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Palmer College of Chiropractic

Davenport, IA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1897
Founded
Private chiropractic college
Type
41
Total Students
$80M
Endowment
(2024)
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Palmer College of Chiropractic

The pioneering heart of chiropractic education with three dynamic campuses.

Palmer College of Chiropractic stands as the birthplace of the chiropractic profession, tracing its origins to Daniel David Palmer, the Founder of Chiropractic. This institution has been central to the development and advancement of chiropractic care, evolving from its foundational school into a respected, accredited college with a lasting legacy. Prospective students will find a rich history combined with cutting-edge academic and research opportunities.

Under the leadership of D.D. Palmer's son, B. J. Palmer, the institution flourished significantly. Known as the Developer of Chiropractic, B. J. Palmer championed extensive research, refined spinal adjusting and analysis methods, and elevated standards for chiropractic education, expanding the profession's global recognition. Later, David D. Palmer modernized the campus, secured non-profit status, and spearheaded the accreditation efforts that positioned Palmer College at the forefront of health education. This progression ensures a robust and recognized educational foundation for all students.

Today, Palmer College is a singular institution with three vibrant campuses: the main campus in Davenport, Iowa, alongside branches in San Jose, California, and Port Orange, Florida. Students benefit from exceptional academic strengths, including the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research—the largest and most highly funded research effort in chiropractic education, boasting an annual budget of approximately $5 million. The Davenport campus also features the state-of-the-art Academic Health Center, housing outpatient clinics, digital radiology, and a comprehensive Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Department.

Life at Palmer offers access to modern learning environments like the David D. Palmer Health Sciences Library and the Clinical Learning Resource Center, complemented by historic structures such as the Memorial Building and the B.J. and Mabel Palmer Residence. This blend of tradition and innovation provides an engaging and supportive environment designed to prepare future chiropractors with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to excel in their profession.

Key Highlights

  • Recognized as the birthplace of chiropractic, founded by Daniel David Palmer.
  • Home to the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, the largest and most highly funded research effort in chiropractic education.
  • Operates as one college with three campuses across the U.S.: Davenport (IA), San Jose (CA), and Port Orange (FL).
  • Accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • Features a modern Academic Health Center equipped with digital radiology and a comprehensive rehabilitation department.
  • The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research boasts an annual budget of approximately $5 million, largely supported by grants.
  • Pioneered higher standards for chiropractic education and advanced methods of spinal adjusting and analysis.

Timeline

Unknown
Daniel David Palmer begins the Palmer School of Chiropractic
1904
B. J. Palmer assumes responsibility for the Palmer School of Chiropractic
1961
B. J. Palmer dies; his son David D. Palmer becomes president and renames it Palmer College of Chiropractic
1978
David D. Palmer dies; college receives accreditation shortly after his death
1980
San Jose, California campus opens
1995
Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research established on the Davenport campus
2002
Port Orange, Florida campus opens
2007
Palmer College of Chiropractic Academic Health Center opens on the Davenport campus
🏛️
129 Years
of Excellence

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