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The Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists |
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New! Master of Science Degree - 2010 Project NEW! AMA Resolution 814 and Report New! Orthopedic Coalition Definitions Academy Response to CCGPP Best Practices Document Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Link Your Website to the Academy Membership Application Form (PDF file) Recredentialing Info and Application Form
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Master of Science: Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists Recommendation For
Graduate
Chiropractic Orthopedics Education Post-professional graduate studies enable chiropractic physicians to improve clinical knowledge and skills through a specific program of advanced physical medicine and rehabilitation practice and scholarship. A certification process for advanced studies in chiropractic orthopedics has been in existence for over 50 years. This process should remain, but with modern changes. Standards for these advanced classes and training are continually modified based on solid methodology, and certification examinations are given throughout an academic year. The Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists is an accreditation body in the entire process, and in conjunction with other organized entities in chiropractic orthopedics, oversees the evolution of the specialty. Guideposts for Evolution in Chiropractic Orthopedics Education1 Candidates for chiropractic specialization must undergo formal application procedures for the course of studies, and then acquire a faculty or academic advisor. At the time of application, the graduate student is required to identify a specialty area of interest in order to consider faculty adviser alignments. The student, with the advisor's counsel, is responsible for formulating an individual plan of study. The candidate must hold a BS degree as a platform for MS studies. The Candidate must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate studies for entrance into the advance degree program. National Board scores, including Part IV, must be considered. In the absence of full-time programming, development of a “hybrid Residency” program is encouraged, and that 2-years of clinical experience be required for entrance to the program. The institution can determine the portion of the residency a candidate can pass through. Within courses of graduate study, thesis writing is a critical element of the specialty training. The primary responsibility for the writing and defense of the thesis rests with the student. Further, scholarly development is required in the graduate chiropractic orthopedics education, which includes:
General Criterion for Specialization A chiropractic specialty certification organization that conducts a certification program that evaluate the competence of practitioners, has a responsibility to individuals seeking and holding certification, employers of those individuals, agencies and patients that pay for, or require the services of the practitioners, and the public. All chiropractic certification organizations are expected to review the Uniform Guidelines On Employee Selection Procedures (1978) developed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,2 Joint Technical Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests (1985) developed jointly by the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education,3 and Principles of Fairness: An Examining Guide for Credentialing Boards (1993) developed by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation and the National Organization for Competency Assurance4. Milestones for achievement in the chiropractic orthopedics graduate program, can include attendance, scholarly research components, case reports, literature reviews, book reports, presentation and seminars, etc. Attendance must be held to 90% or better for successful completion. These can also include development of a Masters Thesis; the publication of at least one case report per year while participating in the Diplomate and Masters Programs; the publication of 3 case reports per year during residency program; demonstration of proficiency in obtaining literature from multiple resources; review published journal articles and report to class quarterly, develop conditions and clinical situations for lecture or Diplomate examination; and attend graduate orthopedic seminars during classes or residency. These markers can be modified, changed or additional milestones may be added. The Academy will administer comprehensive examinations between the four levels of studies in the program, with each examination comprised of 50% new material and 50% material from the previous sections. Comprehensive Examinations In the MSc PM&R program, each Masters Candidate must successfully complete four comprehensive examinations to determine mastery of the core elements of the advanced studies. The written examinations investigate application and analysis (Level 2: applying information to new situations) and synthesis and analysis (Level 3: pulling a variety of information and experiences together to make judgments) levels. Practical examinations focus on the clinical application of therapeutic assessment and treatment techniques. Candidates must demonstrate appropriate patient handling, awareness of safety issues, application of technique, and decision-making rationale. Graduate Admission Requirements Currently, enrollment in chiropractic orthopedics training is restricted to Doctors of Chiropractic. The Academy is acutely aware of the dilemma posed in the pool of existing chiropractic orthopedists wishing to earn the MScPMR degree. Some of the diplomated and board certified chiropractic