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Trimester Course Descriptions

Anatomy

ANAT51203/ANAT51903 Gross Anatomy I
Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 4 lecture and 2 lab hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: Spinal Anatomy, Neuroanatomy II
This course will focus on neural, muscular, vascular and skeletal systems within the upper and lower extremities of the human body. Lectures will consider the contribution and integration of each system to the function of that extremity.

ANAT51204/ANAT51904 Neuroanatomy I
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4 lecture and 1 lab hour per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: Spinal Anatomy, Neuroanatomy II
The course covers microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of the brain, spinal cord and meninges. Physiological organization is also discussed and general lesions are reviewed.

ANAT51214/ANAT51914 Embryology-Histology
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: None
This course introduces normal, abnormal morphogenesis and the functional histology of the organ systems of the human body during development. Development of the neural, muscular and skeletal systems, including human genetics and embryonic mechanisms basic to teratogenesis will be examined along with functional histology.

ANAT52205/ANAT52905 Gross Anatomy II
Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 4 lecture and 2 lab hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: Neuroanatomy II, Life Science
Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Endocrinology, Physiology III, Radiographic Quality I, Diagnostic Imaging I
The anatomy of the body wall and contents of the major body cavities will be studied. Gross anatomical features of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine and lymphatic systems will be examined. Functional and clinical aspects of the anatomy will be addressed.

ANAT52214/ANAT52914 Spinal Anatomy
Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 4 lecture and 2 lab hours per week
Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy I, Neuroanatomy I, Physiology I
Prerequisite for: Neuroanatomy II, Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Movement Science, Radiographic Quality I, Diagnostic Imaging I
Neuromusculoskeletal associations of the vertebral column, head, neck and thoracic will be studied in depth. Arthrology of the vertebral column will be presented.

ANAT61208/ANAT61908 Neuroanatomy II
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy I, Neuroanatomy I, Gross Anatomy II, Spinal Anatomy
Prerequisite for: Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis I
This course presents the peripheral nervous system and its role in maintaining the health and integrity of the human body and focuses on how interference with normal functions of the nervous system may cause dysfunction or disease. The peripheral nervous system consists of the cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and peripheral visceral nervous system. The structures involved with the special senses of vision, hearing, balance, taste, smell, and touch are also studied.

ANAT62224/ANAT62924 Life Science Review
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hour per week
Prerequisites: All first through third trimester Life Science courses
Prerequisite for: None
Co-requisite with: Systems Pathology II
The course will cover all major aspects of life sciences. Topics include general anatomy, spinal anatomy, pathology, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology.

Chiropractic Business and Practice Management

CBPM51111/CBPM51911 Rights and Responsibilities
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 1 lecture hour per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: None
Within the context of the chiropractic profession, this course addresses applied ethics in both personal and professional settings and offers an introduction to interpersonal communication. Methods used include student- and instructor-led discussion, lecture, guest speakers, surveys, small group activities and reading assignments. Written assignments must also be completed and submitted.

CBPM82151/CBPM82951 Financial Management
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: All first through sixth trimester courses, Clinical Methods, Clinical Skills III
Prerequisite for: Planning for Practice Success
This course introduces payment options and fee structures within a professional practice including cash practice, insurance-based practice and participation in managed care organizations. Procedures for insurance claims submissions and management will be included and collection strategies will be discussed. The basic principles of financial and records management will also be discussed.

CBPM82152/CBPM82952 Legal Issues
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: All first through sixth trimester courses Prerequisite for: Planning for Practice Success
This course focuses on the basics of jurisprudence, risk management strategies, ethics and practice liability issues related to chiropractic practice; principles of law associated with clinical practice and the chiropractic profession at large; relationships of its providers to each other, third-party payers, malpractice insurance carriers and society in general; basics of contract and tort law related to the issues of malpractice; coverage needs and options; duties of the chiropractor regarding the doctor-patient relationship and standard of care issues; and the basics of child/adult abuse reporting related to the issues of malpractice.

