Gain clinical experience at DoD/VA locations
Qualified Palmer students have the opportunity to obtain part of their clinical training by serving in one of more than 50 Department of Defense/Veterans Affairs (DoD/VA) student-rotation locations.
Students work with staff chiropractors in a DoD/VA hospital or clinic, and learn how doctors of chiropractic work with medical professionals across many disciplines for the benefit of the patient. Depending on the location, students may rotate among other departments with the opportunity to observe procedures and interact with medical students and residents.
These rotations are available to qualified senior-level students on all Palmer campuses through a DoD/VA selection process.
View the DoD/VA Rotation Handbook.
View the DoD/VA Sites
Veterans Affairs Hospitals
- Bay Pines VA Medical Center – Bay Pines, FL
- Black Hills Healthcare System – Ft. Meade, SD
- Central Iowa Healthcare System – Des Moines, IA
- Central Iowa Healthcare System – Mason City/Ft. Dodge, IA
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System – Temple, TX
- Charlie Norwood VA – Augusta, GA
- Chillicothe, OH VA Medical Center – Chillicothe, OH
- Davenport, IA VA Medical Center – Davenport, IA
- Dayton, OH VA Medical Center – Dayton, OH
- Erie VA Medical Center – Erie, PA
- Fargo, ND VA – Fargo, ND
- Great Lakes Health Care System – Tomah, WI
- George E. Wahlen Dept. of VA Med. Ctr. – Salt Lake City, UT
- Iowa City VA Healthcare System – Iowa City, IA
- James H. Quillen VA Medical Center – Mountain Home, TN
- John J. Pershing VA – Poplar Bluff, MO
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center – Chicago, IL
- Las Vegas, NV VA – Las Vegas, NV
- Little Rock, AR VA – Little Rock, AR
- Lee County Healthcare Center – Cape Coral, FL
- Mann Grandstaff VA – Spokane, WA
- Martinsburg VA Medical Center – Martinsburg, VA
- Orlando VA Medical Center – Orlando, FL
- Orlando VA Medical Center – Daytona, Florida
- Northern CA Health Care System – Martinez, CA
- Northern CA Health Care System – Redding, CA
- Richard Roudebush VA Medical Center – Indianapolis, IN
- Palo Alto Health Care System – Monterey, CA
- Palo Alto Health Care System – Palo Alto, CA
- Palo Alto Health Care System – San Jose, CA
- Palo Alto Health Care System – Stockton, CA
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) – Pittsburgh, PA
- Sacramento VA Medical Center – Mather, CA
- Salisbury, NC VA Medical Center – Salisbury, NC
- Sioux Falls, SD VA Medical Center – Sioux Falls, SD
- Syracuse, NY VA Medical Center – Syracuse, NY
- St. Louis VA Medical Center – St. Louis, MO
- Tennessee Valley VA Hospitals – Chattanooga, TN
- Tennessee Valley VA Hospitals – Clarksville, TN
- Tennessee Valley VA Hospitals – Gallatin, TN
- Tennessee Valley VA Hospitals – Murfreesboro, TN
- Tennessee Valley VA Hospitals – Nashville, TN
- Tennessee Valley VA Hospitals – Nashville, TN
- Tuscaloosa, AL VA Medical Center – Tuscaloosa, AL
Department of Defense Sites
- Cherry Point Naval Health Clinic – Cherry Point, NC
- Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital – Ft. Belvoir, VA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center – Bethesda, MD
Hospital/Other Sites
- Bigfork Valley Community Hospital – Bigfork, MN
- Medical College of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Medical School
- Premise Health (PG&E Health) – San Francisco, CA
- Clearway Pain Solutions – Pensacola, FL
DoD/VA Student Rotation Program – FAQs
What is the DoD/VA Student Rotation Program for chiropractic students?
The Department of Defense / Veterans Affairs (DoD/VA) Student Rotation Program is an optional, off-campus clinical education opportunity for qualified senior-level students. Participants gain experience in a multidisciplinary setting, working under the supervision of licensed Doctors of Chiropractic and collaborating with other health care professionals.
What kind of experience do students gain during a DoD/VA rotation?
Students may perform patient care procedures, participate in hospital rounds, observe surgeries, and engage in interdisciplinary presentations. They function as part of a health care team and share chiropractic perspectives with professionals from other disciplines.
When do Palmer students complete a DoD/VA rotation?
Students typically participate in the DoD/VA Student Rotation Program during their 9th and 10th trimester.
How do I apply for a DoD/VA rotation?
Applications are available each term via the Palmer Portal. Students may apply starting the first day of their 8th trimester and must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the program handbook. The essay application includes a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and an interview process.
Where can I complete a DoD/VA rotation?
Palmer College has agreements with over 60 DoD and VA facilities across the country. Interviews between the applicant and Doctor take place and an offer of placement is made then accepted. Coordination between Palmer and the selected facility is then completed.
What are the benefits of participating in the DoD/VA Student Rotation Program?
This rotation offers a unique opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary health care environment, expand clinical skills, and provide conservative care to diverse patient populations. It also helps students develop professional communication and collaboration skills across healthcare disciplines.
