Below, you’ll find quick reference to answers to the most common questions we receive, but both students and DCs participating in the Life West Preceptorship Program should download and become familiar with the most recent Preceptor Program Manual.
If you still find yourself unclear on aspects of the program, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Life West Preceptor Program Administrator via email.
You are responsible for finding and coordinating your own preceptorship placement. Life West does not assign you to a DC, but the Preceptor Program Coordinator can help guide you through the process and ensure your chosen DC is eligible and approved.
If any issues arise — whether related to supervision, communication, or clinic dynamics — you should contact the Preceptor Program Coordinator immediately. You may be able to end the current preceptorship and start a new one, but that process also requires regulatory approval and can take time.
Switching placements is not automatic and requires coordination with the Preceptor Program Coordinator as well as approval from the appropriate licensing board. You must wait for formal approval before continuing patient care at a new site.
Possibly. The Preceptor Program Coordinator can reach out to the regulatory board in that region to explore whether approval is possible once the DC submits their initial application. This process may take additional time and is not guaranteed.
Yes, in some cases. Life West has had interns approved to preceptor in select international jurisdictions. If your desired country isn’t on the approved list, the Preceptor Program Coordinator can contact that country’s licensing authority to request permission, but approval is not guaranteed and may require extra lead time.
Yes. As a student enrolled in HC 889, you remain an active Life West student and retain access to academic and administrative resources. If you have questions about clinical documentation, case management, or other academic requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate faculty or support staff.
You can perform adjustments, physical exams, physiotherapy, and assist with patient management — all under the direct supervision of your preceptor DC. However, there are limitations: for example, you cannot take x-rays, and you must follow all documentation and reporting procedures set by the college and your clinic.
If you are ever unsure whether a request is legal, safe, or within your scope as an intern, do not proceed with the task. Politely decline and immediately contact the Preceptor Program Coordinator for guidance. Your safety and ethical practice come first.
Yes, but each intern requires a separate $100 application fee and individual approval by the licensing board. Additionally, your patient volume and availability must be sufficient to provide a quality learning experience for each intern.
Interns are required to work 20 (minimum) –30 (maximum) hours per week, but they may also be enrolled in other coursework. You’re encouraged to work with them to find a mutually workable schedule, and to reach out to the Preceptor Program Coordinator if consistent scheduling becomes an issue.
Yes — but only if the paid work is completely separate from their preceptorship duties. For example, they might assist with administrative tasks or serve as a chiropractic assistant, but this must be clearly documented and kept distinct from their clinical role as a student intern.
No. Direct supervision by the approved DC is required at all times when an intern is providing patient care. If you will be unavailable, you must notify the Preceptor Program Coordinator. A temporary pause or reconfiguration of the preceptorship may be required.
Possibly. The Preceptor Program Coordinator can contact your state’s chiropractic board to determine if an exception or approval process exists. Keep in mind this may take additional time and is not guaranteed.
Yes. Any care provided by an intern must be clearly documented in the patient record, identifying the intern as the provider of that service, with your supervision noted. You’ll also need to review and sign bi-weekly tracking sheets submitted to Life West.
You are expected to provide honest feedback and maintain professional standards. If concerns arise that affect patient safety, performance, or conduct, you should contact the Preceptor Program Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss the situation and determine next steps.
Only if that DC has been independently approved as a preceptor by Life West and the applicable licensing board, with their own application and $100 intern fee submitted. Otherwise, the intern may not provide patient care during your absence.
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