orthopedists completed their DCP program prior to the host institution gaining regional academic accreditation. These advanced learners, therefore do not hold a traditional Bachelor of Science degree to serve as a base for launching a Masters academic path. ACO recognizes that with evolution of the course of studies, there will be competition for positions in the chiropractic orthopedics program, and encourages this. Adoption of pre-requisite courses for entrance to this course of studies will be needed. The basic application must include determinations of the BS and DC degree, the candidate’s intentions and reasons for entering the program as well as other criteria essential for the institution. The candidate must have both faculty and institutional recommendations for entering the program. Recommendations for program participation must also exist from other chiropractic orthopedic specialists, Diplomates and Fellows of ACO or ABCO. Academy does advocate one of two strategies for existing chiropractic orthopedic programs and the proposed curriculum. First, candidates nearing completion of (or having completed) studies based upon the widely circulated Coalition Orthopedic Syllabus, and holding a Bachelor of Science degree, are allowed to complete courses: MScPMR 2506 (Scientific Inquiry in PM&R), MScPMR 2507 (Applied Statistics), MScPMR 2508 (Clinical Investigation), MScPMR 2801 (Clinical Rounds and Case Presentations), and MScPMR 2901 thru MScPMR 2904 (Master's Project I –IV). This strategy is based upon the existing 360-hour program, with an additional 12-credit hours of scholarly study and thesis development for masters confirmation. Second, candidates enter and complete the proposed MSc PMR program, completing the work successfully and receive the Academy proposed Master’s advance degree. For admission to full graduate status, an entering student should have a GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate work and the professional doctor of chiropractic program (DCP). Evidence of potential success in graduate study should be demonstrated through past work experiences, continuing education, and by letters of recommendation. Admission decisions will be based on an overall evaluation of all credentials submitted and the availability of space in the class. Graduation Criteria
The goal for any candidate entering this program will be to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to make the advanced learner a potential candidate for board certification, via the ACO examination and credentialing process, as well as achieve the degree of Master of Science: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (MScPMR).
Plan of Study:
Credit Hours Total 85-87 *Linked subjects, topics or classes: required material for MSc-PM&R
Chiropractic Orthopedics Course Descriptions
This course is an introduction to chiropractic orthopedics. Discussion covers issues of importance to chiropractic orthopedists, including delegation of authority and clinical decision-making, and an introduction to principles of teaching and learning. This course begins the presentation of chiropractic management of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The role of the chiropractic orthopedist in the management of patients with orthopedic dysfunction is discussed.
This course covers the function of chiropractic orthopedics in management of patients with neurological disorders, central nervous system pathology, and its sequelae. Emphasis is on evaluation and treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction through presentation of patient problems.
This course is an introduction to the psychosocial aspects of patient care. Emphasis is on the patient's response to illness. Students develop interpersonal skills and strategies for therapeutic intervention.
This course covers problem-oriented patient evaluation and treatment planning for children. Special consideration is on pediatric diseases.
This course discusses normal and abnormal development throughout the lifespan. Topics include pediatric and adolescent medicine and women's health care. The normal aging process is discussed with emphasis on management of geriatric client in the chiropractic orthopedic setting.
This course is the introduction to the research process. This course covers critical analysis of the literature. Basic concepts of research design and approaches are examined for clinically relevant questions.
This course provides the interpretation of methods of statistical inference with focus on interpretation of research data.
This course examines basic research process and investigative strategies by reviewing existing applied clinical literature. The concept of a clinical database is covered including group decisions that are necessary for operationally defining clinically relative fields relating to treatment intervention (evaluation and treatment) and outcome. The student will know how to query a database and answer questions about everyday practice as well as have the necessary information to prepare peer reviewed, published manuscripts based on multiple cases or experimental research.
This course is an in depth consideration of special topics in chiropractic orthopedics. It includes scheduled class and/or laboratory or an independent study project. Students will be required to enroll in one Special Topics course prior to graduation. Topics to include but not be limited to: Pharmacology, hospital protocols and multi-disciplinary center integration, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), clinic administration (institutional administration, teaching (lecture and presentation preparation).
This course is a problem-solving seminar integrating clinical practice. Consideration is on contemporary issues and topics in health care.
