Iona University and Northeast College of Health Sciences have announced an updated agreement to provide students with faster pathways to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. The collaboration introduces both 4+3 and 3+3 program options, allowing students to start their undergraduate education at Iona before moving on to professional studies at Northeast.

The agreement ensures that eligible Iona students receive academic guidance focused on the chiropractic track, merit-based scholarships, and simplified admission into Northeast’s professional program.

“This partnership reflects Iona’s mission to expand opportunity and empower students to thrive in fields that serve the greater good,” said Dr. Tricia Mulligan, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at Iona. “By aligning our strengths with Northeast, we are creating a seamless academic experience that equips students with the knowledge, values and skills they need to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.”

Students who choose the 4+3 pathway will finish their undergraduate degree at Iona in one of five health science majors: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, health and wellness or neuroscience. They must also complete prerequisites for entry into Northeast’s D.C. program. Biology majors can opt for the 3+3 track, transferring after three years and applying their first year of chiropractic study toward their bachelor’s degree from Iona.

“Our partnership with Iona University reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence and preparing future leaders dedicated to reimagining health and transforming lives,” said Dr. Michael Mestan, president of Northeast College of Health Sciences. “We’re proud to offer pathways that support student success and look forward to welcoming Iona students to Northeast as they pursue advanced degrees in the health sciences.”

Northeast College of Health Sciences is located in Seneca Falls, New York. The college has provided healthcare education for over a century under its current name and its former name as New York Chiropractic College.

The agreement allows qualified Iona students early assurance into programs at Northeast while maintaining progress toward completing both degrees efficiently.

Iona University operates campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, New York—about 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan—and is known for its Catholic educational tradition centered on faith, service, opportunity, and education.

Northeast College offers graduate and undergraduate programs focused on various health sciences disciplines such as chiropractic care, physician assistant studies, nutrition, human anatomy instruction, massage therapy, and imaging sciences. Its main campus is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region with another branch campus on Long Island.

Founded in 1940 by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers tradition, Iona University serves nearly 4,000 students across two campuses totaling more than 70 acres combined near New York City. The university has been recognized by several national rankings including The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes for academic quality; U.S. News & World Report highlighted it among top schools for social mobility; Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce ranked it highly for long-term return on investment; its LaPenta School of Business holds AACSB International accreditation—a distinction achieved by only six percent of business schools worldwide—and was listed as a “Best Business School” by The Princeton Review for its MBA program offerings.

In July 2021,Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences through collaboration with one of the nation’s leading hospitals; this school is now based primarily on the Bronxville campus.

Additionally,The Princeton Review named Iona one of America’s best colleges for 2025.Georgetown's CEW ranked an Iona degree within the top six percent nationally for long-term return.AACSB International confirms accreditation status.U.S. News & World Report recognized it as among top performers nationwide regarding social mobility.Forbes included it among America’s best colleges.The Wall Street Journal also listed it among leading institutions.Princeton Review acknowledged its MBA program excellence.

In connection with its Irish heritage,Iona opened a new campus in County Mayo situated on Westport House Estate's historic grounds.

On July 1st,Iona officially changed status from college to university, reflecting growth in academic programs.