From personal experience to a passion for service, Nelda shares how Palmer’s rigorous academics, supportive community, and hands-on training are preparing her for a successful chiropractic career.
Building a Strong Foundation: Nelda Paul’s Journey at Palmer College of Chiropractic
When Nelda Paul talks about Palmer College of Chiropractic, one word comes to mind: foundation. For Nelda, Palmer isn’t just a school, it’s the solid base on which she’s building her future as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Choosing Palmer: A Perfect Fit
Nelda’s path to Palmer started in Delray Beach, Florida, and took her through the University of Central Florida. When it came time to choose a chiropractic college, Palmer quickly rose to the top of her list. “Palmer’s reputation speaks for itself,” she says. “The high graduation and board passing rates show the quality of education here. Plus, following in the footsteps of my cousin, a successful Palmer graduate, while staying close to family made it the perfect fit.”
A Personal Spark
Her passion for chiropractic began after a life-changing experience. Following an accident, Nelda witnessed the healing power of chiropractic care firsthand. “Seeing the incredible work someone can do with just their hands—it lit a fire in me,” she recalls. That moment set her on a path to help others through the same hands-on approach to health.
Academic Life: Challenging and Inspiring
Now in her third trimester, Nelda describes her academic experience as rigorous yet rewarding. “Palmer isn’t just a beautiful campus—it’s energized and professional,” she says. “The faculty aren’t just instructors; they’re mentors who genuinely care about us becoming great doctors.” She loves how the curriculum connects science to patient care, making every skill feel immediately valuable. “The classes, though challenging, are fascinating because they clearly connect the science we learn to the hands-on patient care, showing us exactly why the adjustment is important and making all the skills we learn feel immediately valuable.”
Campus Life: What You Make It
For Nelda, campus life is all about balance. “Life at Palmer is what you make it,” she says. Between challenging coursework, hands-on labs, and professional development opportunities, she’s making the most of her time. A big part of that is her involvement in the Student American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA).
Leading Through SABCA
Nelda’s commitment to SABCA runs deep. “Our mission is to inspire, empower, and support Black and diverse students while serving the broader community,” she explains. As the president of SABCA, Nelda has organized technique workshops, collaborated with other clubs, and led community service projects. One recent initiative took her to The Neighborhood Center in DeLand, Florida, where SABCA members distributed care packages to the homeless. “We’re not focused only on long-term health, we’re also serving the immediate, basic needs of underserved people right now,” she says.
Preparing for Success
Palmer is preparing Nelda for more than clinical excellence. With resources like the Palmer Center for Business Development and a strong alumni network, she feels confident she’ll graduate ready to run a successful practice and serve her community.
“I’m confident that Palmer College is fully preparing me for a successful career by combining top-tier, hands-on clinical education with the practical business knowledge I’ll need to run a practice,” she says. “The program makes sure I master the core techniques early on, with a lot of time in supervised labs leading to real-world clinic training. What really sets it apart is the Palmer Center for Business Development. They give us valuable tools for things like practice management, networking, and interviewing. This ensures I graduate not just as a great doctor, but also as someone who understands the business side. Plus, the strong alumni network and focus on community service mean I’m ready to connect with both patients and colleagues from day one.”
Advice for Future Students
Nelda’s advice for incoming students is simple but powerful: “Master the basics early and often, build your network, and prioritize wellness. This program is a marathon, so take care of yourself.”