CBPM91153/CBPM91953 Practice Management
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: All courses through seventh trimester, Clinic I
Prerequisite for: Planning for Practice Success, Clinic IV
Within the context of a business plan, this course prepares the student for the organization, management and contingency planning for chiropractic practice. Contract negotiations, business aspects of delivering care, supervision of employees and collection policies for chiropractic healthcare related services will be included. Effective communication skills will be addressed, featuring interactions with patients, employees, vendors and other professionals.

CBPM91154/CBPM91954 Regulatory Issues
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: All courses through seventh trimester, Clinic I
Prerequisite for: Planning for Practice Success
This course addresses regulatory issues related to the practice of chiropractic, including AIDS/HIV, OSHA, HIPAA, sexual harassment prevention, professional boundaries, child and dependent adult abuse reporting, and communicable disease reporting.

CBPM92155/CBPM92955 Planning for Success
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: Distance Learning Course
Prerequisites: Financial Management, Legal Issues, Practice Management, Regulatory Issues
This distance learning course is devoted to final preparation for the student to enter chiropractic practice. The focus is on decision making, goal setting and professional interactions resulting in the successful implementation of post-graduate plans.

Clinic

CLIN62222/CLIN62922 Introduction to Electronic Health Records
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: All first through third trimester courses Prerequisite for: Clinical Skills II
Co-requisite: Clinical Skills I, Cervical-Thoracic Technique,
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are application systems that automate activities of health-care providers and administrative staff. This course will focus on the use of EHRs and required patient documentation components.

CLIN72805/CLIN72905 Clinical Methods
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 1 lecture and 1 clinic hour per week Prerequisite: All first through fifth trimester courses. Must be able to enter Clinic I the following term.
Prerequisite for: Clinic I
This course provides an orientation of policies and procedures necessary for completion of patient care experiences in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. At the conclusion of this course students will participate in the Clinic Induction Ceremony.

CLIN81809/CLIN81909 Emergency Procedures
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: All first through sixth trimester courses; Must be able to enter 8th trimester, Clinic II the following term. Prerequisite for: Clinic II, OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
Co-requisite with: Clinic I
The course covers basic procedures used in an emergency situation. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

CLIN81811/CLIN81911 Clinic I
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2 small group/lab and 3 clinic hours per week
Prerequisites: All first through sixth trimester courses Prerequisite for: Clinic II, OSCE Clinical, OSCE
Radiology, Practice Management, Regulatory Issues
Co-requisite with: Emergency Procedure
Student interns continue in their development of clinical competency through patient care in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. Patient care takes place under the supervision and direction of the faculty clinicians who assess the intern’s clinical competency.

CLIN82833/CLIN82933 Clinic II
Credit Hours: 9
Contact Hours: 21 clinic hours per week
Prerequisites: All first through seventh trimester courses
Prerequisite for: Clinic III
Student interns continue in their development of clinical competency through patient care in Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. Patient care and clinical mentorship occur under the direct supervision of faculty clinicians who regularly assess the intern’s clinical competency.

CLIN82850/CLIN82950 OSCE Clinical
8th trimester clinical competency exam
Prerequisites: All first through seventh trimester courses
Prerequisite for: Clinic IV
Co-requisite with: OSCE Radiology

CLIN82851/CLIN82951 OSCE Radiology
8th trimester radiology competency exam
Prerequisites: All first through seventh trimester courses
Prerequisite for: Clinic IV
Co-requisite with: OSCE Clinical

CLIN91835/CLIN91935 Clinic III
Credit Hours: 9
Contact Hours: 22 clinic hours per week Prerequisite: Clinic II
Prerequisite for: Clinic IV
Student interns continue in their development of clinical competency through patient care in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics or through optional off-campus programs for qualified interns. Patient care and clinical mentorship occur under the direct supervision of faculty clinicians or approved off campus clinicians who regularly assess the intern’s clinical competency.

CLIN92835/CLIN92935 Clinic IV
Credit Hours: 11
Contact Hours: 28 clinic hours per week
Prerequisite: Patient Centered Communication, OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology, Clinic III
Student interns continue their development of clinical competency through patient care in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics or through optional off-campus programs for qualified interns. Patient care and clinical mentorship occur under the direct supervision of faculty clinicians or approved off campus clinicians who regularly assess the intern’s clinical competency.

