Post-Graduate Residencies

Residency Opportunities for Chiropractors

Advance Your Clinical Expertise with SCU-Affiliated Postgraduate Training

Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) offers dynamic, immersive chiropractic residency programs designed to provide advanced clinical training in sports medicine and integrated healthcare systems. These competitive programs help Doctors of Chiropractic deepen their knowledge, gain specialized credentials, and pursue unique, high-value career opportunities in both traditional and emerging healthcare settings.

SCU Chiropractic Sports Medicine Residency

Prepare for Leadership in Chiropractic Sports Medicine

The SCU Chiropractic Sports Medicine Residency is a two-year, full-time postgraduate program that provides advanced, hands-on training in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of athletic injuries. Residents work with athletes ranging from high school students to world-class professionals, in both on-campus and off-site clinical settings.

Key Features:

  • Mentorship: Train under nationally recognized chiropractic sports medicine experts.
  • Rotations: Participate in real-world sports events and multidisciplinary clinical environments across Southern California.
  • Certifications: Residents are prepared to sit for multiple credentialing exams, including:
    • Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians® (DACBSP®)
    • Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®)
    • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS – NSCA)
    • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification – EMT courses include classroom instruction, ride-alongs, and a final exam.

Residency Overview:

  • Duration: Two years (minimum 55 hours/week, plus study and training)
  • Funding: SCU-supported
  • Current Residents: 3
  • Career Preparation: Equips residents for elite-level care in sports, tactical, and integrated settings

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Integrated Clinical Practice Chiropractic Residency

Hospital-Based Training in an Interdisciplinary Environment
SCU serves as the academic affiliate for the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System’s Integrated Clinical Practice Chiropractic Residency—a one-year, full-time program located at VA West LA and VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Centers. This postgraduate training experience is ideal for chiropractors pursuing roles in hospitals, integrated care teams, or academia.

Program Highlights:

  • Setting: Hospital-based clinical care in a federally funded healthcare system
  • Mentorship: Led by senior VA chiropractors with national reputations
  • Training Focus: Complex case management, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based care
  • Scholarly Activities: Includes research, clinical education, and academic engagement

Key Details:

  • Resident Salary: $44,038 + benefits
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Career Pathways: Most graduates secure roles within the VA system (starting salaries: ~$90,000+)
  • Loan Forgiveness: May be available under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) criteria
  • Current Residents: 1

Visit the VA Greater Los Angeles Chiropractic Residency Program page

Advocate Aurora Health Integrated Clinical Practice Chiropractic Residency

Integrated Training in a Leading Healthcare System

This one-year chiropractic residency is offered by Advocate Aurora Health in partnership with SCU as the academic affiliate. The program provides extensive experience managing non-operative musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions as a portal-of-entry provider within a large, integrated health system.

Program Highlights:

  • Clinical Focus: Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment in both academic and hospital settings
  • Training Model: Interprofessional collaboration with rotations across primary and specialty care
  • Curriculum: Emphasizes patient care, interprofessional education, and scholarly engagement

Key Details:

  • Resident Salary: $53,560 + benefits
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Career Outcomes: Graduates are highly competitive for roles in integrated systems or clinical education
  • Starting Salaries at Aurora Health: ~$140,000 + benefits
  • Current Residents: 2

Visit the Advocate Aurora Health Chiropractic Residency page

Why SCU?

Committed to Advancing Postgraduate Chiropractic Education

SCU is a national leader in supporting and developing residency programs in chiropractic and integrative health disciplines—especially in fields where residencies are not required for practice and federal funding is limited. These programs help graduates stand out, gain board certification, and become pioneers in emerging care environments.