Palmer College of Chiropractic West, located in San Jose, California, represented a key extension of the foundational Palmer College of Chiropractic, established as the world's first chiropractic institution in 1910 by D.D. Palmer, known as the founder of chiropractic. The West campus opened its doors in the early 1980s, initially in a smaller location before expanding to a larger San Jose facility in 1993. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, it served a diverse student body from over 30 states and several countries, offering a rigorous Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program tailored to the region's multicultural and innovative environment.
For over four decades, the campus contributed significantly to chiropractic education, producing graduates who went on to practice in high-demand areas like sports medicine and integrative health. However, in March 2022, the Palmer Board of Trustees unanimously decided to phase out operations at the West campus due to escalating building lease costs and strategic resource allocation. Enrollment ceased, and the campus fully closed in June 2025 upon lease expiration. This closure allowed Palmer to focus resources on its thriving Main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and Florida campus in Port Orange. Despite the closure, the legacy of Palmer West endures through its alumni network—one-third of all U.S. chiropractors are Palmer graduates—and its emphasis on evidence-based chiropractic care.
Jobs at Palmer College of Chiropractic West historically revolved around advancing this mission, from hands-on clinic instruction to cutting-edge research. Understanding this history provides context for the types of roles that defined careers there, even as opportunities now shift to other Palmer locations.
Prior to its 2025 closure, jobs at Palmer College of Chiropractic West spanned faculty, administrative, clinical, and research positions, all centered on chiropractic higher education. Faculty roles, such as assistant professors or clinic directors, involved teaching future chiropractors in subjects like spinal anatomy, adjustment techniques, and patient management. These positions demanded a blend of clinical expertise and pedagogical skills, often in small, interactive classes that fostered a supportive learning environment.
Administrative jobs included roles in admissions, student services, and facilities management, capitalizing on the campus's location near tech giants like Apple and Google. Research positions focused on collaborative studies with Palmer's national research center, exploring topics like low-back pain outcomes and pediatric chiropractic safety. Support staff handled everything from library services—housing the David D. Palmer Health Sciences Library—to IT in a digital radiology-equipped facility.
Though no current openings exist post-closure, the structure of these jobs mirrors broader university job types in health sciences. For similar opportunities, explore professor jobs or lecturer jobs at other chiropractic or health-focused institutions. Salaries for chiropractic faculty often ranged competitively, with experienced professors earning upwards of $100,000 annually, depending on credentials and responsibilities.
Securing jobs at Palmer College of Chiropractic West required specific academic qualifications aligned with chiropractic standards. A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited institution was the baseline for faculty and clinical roles, typically earned after four years of postgraduate study following a bachelor's degree. Many positions preferred or mandated advanced degrees like a Master of Science (MS) in anatomy, nutrition, or public health, or even a PhD for research-heavy roles. State licensure as a chiropractor was non-negotiable, ensuring candidates could model professional practice.
Research focus at Palmer West emphasized practical, patient-centered studies, such as the efficacy of spinal manipulation for musculoskeletal disorders, sports injury rehabilitation, and integration with conventional medicine. Expertise in evidence-based practice, drawn from Palmer's Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research—the largest in the field—was prized. Preferred experience included 3-5 years of clinical practice post-licensure, peer-reviewed publications in journals like the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, and success securing grants from organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Key skills and competencies encompassed strong communication for student mentoring, proficiency in diagnostic tools like digital radiology, and adaptability in a diverse Silicon Valley setting. Technical skills in research software (e.g., SPSS for statistical analysis) and teaching technologies were also vital. For administrative jobs, experience in higher ed operations, such as accreditation processes with bodies like the Higher Learning Commission, was advantageous.
These requirements ensured hires could contribute to Palmer's reputation as The Trusted Leader in Chiropractic Education®.
The application process for jobs at Palmer College of Chiropractic West mirrored standard academic hiring: submit a tailored cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), statement of teaching philosophy, and three professional references through the Palmer College careers portal. Interviews often included a teaching demonstration, such as a mock chiropractic adjustment lecture, and panel discussions with faculty. Background checks and licensure verification followed offers.
To stand out, customize your academic CV to highlight chiropractic-specific achievements, like patient case volumes or research impact metrics. Network via chiropractic conferences or Palmer alumni events. Prepare for questions on evidence-based chiropractic versus traditional views. Post-closure, apply similar strategies to higher ed faculty jobs elsewhere, emphasizing transferable Silicon Valley experience.
Palmer College of Chiropractic West thrived in San Jose's diverse community of over one million residents, reflecting a multicultural ethos. Initiatives included targeted recruitment of underrepresented groups in chiropractic, such as women and minorities, who comprise growing segments of the profession. The campus hosted cultural competency workshops and affinity groups to support international students from half a dozen countries.
Palmer's institutional policies promoted inclusive hiring, with training on bias-free practices. The outpatient clinic served a varied patient base, preparing staff for equitable care. These efforts aligned with broader Palmer goals, fostering a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives enriched chiropractic education.
Campus life at Palmer West balanced rigorous academics with Silicon Valley vibrancy. Staff enjoyed a mild, year-round climate ideal for outdoor activities, with easy access to Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe skiing, and Napa Valley weekends via nearby Light Rail. The close-knit community—under 300 students—extended to faculty, promoting mentorship and collaboration beyond work hours.
Work-life balance was supported through flexible scheduling for clinic faculty, wellness programs drawing on chiropractic principles, and proximity to tech perks like company gyms. The modern Academic Health Center facilitated efficient workflows, reducing burnout. Though closed, these elements defined a rewarding environment, akin to employer branding secrets in higher ed.
Chiropractic: A health profession focusing on musculoskeletal disorders, particularly spine-related, using manual adjustments without drugs or surgery.
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC): Professional doctorate requiring 4,200+ hours of study, equivalent to MD in clinical training.
Subluxation: Term for spinal misalignment impairing nerve function, central to chiropractic philosophy.
Accredited Institution: Approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) for quality standards.
While jobs at Palmer College of Chiropractic West are no longer available due to closure, the skills gained there translate seamlessly to higher ed jobs. Explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a profile to connect with opportunities. Check post a job for recruitment if you're hiring.
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