2027 FICS × PARKER UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
Turn Advanced Study Into Greater Impact
An opportunity for eligible FICS members to undertake Parker University’s online Master of Science in Strength and Human Performance while continuing to build their professional contribution to sport.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Study Performance. Strengthen Practice. Share the Benefit.
The FICS and Parker University scholarship connects postgraduate education with the work chiropractors are already doing for athletes, active people and their professional communities.
Parker University’s Master of Science in Strength and Human Performance develops knowledge across exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, strength and conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Its online format allows the successful recipient to learn alongside an existing professional role.
This is not only an investment in one person’s degree. The selection process looks for applicants who can turn advanced learning into service, leadership and a wider contribution to sports chiropractic.
Explore Parker University’s MSHP program
CHECK BEFORE YOU APPLY
Is This Scholarship for You?
Start here before preparing documents. Applicants need to meet both the FICS scholarship criteria and Parker University’s entry requirements.
Chiropractic Qualification
Hold a Doctor of Chiropractic qualification or an equivalent chiropractic bachelor qualification accepted for entry to the program.
Current FICS Membership
Be a FICS member in good standing and registered with the relevant NCSC or RCSC where one applies. Individual membership may be considered where no NCSC exists.
ICSC Accreditation
Hold the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic and be ready for advanced postgraduate study.
Service and Contribution
Demonstrate volunteering, athlete-care service or professional contribution through FICS, an NCSC or RCSC, or a FICS-sanctioned event.
Academic Readiness
Provide the required academic transcript, including evidence that meets the published minimum 2.5 GPA criterion, and satisfy Parker University’s entry requirements.
Capacity to Complete
Be able to meet the program workload, academic standards, enrolment conditions and scholarship obligations.
Experience matters alongside academic ability. Preference may be given to applicants with more than five years in practice where that experience demonstrates an established clinical foundation and readiness to contribute globally.
HOW TO APPLY
One Clear Application Path
Download both official documents first. The application form tells you what to submit; the rubric explains how the selection committee will assess it.
Confirm Eligibility
Check your qualification, FICS membership, ICSC status and Parker University entry requirements.
Prepare Your Record
Provide your chiropractic degree evidence, academic transcript and a CV or résumé updated within the last three years.
Tell Your Story
Prepare an essay of no more than 1,000 words explaining your motivation, goals and intended contribution.
Gather Support
Include two eligible letters of recommendation from people who can speak directly to your experience and suitability. FICS Executive Council members and scholarship judges cannot act as referees.
Introduce Yourself
Record an MP4 video of no more than one minute, then submit every required item by the deadline using the application instructions.
Follow the exact file-naming and format instructions in the rubric. Keep the essay and video within their stated limits, and do not leave document preparation until the final day.
SELECTION JOURNEY
What Happens After You Apply?
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01
Applications close
30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM CEST
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02
Eligibility review and shortlisting
From 30 September through 15 November
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03
Finalist interviews
Expected between 15 November and 15 December
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04
Recipient announced
Before 15 January 2027 through FICS communications
The published timetable is a guide and may vary with application volume and completion of the panel process.
THE MSHP PROGRAM
Advanced Learning Designed Around Professional Life
The online structure allows the scholarship recipient to continue practising while developing a deeper understanding of human performance.
Coursework explores the science and application of performance, including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, strength and conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
The scholarship covers published tuition costs while the recipient continues to meet the required academic and enrolment standards. Books and costs outside tuition are not included.
View Parker University’s current program informationDesigned to fit around an existing professional role.
Each subject follows a focused study period.
Each subject must be completed within its course window.
The scholarship recipient must remain in good academic standing.
The non-internship pathway is described as approximately 1.5 years.
Parker staff work with students to identify an appropriate local internship site.
WHY THE PARTNERSHIP FITS
Education Grounded in Service
Parker University’s philosophy grows from the principles established by its founder, Dr James W. Parker. Service to others remains central to those principles and to the way the university describes its relationship with students and graduates.
That emphasis connects naturally with FICS: education becomes more valuable when it strengthens athlete care, professional leadership and the communities graduates return to serve.
FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Growing the Profession Together
Jenna Romanelli describes the partnership as a way for chiropractors to continue practising while completing online postgraduate study in sports performance.
From recruitment through the student’s academic journey, Parker University and FICS work together around a shared commitment to education, collaboration and raising the profession’s capacity in strength and human performance.
RECIPIENT STORIES
What the Opportunity Makes Possible
The clearest measure of the partnership is what recipients carry into their careers, communities and work with athletes.
2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Dr Chiara Tomassoni
BHealthSc(Chiro); MClinChiro; GCertTertEd; ICSC; ASCA Level 1
For Chiara, the scholarship created room to grow as both a clinician and an academic. Studying internationally expanded her knowledge across sports and exercise medicine while opening new professional possibilities.
She also values the people around the learning: respected educators and colleagues from different parts of the world who make postgraduate study feel connected rather than isolated.
“International post-graduate study has been a welcome and worthwhile challenge.”
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Dr Kylie Vincent
New Zealand
Kylie sees the scholarship as a major step in her development as a sports chiropractor and exercise scientist. The program gives her access to advanced, evidence-informed performance knowledge that she intends to carry back into practice.
Her goal reaches beyond the qualification itself: applying what she learns so athletes and people in her community receive stronger guidance across health, exercise and performance.
“This scholarship is not just an investment in my education.”
COMMON QUESTIONS
Know What You Are Committing To
Is the degree completely online?
Yes. The academic program is online. Each subject runs for approximately 7.5 weeks and must be completed within that study period.
How long does the program take?
The published FICS information describes a 30-credit non-internship route of approximately 1.5 years and a 36-credit route that includes a 300-hour internship. Confirm your intended pathway with Parker University.
Can an internship be completed outside the United States?
Parker University’s Program Director and Internship Coordinator work with students to identify an appropriate site in their area. The site and supervisor must meet the program requirements.
What does the scholarship not cover?
The scholarship covers eligible tuition. Required books and other costs outside tuition are the recipient’s responsibility.
Read the 2027 rubric carefully before contacting FICS. It contains the full eligibility, evidence, formatting and assessment requirements.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
Ready to Turn Learning Into Wider Contribution?
Begin with the application form and rubric, allow time to prepare each supporting item, and submit the complete application before 5:00 PM CEST.