TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy University is preparing to launch its fifth doctoral program, the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program.

The program, which falls under the College of Health Sciences, will be housed at TROY’s Dothan Campus.

According to university officials, not only will TROY be just the second public university in the country to offer the Doctor of Chiropractic, it will be the first to do so in the Southeast.

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 health sciences programs, which provides an established foundation for the new chiropractic program. 

The launch comes as Alabama and many other states face a healthcare shortage.

“That’s [the shortage] everything from nurses to physicians to patient care technicians, nursing assistants, and in many cases even chiropractors,” Dr. LaGary Carter, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, said. “Chiropractors are essential to the health care team. Not only does their practice have economic implications, it has implications as far as improving the public health of all Alabamians.”

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The new program has drawn support from organizations including the American Chiropractic Association Board of Governors as well as the Alabama State Board of Chiropractic.

Members of those groups said support was given in part due to TROY’s reputation of providing in-person experience and expert instruction.

“That’s what chiropractic represents, hands on and we’re learn to listen,” Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners President Dr. Renee Bowen explained. “You listen to somebody when you’re standing in front of them. We can say we’re listening like right now, but when it gets down to it, you can look them in the face, hands on. That’s that’s just powerful. There’s healing in that right there.”

“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.” 

The new program now moves on for final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The College of Health Sciences hopes to admit its first group of students in Fall 2027.