Recruiting Underrepresented Minorities to Chiropractic Colleges

Background: Admissions departments at chiropractic colleges across the United States are under continual pressure to recruit students. The underrepresented minority populations in the United States are potential markets for chiropractic patients, students, and doctors. Objective: To assess the current diversity recruiting practices of the chiropractic colleges. Methods: Directors of admissions of the chiropractic colleges were polled to identify recruiting programs and their success. Results: Sixteen of the 17 colleges were polled. Nine of the respondents had no program for targeted underserved populations and seven did have such a program. Five colleges employed several methods to work with universities to recruit underserved populations. Other strategies included outreach via student groups and alumni recruiters. Conclusion: Programs to attract minority students can be created and infrastructure can be provided but they are nearly useless without role models. Encouraging alumni participation to raise awareness of chiropractic in minority communities may be a step toward a profession more reflective of America's population.