Financial pressure, enrollment declines and institutional challenges are emerging at several U.S. chiropractic colleges. Life Chiropractic College West's and Life University's struggles may be the most talked about but appear to be part of a larger story. And with recent USDE requirements threatening to hamstring federal student financing for DC degree programs, chiropractic education is facing questions for which it has no immediate answers.
| Digital ExclusiveNBCE, FCLB Exploring Potential Merger
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) have announced they have initiated discussions regarding forming a single organization. The NBCE and FCLB boards of directors unanimously approved exploring this possibility and a working group has been established to evaluate its viability.
According to a joint press release, “If the plan to combine the organizations moves forward, it will be presented to the Boards of Directors for approval in the first quarter of 2026. If the two Boards approve the plan, it will be presented to the regulatory board members and delegates for a vote at the next Annual Meetings of both organizations in May 2026.”
The release emphasized transparency in the process, stating that regulatory boards and the chiropractic profession will be updated periodically, with the former having the opportunity to provide input at town-hall meetings and through other channels. Stay tuned.