Diagnosis

DIAG62223/DIAG92923 Physical Diagnosis I
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisites: General Pathology, Immunology, Systems Pathology I, Endocrinology
Prerequisite for: Physical Diagnosis II, Genitourinary, Geriatrics
In this course, students learn to perform a comprehensive case history and physical examination of the vital signs and head and neck. Students are expected to correlate the historical and physical data in order to arrive at a differential diagnosis and prudent management plan. When relevant to the diagnosis, additional studies and specialty consultations are addressed.

DIAG62224/DIAG62924 Clinical Skills I
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lab hours per week
Prerequisite: Palpation, Subluxation Analysis Prerequisite for: Clinical Skills II
Co-requisite with: Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Cervical Thoracic Technique
This lab provides the development, reinforcement and application of clinical skills learned in core courses. Patient assessment skills are reviewed, practiced and integrated into a simulated electronic health records system.

DIAG71709/DIAG71909 Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis I
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture/lab hours per week Prerequisite: Neuroanatomy II
Prerequisite for: Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis II, Clinical Methods
The course covers physical diagnostic procedures specific to the neuromusculoskeletal system. It focuses on the head, neck and upper extremities from a clinical perspective. It accentuates the development of professional demeanor, clinical judgment, patient management and follow-up.

DIAG71711/DIAG71911 Physical Diagnosis II
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture/lab hours per week Prerequisite: Physical Diagnosis I
Prerequisite for: Obstetrics/Pediatrics, Visceral
Disorders, Differential Diagnosis, Clinical Methods
In this course students learn to perform a physical examination of the lungs, heart and abdomen. Students are also expected to correlate the historical and physical data in order to arrive at a differential diagnosis and prudent management plan. When relevant to the diagnosis or management, additional studies and specialty consultations are addressed.

DIAG71712/DIAG71912 Genitourinary
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2 lecture & 2 lab hours per week Prerequisites: Physical Diagnosis I,
Systems Pathology I, Endocrinology
This course covers topics in genitourinary health across the lifespan. Concepts related to reproduction and pregnancy will also be introduced. Emphasis will include evaluation of the genitourinary systems including Proctological and Gynecological examinations performed on anatomical models. Evidence-informed health promotion and disease guidelines and resources for patients and chiropractors will be introduced.

DIAG71713/DIAG71913 Geriatrics
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Physical Diagnosis I, Systems Pathology I
This interactive course emphasizes health and wellness in the aging individual, and normal and abnormal age-related changes. Strategies to enhance the aging experience will be examined, including specific chiropractic management considerations and evidence-based health promotion and resources for aging persons. Age-related disease prevention, interdisciplinary communication, and cultural competency in elder care will be included.

DIAG71714/DIAG71914 Clinical Skills II
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lab hours per week
Prerequisite: Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Clinical Skills I
Prerequisite for: Clinical Skills III, Clinical Methods
Co-requisite with: Lumbo-Pelvic Technique
This course provides the development, reinforcement and application of clinical skills learned in core courses. Patient assessment skills are reviewed, practiced and integrated into a simulated electronic health records system.

DIAG72704/DIAG72904 Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis II
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisite: Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis I
Prerequisites for: Emergency Procedures, Clinic I, Differential Diagnosis
The course covers physical diagnostic procedures specific to the neuromusculoskeletal system. It focuses on the trunk and lower extremities from a clinical perspective. It also accentuates the development of professional demeanor, clinical judgment, patient management and follow-up.

DIAG72714/DIAG72914 Obstetrics and Pediatrics
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4 lecture and 1 lab hour per week
Prerequisites: Systems Pathology II, Physical Diagnosis II
Prerequisite for: None
This course is divided into two sections. The first section covers normal physiologic changes of the pregnant patient as well as clinical manifestations of aberrant physiology and disorders. Issues related to conception, pregnancy and birth are also discussed. The second portion of the course covers normal physiology of the pediatric patient as well as clinical manifestations of aberrant physiology and disorders. Appropriate adaptations to history-taking and physical- exam procedures learned in previous courses are reviewed. Clinical judgment, patient management, chiropractic care and follow-up of these patients are addressed.

