Cleveland University-Kansas City: A Legacy of Chiropractic Education and Health Sciences
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), located in Overland Park, Kansas, stands as a private institution with a rich history rooted in chiropractic education. Established in 1922, CUKC has evolved from its origins as a chiropractic college to a comprehensive health sciences university. This article explores the university's history, academic programs, faculty, and contributions to the field of chiropractic and health sciences.
Founding and Early Years
The university's story begins with its establishment as the Central College of Chiropractic in 1922. Founded by Dr. C. S. Cleveland Sr., Dr. Ruth R. Cleveland, and Dr. Perl B. Griffin, all graduates of Palmer College of Chiropractic, the institution quickly became a prominent name in chiropractic education. These founders, belonging to one of the first families of chiropractic, laid the foundation for the university's commitment to the profession.
In 1951, the college expanded its reach by absorbing the Ratledge System of Chiropractic Schools, located in Los Angeles. Dr. Tullius Ratledge, who established the Los Angeles branch of the Ratledge System of Chiropractic Schools in 1911, became a champion of chiropractic on the West Coast. In 1951, Dr. Ratledge transferred management of his Los Angeles college to colleague and fellow chiropractic activist, Dr. Carl S. Cleveland Sr. This merger led to a name change in 1955, with the school rechartered as Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles.
Transition to University Status
In 2015, Cleveland Chiropractic College underwent a significant transformation, changing its name to Cleveland University-Kansas City. This transition reflected the university's expanding academic offerings and its vision for leadership in health science and health promotion education. According to Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, university president and leader of the university's 10-year strategic plan, "The name change and expanded identity supports the university's degree program expansion, and is centered around the university's vision for providing leadership in health science and health promotion education."
Academic Programs
CUKC is primarily known for its Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program. The Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Cleveland Chiropractic College is accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education. This program typically represents a four-year course of study with a minimum of 4,200 instructional hours beyond the undergraduate prerequisite requirements.In addition to the D.C. program, CUKC offers a range of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, catering to diverse interests within the health sciences. These include:
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- B.S. in Human Biology: This degree is designed for students planning to pursue the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
- B.S./D.C. degree pathway: A concurrent program leading to a B.S. in Human Biology and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
- M.S. in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance: This program provides advanced skills and competencies for D.C. graduates seeking to provide a sports chiropractic-focused practice. CUKC students may complete courses in the D.C. and M.S.
Campus and Facilities
CUKC boasts a retreat-like campus on 34 picturesque acres in suburban Overland Park, Kansas, part of the Kansas City metropolitan community. The university provides a supportive learning environment with modern facilities, including a Chiropractic Technique Simulation Lab that allows students to start hands-on chiropractic technique instruction as early as their first trimester.
Accreditation and Outcomes
Cleveland University-Kansas City is accredited by Dept. of Education's accrediting organizations for higher education institutions. CUKC is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares graduates for successful careers. A testament to this commitment is the fact that 95% of CUKC graduates pass all parts (I, II, III, IV) of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams or are licensed to practice chiropractic within six months of graduation. NBCE Exam scores are made public to licensing authorities.
Faculty
The faculty at Cleveland University-Kansas City are dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of chiropractors and health science professionals. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education.
Dr. Professor Paul Barlett, a College of Chiropractic faculty member at Cleveland University-Kansas City, earned his undergraduate degree in biology, and then earned a master’s in physiology (the study of the functions of living organism and their parts) at the University of Akron. After that, it was on to The Ohio State University (OSU) for a Ph.D. in anatomy.
Curriculum and Philosophy
The chiropractic curriculum at CUKC is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences, clinical sciences, and chiropractic philosophy. Students can expect courses in chiropractic philosophy, history of chiropractic, basic courses in anatomy and spinal anatomy, plus histology (examining the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues), cell physiology, and biochemistry. You’ll explore all aspects of anatomy, plus cardiovascular/pulmonary physiology and immunology. Here, anatomy gets a lot of detailed attention.
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The curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding how spine and related joint dysfunction affects the nervous system and patient’s general health. This patient-first approach is central to the university's philosophy.
Clinical Experience
In the seventh trimester, students start their student clinic experience as chiropractic interns. At this point, students begin their outpatient clinic experience under the management of a faculty clinician who is a licensed doctor of chiropractic.
Alumni
Cleveland University-Kansas City has a large and active alumni network, with more than 11,000 alumni in the chiropractic profession.
Continuing the Legacy
CUKC continues to be a nonprofit university led by a Cleveland, Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, the grandson of the founders.
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