Founded as Pacific States Chiropractic College in 1976 by George E. Anderson, the name was changed in 1981 to its current form after a merger with Life Chiropractic College (now Life University).

[2][3] Life West traces its roots back to 1976 when it was founded by chiropractor George E. Anderson as Pacific States Chiropractic College.

During its first years the school was involved in multiple malfeasance cases resulting in the termination of two administrators.

The result of this merger was the establishment of Life Chiropractic College West in 1981.

[4] In 2024, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported on the high debt burden of students who pursued degrees in alternative medicine.