This course provides the student with an in-depth review of the anatomical structures of the human musculoskeletal system. Clinical faculty will combine their efforts with skilled dissection anatomists in laboratory settings to present a clinically pertinent musculoskeletal anatomy course. The course is organized regionally over three weekend sessions. Weekend 1 will focus on the upper extremity anatomy, the second on the lower extremity anatomy, and the third on the anatomy of the neck and trunk.
This course provides the student with an in-depth study of neuro-anatomical structures and functions. Brain anatomy, function, and interrelationships especially as they relate to movement dysfunction are reviewed. The clinician will have an opportunity to "revisit" how anatomy and movement are interrelated. The response of the nervous system to disease and trauma is assessed.
Topical areas of the neurological sciences are presented including introductory neuropathology, neuro-diagnostic techniques, and clinical manifestations of certain diseases of the nervous system. Topics include reflexes; the pain experience and pain management; somatosensory changes in peripheral and central nervous system diseases; motor dysfunction associated with peripheral and central nervous system diseases; articular neurology; sensorimotor learning principles.
This course is the study of biomechanics, kinesiology, and ergonomics. Clinical skills such as passive range of motion, goniometry, and manual muscle testing, and posture and gait analysis are explored. This is an integrated study of neuromusculoskeletal tissue biomechanics, microtrauma, and injury.
This course covers the chiropractic orthopedic assessment of gait, transfers, and activities of daily living. Body mechanics, proper positioning, safety, documentation, and functional assessment tools are considered. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making.
This course will cover basic concepts of physical examination of the patient with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Fundamental examination skills and knowledge are covered, including issues related to screening, review of systems, history, physical examination, and clinical decision-making. An introduction to advanced radiology and diagnostic imaging is provided. Concepts related to the pain and inflammatory processes, boney healing and remodeling, and how these concepts impact clinical practice is covered.
This course covers the analysis of the process, and knowledge necessary, for identifying the neuromuscular tissue or system that represents the origin of disorders in patients. Signs and symptoms from history and physical examination are the focus with appropriate ancillary testing necessary to confirm hypotheses regarding neuromusculoskeletal pathology. The intent is for clinicians to be able to differentiate clusters of signs and symptoms and to make appropriate clinical decisions regarding them.
This course is an introduction to principles of exercise science. Emphasis is on assessment and interpretation of a patient’s response to exercise. This is an introduction to vital signs monitoring and principles of therapeutic exercise.
This course covers clinical decision-making and utilization of electrophysiological evaluation and electrotherapy.
This course introduces the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices. Emphasis is on patient evaluation and treatment planning skills through coordinated classroom, laboratory, and clinical sessions. The course covers application of basic gait analysis to individuals using prosthetic and orthotic devices.
This course presents the principles of patient care. Emphasis is on theoretical understanding of techniques coupled with practical experience in the laboratory setting. This course covers problem-oriented evaluation, treatment planning, and documentation for patients with musculoskeletal system dysfunction. The course provides in-depth evaluation processes and joint manipulation and mobilization techniques for all spinal and extremity joints. This course includes selected topics in therapeutic exercise.
This course provides models of rehabilitation available for treatment of adults with neurological dysfunction. This course coves scientific and theoretical basis for clinical application of traditional therapeutic interventions, with an introduction to motor learning and other current treatment approaches. This course includes integrated lecture, laboratory, and clinic.
This course includes evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions involving the cervical spine, the temporomandibular joint, the thoracic spine and rib cage. Emphasis is on enhancing clinical decision making and integrating manual therapy skills into the plan of care for the patient. Classes consist of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences. (Prerequisite)
Course content includes evaluation and treatment of the musculoskeletal conditions involving the Lumbopelvic complex, including the hip joint, utilizing advanced orthopedic physical therapy skills. Emphasis is on enhancing clinical decision making and integrating manual therapy skills within the overall plan of care for the patient. Classes include lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences. (Prerequisite)
Course content includes evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions involving the foot, ankle, and knee. Emphasis is on enhancing clinical decision making and integrating manual therapy skills within the overall plan of care for the patient. Classes include lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences. (Prerequisite)
This course includes evaluation and treatment of the musculoskeletal conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Emphasis is on enhancing clinical decision making and integrating manual therapy skills within the overall plan of care for the patient. Classes include lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences. (Prerequisite)
This course is an introduction to management principles and their application. Discussion concerns the role of the chiropractic orthopedist in the contemporary health care system.
