Celebrating Scholarly Impact: Dr. Billie Harrington Publishes New Research on Strengthening the Chiropractic Education Pipeline
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Billie Harrington on the publication of a new scholarly article in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic titled “Ladders and Bridges: Strengthening Undergraduate Pipelines for Chiropractic Graduate Success.”
This recently published research explores how stronger connections between undergraduate education and doctoral chiropractic programs can better prepare students for the academic and professional demands of graduate-level training.
Strengthening the Path to Chiropractic Education
Chiropractic education has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from early apprenticeship models to highly structured doctoral programs that emphasize scientific rigor, clinical competency, and evidence-informed practice. As expectations for chiropractic graduates continue to grow, the preparation students receive before entering doctoral programs plays a critical role in their long-term success.
In the article, Dr. Harrington examines how variability in undergraduate preparation can create challenges for students entering chiropractic programs. Differences in exposure to foundational sciences, research literacy, and professional experiences may contribute to academic struggles or delays in progression through graduate training.
To address these challenges, the research proposes a structured framework designed to strengthen the transition from undergraduate study to chiropractic doctoral education.
A Five-Domain Framework for Student Success
The article introduces a model built around five interconnected domains that can help prepare students for success in chiropractic graduate programs:
- Curricular Alignment and Rigor – Ensuring undergraduate coursework aligns with the scientific foundations required in chiropractic programs, including anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
- Advising and Mentorship – Providing students with guidance from faculty advisors and chiropractic professionals to help clarify career pathways and expectations.
- Experiential and Clinical Exposure – Offering opportunities such as shadowing chiropractors or participating in community health initiatives to connect classroom learning with patient care.
- Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary Learning – Encouraging collaboration with other health disciplines to prepare students for team-based healthcare environments.
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice Literacy – Introducing students to research methods and critical appraisal skills that support evidence-informed chiropractic practice.
Together, these components create a “ladder and bridge” approach—helping students build the academic foundation necessary for graduate study while also connecting them to the professional world of chiropractic care.
Building a Stronger Future for the Profession
Dr. Harrington’s work highlights the importance of intentional partnerships between undergraduate institutions and chiropractic programs. By aligning curricula, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and expanding experiential learning, colleges and universities can create clearer pathways for aspiring chiropractors.
These efforts not only support student retention and academic success but also contribute to the continued advancement of chiropractic as an evidence-based healthcare profession integrated within collaborative healthcare systems.
Research like this helps shape the future of chiropractic education by identifying strategies that better prepare students to succeed in doctoral programs and ultimately serve patients and communities.
Read the Full Article
The full article, “Ladders and Bridges: Strengthening Undergraduate Pipelines for Chiropractic Graduate Success,” is available through the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic.
You can download and read the publication here:
https://journal.parker.edu/article/158472-ladders-and-bridges-strengthening-undergraduate-pipelines-for-chiropractic-graduate-success