Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and Palmer Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Chiropractic launch dual-degree program
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and Palmer Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Chiropractic will formally sign a new dual-degree agreement at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, establishing an accelerated pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology from Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer.
Set to begin in fall 2025, the program offers qualified students a streamlined journey in which they can save approximately one year in earning their dual degree: three years at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø followed by three years and four months at Palmer. Students will transfer up to 30 credit hours from Palmer¡¯s chiropractic program to complete their Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø degree, an innovative reverse transfer model that prioritizes flexibility, efficiency and real-world readiness.
"Both Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and Palmer are deeply committed to preparing future health care leaders," said Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø President Andrea Talentino. "We're proud to partner with a Quad Cities neighbor, one that also offers the world¡¯s most prestigious chiropractic degree, to create a rigorous, hands-on and efficient pathway into chiropractic care, launching students into impactful careers and contributing to community wellness."
The program blends Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s liberal arts foundation with rigorous STEM coursework, community health projects and immersive learning in kinesiology. Students will then transition into Palmer¡¯s nationally recognized Doctor of Chiropractic program, building deep clinical expertise and graduating ready to serve in today¡¯s evolving health care landscape.
"The agreement between Palmer Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø is beneficial not only to students, but also their future patients," said Dennis Marchiori, D.C., chancellor and CEO of Palmer Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. ¡°The demand and opportunities for Doctors of Chiropractic grows every year, and this provides another strong pathway for students who have the desire to provide conservative, non-invasive patient care.¡±
Graduates will be celebrated in commencement ceremonies at both institutions, a rare opportunity that honors their academic achievements and professional readiness. Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø will lead recruitment for the program, with support from Palmer in advising and clinical integration.
To qualify, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø students must:
- Complete prerequisite coursework at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75 considered, not guaranteed)
- Receive a positive recommendation from the Division Dean of STEM
- Complete the Palmer application process
The partnership reflects Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s growing presence in health care education, joining recent expansions in public health, neuroscience and kinesiology to advance its mission to prepare graduates to be ethical, skilled and forward-thinking leaders in medicine, wellness and health care.
For more information on the kinesiology and chiropractic dual-degree program, contact Wendy Kelley in Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s Office of Admissions at wendykelley@augustana.edu.