursuing residency in Family Practice.

My job responsibilities vary from providing wellness analysis and interventions via nutritional and activity modifications, to the restoration of movement through soft tissue and joint dysfunction treatment. In everything that I do, I educate patients and clients as thoroughly as possible, a trait I acquired from the professors of the chiropractic program at D’Youville.

Dr. O'Dane Brady, '08 & '12

I currently reside in Mahalapye, Botswana where I now serve as the director of Botswana clinics with a non-profit organization known as World Spine Care.

Initially, it was the chiropractic program at D’Youville that drew me in but after taking a tour of the campus and meeting with an admissions counselor everything just felt right. The small class size and the support the faculty members and administrators provide are just some of the things that I enjoyed during my time at D’Youville.

I believe the opportunities that I’ve had as a student and as a D’Youville alum have been extremely rewarding. During my second year of college, I became an orientation assistant and I believe that was what sparked my involvement in other areas on campus and organizations off campus. Being a student ambassador for five years was also a great experience. The school was an “easy sell” to make to potential students and parents as my time spent was really enjoyable.

Apart from the educational opportunities afforded to me during my tenure at D’Youville I believe that the message of service to others resonated just as strongly and it stayed with me after my graduation. In fact, I currently reside in Mahalapye, Botswana where I now serve as the director of Botswana clinics with a non-profit organization known as World Spine Care (WSC).

There are two location from which I work, a district hospital in Mahalapye and a small clinic in the nearby village of Shoshong. I also work as a consultant for a managed care organization in developing clinical policies for the management of musculoskeletal disorders. As a chiropractic physician here in Botwana I provide evidence based care to presenting patients. My responsibilities include: performing a thorough history and physical examination of each patient, ordering diagnostic tests if clinically indicated, providing chiropractic care to presenting patients, following up and referring to other specialists.

While I was still a student at D’Youville, I had the great opportunity of interning at the Buffalo Spine and Sports Institute in Williamsville, NY and I was also part of clinical rotations at five clinics throughout the greater Buffalo area. I am really grateful that I am able to successfully use my clinical training and knowledge of health services in my current position in Botswana. I was so fortunate to have been part of the D’Youville community. Aside from my educational experience, the relationships, friendships, and connections I have made will last a lifetime.

Dr. Alykhan A. Jamal, '10

I am originally from Toronto, Canada and I am currently the Clinic Director at Toronto Spine & Sports Clinic. My responsibilities are very diverse as I am also the owner of the clinic: I am a chiropractor, a spinal decompression provider, and a strength and conditioning specialist amongst others.

One of the best features of the chiropractic program at D’Youville is the requirement to complete an internship prior to graduation. I feel that my internship provided me with valuable skills to put my clinical knowledge into practice and with the necessary tools to establish my own practice.

I am very happy with the education and experience I received at D’Youville. If you are a prospective student considering the D’Youville College Chiropractic Program I can tell you that the value of the education you receive is interconnected with the information that is presented to you by experienced faculty and staff. At D’Youville, I was lucky to benefit from that one-on-one time with my professors, because of the small class size and their genuine willingness to help. The classes became somewhat of a little family away from home. I still keep in touch with many of my former classmates, who I am now proud to call colleagues.

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