Trevecca partners with chiropractic school for graduate school pathway

By Macey Smith

Staff Writer

Trevecca’s recent partnership with Campbellsville University’s School of Chiropractic gives biology and exercise science students another graduate school option and a clearer pathway into chiropractic school. 

The partnership allows Trevecca students in biology and exercise science on the pre-physical therapy track to meet Campbellsville’s prerequisite requirements through coursework they are already completing at Trevecca. 

Ron Barredo, dean of Trevecca’s School of STEM and Health Sciences, said the partnership benefits students who may have originally planned to pursue physical therapy. 

“The partnership offers them another option. As an example, Trevecca graduates who earn the BS in Exercise Science (Pre-Physical Therapy Track) can apply to any PT school and chiropractic school at Campbellsville University,” said Barredo. 

Campbellsville will reserve 10 spots for qualifying Trevecca students. 

“The students are guaranteed that all their prerequisite courses have been completed and that their degree is sufficient to enter chiropractic school at Campbellsville University. They still need to complete the application procedures of the institution,” said Barredo. 

This could save students time and money by allowing them to use courses already required for their Trevecca degree, he said.  

“The immediate benefit to Trevecca students majoring in Biology and Exercise Science, a Pre-PT Track, is that their coursework satisfies prerequisite courses required by the chiropractic school. In this sense, they do not have to take additional courses to apply. This is where the financial benefit is. I would direct students to Campbellsville University for other scholarships and aid they may offer,” said Barredo. 

Erica Callahan, dean of Campbellsville University’s School of Chiropractic, said students have two ways to enter the program. 

Students can apply after completing a bachelor’s degree or through Campbellsville’s 90-hour track, which allows them to begin the pathway after completing 90 credit hours at Trevecca. 

“So that means that they have completed 90 hours at Trevecca. And then they will come into our program and complete their last year at Trevecca through our program, and then they will continue to finish the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. So, it’s kind of like a three plus four,” said Callahan. 

Although the agreement specifically focuses on Trevecca students in biology and exercise science, students from other academic backgrounds may also be considered. 

“But you can also get a bachelor’s degree in, say, English or business, we’ve had some of those type of students that have applied and done really well in our program,” said Callahan. 

Campbellsville is also a Christian university, which may appeal to Trevecca students looking to continue their education in a similar environment. 

“It’s the only chiropractic program in the nation that is based out of a Christian university,” said Callahan. 

The program also focuses on servant leadership and preparing students to make a meaningful difference in their careers. 

“But really what we stress within our program is creating practitioners that are going to bring healing and hope and change to the world. So, it’s a Christ-like institute that stresses servant leadership,” said Callahan. 

Campbellsville’s School of Chiropractic is located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, about three and a half hours from Trevecca. Callahan said cohorts typically include about 20 to 25 students. 

All 10 spots reserved for qualifying Trevecca students are still available. 

“The partnership has been signed only recently. My hope is that articles like this and what the University has shared in terms of university communication will stir up interest,” said Barredo. 

Trevecca plans to continue seeking similar partnerships that give students more options after graduation. 

“Our office continues to seek out partnerships to assist students in furthering their education and/or entering professional fields,” said Barredo.