Troy University Announces ACHE approval of Doctor of Chiropractic Program

DOTHAN, Ala. – Troy University today announced the approval from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) of a new Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program at its Dothan Campus.

The proposed new program was approved by the ACHE commissioners during a meeting on Sept. 12. It now moves on for final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

TROY will be only the second public university to offer this type of program in the country, positioning TROY as a pioneer in accessible chiropractic education in the southeast.

“This historic addition to our academic portfolio represents Troy University’s continued commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare education,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Chancellor of Troy University.

The doctorate program will be housed within Troy University’s College of Health Sciences and is designed to address the growing demand for qualified chiropractors throughout Alabama and the Southeast.

“By becoming only the second public institution in the nation to offer this program, we are not only breaking new ground in higher education but also addressing a critical need for healthcare professionals in our region,” Hawkins said. “This program exemplifies our mission to provide innovative, affordable education that serves our communities.”

State Senator Donnie Chesteen, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education Policy, applauded the decision.

“TROY has a proud tradition of innovation and growth, and this new program continues that legacy,” Chesteen said.

Dr. Mike Massey, member of the American Chiropractic Association Board of Governors, emphasized the profession-wide opportunities the program creates.

“It’s exciting to think about the opportunities that this program’s going to open for the chiropractic profession in terms of research, funding, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and parallel educational opportunities,” Massey said. “They will also raise the visibility of chiropractic in academia and healthcare at large.”

Alabama State Board of Chiropractic President Dr. Renee Bowen underscored the program’s commitment to high standards.

“It is inspiring to see this program come to life after so much collaboration between Troy University, our board and our legislators. TROY’s strong foundation in healthcare education will strengthen the chiropractic program, and in turn, it will enrich TROY,” Bowen said.

“This is a historic decision that represents a transformative moment for healthcare in Alabama and the Southeast region,” Dr. Brad Russell, Board Member of Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners said. “Alabama faces a critical shortage of healthcare providers, typically in rural communities. The state rates amongst the lowest nationally in healthcare access. This new program will directly address this crisis by training the next generation of chiropractic providers to understand Alabama’s healthcare needs and are committed to serving our communities.”

Dr. LaGary Carter, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, emphasized the program’s potential impact on healthcare access in the region.

“The establishment of our Doctor of Chiropractic program fills a significant educational gap in the Southeast while providing an affordable pathway to this rewarding healthcare profession,” Carter said.

The program is expected to welcome its first cohort of students in Fall 2027, pending final accreditation approval.

The Dothan Campus location was strategically chosen due to its central position in the Wiregrass region and its proximity to multiple states, allowing the program to serve students from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and beyond. The campus already houses successful health sciences programs, providing an established foundation for the new chiropractic program.

Troy University’s entry into chiropractic education comes at a time when the profession is experiencing significant growth, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster-than-average job growth for chiropractors through the next decade. The aging population and increased focus on non-pharmaceutical pain management approaches have contributed to rising demand for chiropractic services.