This course covers advanced considerations of musculoskeletal system dysfunction through coordinated classroom, laboratory, and clinical studies. Advanced topics of therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation devices and equipment, program planning, health promotion, and wellness are presented.
This course covers the function of chiropractic orthopedics in management of patients with infectious diseases and integumentary, metabolic, endocrine, and oncological dysfunction.
This course is the advanced study of physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults with neurological dysfunction. Balance, perception, and cognition are examined. Application of motor learning principles and integration of biomechanics is explored. Critical review is of applicable literature. This course includes integrated lecture, classroom, and clinic.
This course is a continuation of MScPMR 2703 and MScPMR 2704.
This course requires that the student systematically collect clinical information related to outcome and treatment in a series of patients with a common disorder and present the information in written format (case report) and oral format (clinical rounds). This requires that the student be a practicing chiropractic physician and that the student participates in Saturday AM rounds (at least 4) throughout the program. Pre-requisites are MScPMR 2704 (Lumbopelvic Spine), MScPMR 2705(Lower Extremity), MScPMR 2703(Cervical and Thoracic Spine), MScPMR 2706 (Upper Extremity), and MScPMR 2508 Clinical Investigation or permission of course coordinator.
Students conduct literature review under the direction of a faculty advisor.
Students work with faculty advisor in refining literature review.
Students develop case study or participate in research under direction of faculty advisor.
Students complete case study or research assignment under the direction of a faculty advisor. This includes presentation and defense of Thesis. 1Adapted from: Thistle S, Grod JP, Crowther ER; Chiropractic Post-Graduate Education: A Compilation of Chiropractic Certification/Specialty Programs; Table 2; Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. [Back to text] 2The official title of these guidelines is "Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures(1978)." The Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (1978) are intended to establish a uniform Federal position in the area of prohibiting discrimination in employment practices on grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. These guidelines have been adopted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and the Civil Service Commission. The official citation is: "Section 60-3, Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedure (1978); 43 FR 38295(August 25, 1978)." The short form citation is: "Section 60-3, U.G.E.S.P. (1978); 43 FR 38295 (August 25, 1978)." When the guidelines are cited in connection with the activities of one of the issuing agencies, a specific citation to the regulations of that agency can be added at the end of the above citation. The specific additional citations are as follows: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission29 CFR Part 1607Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs41 CFR Part 60-3Department of Justice28 CFR 50.14Civil Service Commission5 CFR 300.103(c) Normally when citing these guidelines, the section number immediately preceding the title of the guidelines will be from these guidelines series 1-18. If a section number from the codification for an individual agency is needed it can also be added at the end of the agency citation. For example, section 6A of these guidelines could be cited for EEOC as follows: "Section 6A,Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (1978); 43 FR 38295, (August 25,1978); 29 CFR Part 1607, section 6A." [Back to text] 3The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing Developed jointly by: American Educational Research Association (AERA) American Psychological Association (APA) National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) Revised significantly from the 1985 version, the 1999 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing has more in-depth background material in each chapter, a greater number of standards, and a significantly expanded glossary and index. The new Standards reflects changes in federal law and measurement trends affecting validity; testing individuals with disabilities or different linguistic backgrounds; and new types of tests as well as new uses of existing tests. The Standards is written for the professional and for the educated layperson and addresses professional and technical issues of test development and use in education, psychology, and employment. [Back to text] 4Principles of Fairness: An Examination Guide for Credentialing Boards Primary Authors Leon J. Gross, Ph.D. Director of Psychometrics and Research National Board of Examiners in Optometry Commissioner, National Commission for Certifying Agencies, National Organization for Competency Assurance Barbara Showers, Ph.D. Director of Examinations Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing Member, Board of Directors, Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation 2002 Review and Edits Cynthia D. Woodley, Ed.D. Vice President, Operations Professional Testing, Inc. Member, Examination Resources and Advisory Committee, Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation. [Back to text] |
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