When it came time for Amanda Rose, DC (’23), MSNHP (’23), MSSSR (’22) to start studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), she realized medicine was no longer her passion. Having received chiropractic care growing up and valuing the treatment, her career change was decided.
“My aunt was a chiropractor and I grew up seeing one for sport-related injuries. My chiropractor would tell me if I needed to see an orthopedist or a physical therapist, or if I could do the rehabilitation on my own,” Dr. Rose said. “I appreciated and trusted his opinion, so I decided pursue chiropractic care instead.”
Originally from Long Island, New York, Dr. Rose researched Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) programs and fell in love with two schools: one school located two hours from her home and Logan University, 16 hours away.
“I visited both schools before making my decision and they were equally great. But staying close to home made more sense,” Dr. Rose explained.
However, after two years in the program, Dr. Rose learned the university would be shutting down.
“I loved my classes and had wonderful professors, but I didn’t like the uncertainty of the program’s future,” Dr. Rose said. “I saw what happened when another chiropractic university lost its accreditation a few years earlier and I didn’t want to be in a similar situation, so I decided to transfer to Logan.”
Dr. Rose visited the Logan admissions website, explained her situation and was connected with an admissions advisor.
“Transferring anywhere can be a daunting process, but my admissions advisor at Logan was very helpful and spent a lot of time helping me,” she said. “I officially joined Logan’s DC program in 2021.”
Though the COVID-19 pandemic put a bit of a wrench in Dr. Rose’s plan, she persisted and traveled over 1,000 miles to Chesterfield, MO. Once she settled in to her new home, Dr. Rose learned about Logan’s Master of Science in Sports Science and Rehabilitation (MSSSR) program, an online degree focusing on human movement and athletic performance.
“The MSSSR program provided students with the chance to sit for the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) exam immediately after graduating,” Dr. Rose explained. “Usually, chiropractors interested in CCSP certification have to take additional courses and complete a certain amount of volunteer work. But with the MSSSR program, I earned my CCSP certification while waiting for my chiropractic license.”
Dr. Rose credits planning, perseverance and organization for her success as a dual-enrolled student.
“I mapped out all the required courses for both programs, determined out how many hours and credits I should take per trimester, and spoke with students who had already taken the courses,” she said. “I did my best to plan everything strategically.”
Following the same approach, Dr. Rose enrolled in another Logan program: the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance (MSNHP) program. The online program teaches students how to help optimize wellness and improve the performance of patients.
In 2022, Dr. Rose graduated from the MSSSR program, followed by the DC and MSNHP programs in 2023.
“In addition to encouraging transfer students to advocate for themselves and finding other students who’ve been through the transfer process, I would also recommend they get involved with organizations and activities on campus,” Dr. Rose explained. “Join clubs and get to know other students—it makes the transition and overall school experience better.”
Now, Dr. Rose is the head chiropractor at a pain management clinic back in Long Island, leading a team of five other chiropractors.
“I list my credentials on our clinic’s website and have noticed I get new patients who ask specific questions because they know I have my MSSSR and MSNHP degree,” Dr. Rose said. “Sometimes I surprise myself and my coworkers with how much helpful information I learned in those additional degree programs that I apply every day at work.”