FAQ: Class size

Hey All!

I LOVE being a campus guide. I'm currently in my 3rd year of being a guide and through the years, I've had the pleasure of talking to some really great people. I get to talk to perspective students in all ranges of the application process. Some are still in high school and are still deciding if they want to become a chiropractor. Some perspective students are sure they want to pursue Chiropractic, however they are "shopping" around to different school to see where they fit and feel most comfortable (which I highly recommend doing yourself if you are in that category). Some students know they are coming to Palmer (some in the next few weeks) and they are just touring Palmer to get a better sense of where their first class will be held. Whatever stage of the process they are in- the questions always seem to be the same; so, I've decided to use the next few blog posts answering some of the more FAQ's (frequently asked questions). Here's the first:

Q: What is the class size like at Palmer?

Here's my answer:
It depends... but classes at Palmer always seem to be the prefect size! I know that sounds really generic, but I guess the most specific answer that I can give is that your class size will be as dynamic as the seasons! You'll start off with a class size that is "big". Depending on when you start your trimester (Spring, Summer, Fall) class sizes typically range from 70-170. (For the sake of this blog, we'll just assume you start with a class of 100.) You'll be in lecture hall with all 100 of your closest friends listening to the Professor lecture on anatomy, bio chem, physiology, etc. The classes that require a lecture and a lab, you are assigned a lab section. Each lab section has about 25 students in it, and within that section you will have small groups to work with- usually the ratio breaks down to around 7-8 students for every instructor. That's pretty much how the first year goes. Lectures are with your entire "class" and lab is a group within your "section."

Your second year at Palmer is slightly different. You focus less on "lecture" learning, and begin to focus on diagnostic and patient oriented learning. Your classes are consistently about a quarter of what you started with. Everyone is attending the same classes, just not at the same time. In 4-7th tri you also do a lot of one-on-one partner work, one of you being the "doctor" and one of you being the "patient." In the second year you also begin your technique classes. Not only are these classes smaller in size, but you have 3 professors total to help you with the hands-on aspect of the class.

In your third year at Palmer, the focus shift away from class (almost completely) and you spend most of your days and time in the clinics. This time is GREAT! Then your class size is REALLY small. It's just you, your patient, and your supervising staff doctor. Can't get much more hands on one-on-one education than that!

In summary, I have to say that class size at Palmer is large with they CAN be and smaller, more focused when they NEED to be! I've never felt like a was just a number in a room. I've consistently felt that I have been given the attention I need, when it was needed.... and sometimes when I didn't want it. (Remember that exam I said I didn't do too great on in my first blog? Yeah- well, the teacher noticed and asked me if I understood the material. Needless to say that unwanted attention was all I needed as extra motivation to ace the next test!)

Next FAQ Blog: Living on student loans!