Dr. Ron Oberstein, PresidentLife West brings together renowned researchers, seasoned practitioners, and respected thought leaders to form its distinguished faculty. Merging academic rigor with real-world clinical insights, they prepare students for practice in an increasingly dynamic healthcare space.
Students come from diverse backgrounds, including athletics, massage therapy, fitness, and technology, bringing unique perspectives to their chiropractic journey. With four start dates annually in California and two in Nebraska, Life West offers flexible entry points that allow them to begin their education without delays. International students benefit from a 20 percent tuition credit and receive dedicated support throughout their journey. Guided by a vitalistic philosophy and a belief in the body’s innate intelligence, Life West delivers clinically immersive training that integrates scientific knowledge with real-world experience.
“From day one, our students are hands-on, hearts-engaged and purpose-driven. They leave here ready to serve, to succeed and to elevate the profession in every corner of the world,” says Dr. Ron Oberstein, president.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to chiropractic, Dr. Oberstein was named ICA Chiropractor of the Year in 2025. His leadership continues to shape Life West and the future of chiropractic education, where leadership is taught and lived.
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From day one, our students are hands-on, hearts-engaged and purpose-driven. They leave here ready to serve, to succeed and to elevate the profession in every corner of the world
Hands-On Training for Purpose-Driven Practice
Life West students step into hands-on technique and simulation labs, from the very first quarter, progressing into patient care at the Life West Health Center, where they gain invaluable immersive clinical experience while serving the broader community.
The Nexus Brain Center further enhances training by exposing students to neurologically focused care and emerging chiropractic technologies. Life West’s unique clinically inspired learning model enables students to begin treating community patients, on average, a year earlier than peers in other programs. Institutional data shows early clinical interns consistently demonstrate strong competency, translating into confidence and quality care.
This foundation of early clinical experience prepares students to contribute meaningfully to community care, even before completing their studies. Each year, Life West organizes 11 global service trips to underserved regions such as Mexico, Tonga and India. Under faculty supervision, students care for hundreds of patients in just one week, many receiving chiropractic treatment for the first time. These life-changing experiences cultivate cultural sensitivity, sharpen clinical skills and deepen students’ commitment to compassionate, community-based care.
Bridging the gap between student and practitioner is Life West’s Preceptorship Program, one of the most comprehensive in the field. It enables students to complete clinical training under licensed chiropractors across the U.S. and abroad, gaining real-world mentorship in patient care and practice management.
Life West’s commitment to student development is rooted in its mission to uphold the core values of chiropractic. This is reflected in The WAVE, the college’s annual conference that brings students face-to-face with global thought leaders and emerging research. More than a professional event, it immerses them in the profession’s defining philosophy—centered on natural, drug-free healing.
In 2025, Dr. Oberstein opposed Montana House Bill 929, which sought to grant chiropractors limited prescriptive rights. He testified twice, stating it undermined chiropractic’s drug-free philosophy. The bill was ultimately tabled, preserving the profession’s natural approach to healing.
Whether in the classroom, the clinic or on the global stage, Life Chiropractic College West leads with clarity, courage and conviction, shaping chiropractors and advancing the future of healthcare.
