Research Track

The future of the profession rests with every new generation of chiropractors. In an ongoing contribution to the growth and development of the next generation of chiropractic researchers and practitioner-scientists, the College of Chiropractic is committed to supporting those students who have a desire to nurture their knowledge and skill in this very vital area of professional growth.

Within the graduation requirements for the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, there is an opportunity for self-motivated and self-directed students who are interested in completing a research project while completing their D.C. degree. This is done by completing “Research Track” academic requirements (also known as RT or “the Track”).

RT students are exempted from a few classes and are allowed to complete others through independent study (see more details below). They actively participate in research and are occasionally called on to participate in research-related activities on behalf of the University. To graduate from the Track, they complete a chapter-based thesis, which follows the typical format of a manuscript intended for a peer-reviewed journal. They graduate with acknowledgement of their work noted on transcripts and during the graduation ceremony.

Positions in the RT are highly competitive. For a limited number of these positions, there are tuition scholarships available. Note that admission into the Research Track does not guarantee a tuition scholarship, as these are granted based on funding availability at the time.

 Involvement in the Research Track is intended to include multiple phases of a project, including:

• Further development of study design and literature search (note that a certain amount of design and search is necessary to produce a competitive application to the Track).
• Data collection and analysis: the actual conduct of research and the “number-crunching” that follows
• Manuscript preparation, submission to a conference or journal, and the peer-review process
• Conference presentation (note that conference travel costs may be partially funded by the university but require a separate application process)
• Journal publication
• Students can develop their own research studies or work on a new or existing study with a Life University faculty or staff member, or even a field doctor.

Programs
Life University offers an array of opportunities for students to become engaged in the research process. From developing your own research project to simply being engaged on an ambient level, there is an opportunity that can fit your time and interest level.

For additional information, you may contact one of the current Research Track advisors, Dr. Brent Russell (BRussell@life.edu) or Dr. Christie Kwon (Christie.Kwon@life.edu).