History of Parker

The Parker Beginnings
Parker College of Chiropractic is named for its late founder, Dr. James William Parker. For five decades, Dr. Parker's professional passion, skills and love were directed toward chiropractic - from the day he began recuperating from childhood illnesses following chiropractic adjustments until his death in 1997.

While a senior in chiropractic college, Dr. Parker opened two successful practices in Illinois and published a book on chiropractic. After graduating from Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1946, he moved to Fort Worth, Texas and developed one of the fastest growing chiropractic practices in the history of the profession. In 18 months he established 18 clinics, one in almost every major city in Texas. From his experience operating these offices, Dr. Parker improved chiropractic care and developed methods for establishing and maintaining successful chiropractic practices.

A foundation was created in 1951 to conduct postgraduate chiropractic seminars. Over the last half century, the seminars evolved into PSPS (Parker School of Professional Success) and are now called Parker Seminars. Nearly 40,000 chiropractors have attended these seminars.

The Original Concept
At the urging of his colleagues, Dr. Jim Parker helped establish and fund Parker College of Chiropractic and consented to lend his name to the school. These chiropractors felt that students could benefit from Dr. Parker's unique success, his healing techniques, his philosophy and his business training, which were not included in their other chiropractic school curriculum. These doctors believed that if students were exposed to Dr. Parker's principles and teachings during their years of training, they would become more successful healers and practitioners after graduation. Thus, Parker College was founded to provide "The Parker Training" and was based on the premise of "Spreading Chiropractic Worldwide."

The College Opens
Parker College was chartered by the State of Texas on March 8, 1978, and received its non-profit IRS status in October 1978. The original campus, located in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, officially opened on September 12, 1982, which was on Dr. Parker's 62nd birthday. The first class of 27 students graduated in September 1985.

After the opening of the Irving campus, enrollment increased dramatically and the college moved to the larger main campus in Dallas in September 1989. In September 1993, enrollment reached 1,000 students. The original Irving campus was converted to a chiropractic wellness center where patients continue to receive chiropractic care.

Development of Chiropractic Wellness Clinics
The first Parker Chiropractic Wellness Clinic, for the training of interns, opened in May 1984 at the Irving campus. Within the first year, the center cared for over 1,000 patients. The Chiropractic Wellness Clinic in Irving has treated over 26,000 new patients.

By early 1992, the volume of patients and increased enrollment in the college necessitated the construction of a second outpatient facility. The second health care center was opened in the North Building on the Dallas campus in September 1993. the Dallas Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has cared for over 42,000 new patients. More than 750,000 chiropractic treatments have been provided to the patients at both centers.

In 1992, a three-acre parcel of land adjacent to the college was purchased for the new site of the Public Chiropractic Wellness Clinic and Student Chiropractic Wellness Clinic complex. With over 52,000 square feet and 200 additional parking spaces, the existing buildings on the site were renovated to create a 21st century wellness center. All patient services including examinations, chiropractic adjustments, laboratory tests, diagnostic X-rays,  and physiotherapy modalities are self-contained in the center for the convenience of patients and the efficiency of interns, administrators and staff doctors.

Achieving High Goals
Parker College of Chiropractic is a truly diversified, international institution of higher learning. With students, graduates and applicants from every state, all Canadian provinces and approximately 100 foreign countries, The college continually seeks qualified men and women of all ages, races, creeds and national origins who aspire to the high honor of becoming Doctors of Chiropractic.