Sherman College of Chiropractic and the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) formally signed an articulation agreement on February 27, 2026, establishing a collaborative undergraduate internship program designed to enhance experiential learning opportunities for USC Upstate students.
The memorandum of understanding formalizes a structured internship program that provides USC Upstate undergraduate students with immersive exposure to the chiropractic profession through sustained engagement at the Sherman College Chiropractic Center, the college’s on-campus clinical teaching facility. The internship is designed first and foremost as a learning experience, enabling students to acquire practical skills, deepen their understanding of healthcare systems and professional practices, and explore chiropractic as a potential career pathway.
Throughout the internship, USC Upstate students will work alongside experienced professionals at Sherman College, gaining valuable insights into the chiropractic profession. The internship experience will align with the student’s academic disciplines and career aspirations, promoting a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. Specifically, interns will observe clinic workflows, assist with front desk and patient flow operations, support imaging and clinic services in non-clinical roles, and participate in supplemental sports chiropractic outreach shadowing opportunities. Undergraduate interns will not render patient care, perform examinations, or provide chiropractic adjustments.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to student success and meaningful career exploration,” said Dr. Jack Bourla, president of Sherman College of Chiropractic. “By opening our clinical teaching environment to USC Upstate students, we are creating opportunities for them to experience firsthand the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic, as well as the scope and role of chiropractic within today’s healthcare landscape.”
“Partnerships such as this expand high-impact learning opportunities for our students,” explained Dr. Bennie L. Harris, chancellor of USC Upstate, emphasizing the value of experiential education. “We are proud to collaborate with Sherman College to provide structured, supportive experiences that help students connect classroom knowledge with real-world application.”
Dr. Joe Donofrio, Sherman provost, added, “This internship program bridges academic study with professional observation. Students will gain insight into clinic operations, professional standards, and interdisciplinary healthcare delivery while engaging in reflective learning that supports their academic and career goals.”
Dr. Charles Harrington, professor of interdisciplinary studies at USC Upstate, noted the program’s academic alignment. “This internship offers students a thoughtful introduction to the chiropractic profession. Through observation, reflection, and engagement with Sherman’s chiropractic professionals and students in their last quarters of study, Upstate students can critically evaluate chiropractic as a potential career pathway while developing professionalism appropriate to clinical and academic environments.”
In November 2025, the institutions also signed a separate agreement under which Sherman College Chiropractic Center interns, supervised by Chiropractic Center Case Doctor, Dr. Michael L. Tomasello, provide regular chiropractic care to USC Upstate Spartan student-athletes. The partnership enhances athletic performance and recovery while providing Sherman interns with valuable clinical experience.
The Sherman–USC Upstate partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to students’ growth—expanding access to meaningful experiential learning while introducing undergraduate scholars to the principles, practice, and professional opportunities in chiropractic.
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