Troy University has received final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to establish a new Doctor of Chiropractic program, marking a significant milestone in healthcare education. The program is set to welcome its first cohort of students in Fall 2027. This development positions Troy University as a leader in chiropractic education, being the second public institution in the United States and the first in the southern region to offer this degree.
Dr. Mary Anne Templeton, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, expressed that this approval signifies a transformative moment for both the university and the healthcare landscape in the area. “Receiving final SACSCOC approval is a defining moment for Troy University and for the future of healthcare education in our region,” she stated.
This program aligns with Troy University’s mission to enhance access to quality healthcare education and addresses the growing demand for qualified chiropractors in Alabama and the broader Southeast. Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, highlighted the program’s importance: “This historic achievement represents Troy University’s continued commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare education.” He emphasized how the initiative aims to train the next generation of chiropractors dedicated to serving their communities.
The Doctor of Chiropractic program will be located at Troy University’s Dothan campus, strategically chosen for its central position in the Wiregrass region, allowing easy access to neighboring states such as Georgia and Florida. The Dothan campus already boasts a successful health and sciences program, which will provide a solid foundation for the new initiative. Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, noted, “Becoming the first public university in the South to offer a Doctor of Chiropractic program positions Troy University as a leader in expanding access to this vital profession.”
In terms of educational outcomes, the Doctor of Chiropractic program promises to deliver hands-on, interprofessional training experiences that prepare students for immediate impact in their communities. Dr. LaGary Carter, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, remarked, “Housing the program at our Dothan Campus allows us to build on an established health sciences foundation while directly serving the needs of the Wiregrass region.” He further emphasized the program’s potential for creating an affordable and high-quality pathway for students.
Carter concluded with a strong statement about the program’s purpose: “This program is about opportunity. We are creating an affordable, high-quality pathway for students to enter a growing healthcare profession while helping address critical workforce and access-to-care needs across Alabama and the Southeast.”
For further details on the Doctor of Chiropractic program, interested individuals can visit Troy University’s official program page.
