The increased interest in chiropractic philosophy among almost all segments of the profession, has spurred Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement and the International Chiropractors Association to launch a Diplomate in Philosophical Chiropractic Standards (DPhCS).

"In the history of chiropractic philosophy, the PhC degree stands out as the only clearly defined academic philosophical graduate degree ever recognized by the profession," Palmer announced.

The PhC degree existed from 1911-1965, when the early Palmer School of Chiropractic, later to become Palmer College, awarded the title to those outstanding individuals who pursued excellence in advanced philosophical study.

To quality, candidates were required to write a thesis of at least 15,000 words. With the advent of CCE and the knowledge that some colleges were offering this degree non-academically as an honorarium, Palmer dropped their academic PhC in 1965.

"Now, fully recognized as a diplomate program, an advanced course in chiropractic philosophy is back," the Palmer press release explained.

The 320-hour DPhCS program features 13 live weekends, an online component, self-study from texts, and the writing of a thesis. Theses are defended at a Grand Rounds challenge highlighted at Palmer Lyceum.

"This program was designed to span the course of 5 years, and affords the participants the luxury of a diplomate program without having to spend 30 weekends away from their family and office," states Dr. Frank Bemis, Executive Director of the Palmer Institute. "We are extremely enthusiastic to be able to offer participants such a dynamic group of top speakers, along with pure academics that will invigorate and enlighten all in attendance. There is nothing else like it."

Doctors may choose to take the 120-hour Graduate Chiropractic Philosophy Colloquium, or the full 320-hour diplomate, of which the Philosophy Colloquium serves as the first year of study.

Graduates of the 120-hour program earn their LCP honorary award (Legion of Chiropractic Philosophers), and then may choose to continue with the remaining 200-hours.

After completion of the program, doctors are eligible to sit for the Diplomate in Philosophical Chiropractic Standards (DPhCS) examination from the ICA Council on Chiropractic Philosophy.