DIAG72715/DIAG72915 Clinical Psychology
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: None
This course reviews the history of chiropractic and the treatment of mental illness. Consideration is given to the definition of mental illness, assessment and treatment or referral protocol. Management of stress, communication and the doctor/patient relationship are also covered in order to facilitate better treatment outcomes.

DIAG72717/DIAG72917 Clinical Skills III
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lab hours per week
Prerequisite: Clinical Skills II
Prerequisite for: Clinic I
Co-requisite with: Extremity Adjusting Technique
This course provides the development, reinforcement and application of clinical skills learned in core courses. Patient assessment skills are reviewed, practiced and integrated into a simulated electronic health records system.

DIAG81719/DIAG81919 Visceral Disorders and Laboratory Interpretation
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: Physical Diagnosis II
Prerequisite for: Clinic II, OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
Chiropractors, as primary care/portal of entry providers, should be well versed in not only the evaluation of visceral disorders/dysfunction by clinical laboratory testing, but also in the appropriate management of patients with visceral dysfunction when indicated or by consulting with or referring to another health-care provider as needed. This course is a case-based approach to visceral disorders and clinical laboratory interpretation. Doctor of Chiropractic should also be aware of the standard of care issues as they relate to clinical laboratory testing and visceral disorders/dysfunction. Numerous case studies with clinical relevancy will be presented throughout the course.

DIAG81722/DIAG81922 Differential Diagnosis
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Physical Diagnosis II, Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis II, Radiographic Quality II, Diagnostic Imaging II
Prerequisite for: OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
The course covers the integration of the patient history, physical exam, diagnostic imaging, laboratory and other diagnostic procedures to develop differential diagnoses and a patient management plan. Emphasis will be on the principles of evidence-informed clinical practice.

Pathology

PATH52301/PATH52901 General Pathology
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Biochemistry I, Physiology I
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Physical Diagnosis I, Systems Pathology I, Systems Pathology II
This course is an introduction to the basic changes that occur in the disease process. Topics covered include cellular injury and death, inflammation and repair, hemodynamic, neoplasm, genetic and pediatric disorders.

PATH61421/PATH61921 Immunology
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Physical Diagnosis I
This course introduces the basis for immunity, phagocytosis, complement, humoral mechanisms and specific acquired immunity. Also, antigen presentation, lymphocyte trafficking, and restraining the immune system will be covered. Additional topics include immunological memory, vaccination, immunodeficiency, the hygiene hypothesis and cancer and the immune system. The links between the nervous system and the immune system will be discussed.

PATH61423/PATH61923 Microbiology
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records
This course addresses the basic structure, function and growth requirements of microorganisms, as well as methods for controlling their growth and transmission. This will be followed by a study of the major pathogenic bacteria, fungi and parasites, as well as pathogenic helminths. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between virulence of the microorganism and the resistance of the host. Relevance to chiropractic clinical practice will also be emphasized.

PATH61424/PATH61924 Systems Pathology I
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: General Pathology
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Physical Diagnosis I, Genitourinary, Geriatrics
This course is an introduction to the systemic changes that occur in the disease process. Topics covered include disorders of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, blood vessels, heart and respiratory system.

PATH62426/PATH62926 Systems Pathology II
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: General Pathology
Prerequisite for: Obstetrics/Pediatrics
This course is an introduction to the systemic changes that occur in the disease process. Topics covered include disorders of the alimentary tract, integumentary system, genitourinary tract, breast, hematopoietic system and lymphatic system.

PATH72415/PATH72915 Toxicology
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: none
This course deals with the basic principles of pharmacology and toxicology, including drug dose and dose response, toxic effects and interactions. In addition, drug-drug and drug-food interactions and drug-induced nutrient depletions will be discussed in detail. Common drug classes will be discussed along with their function, side effects and nutrient interactions.

Philosophy

PHIL51122/PHIL51922 Chiropractic Philosophy and History
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: Chiropractic Theory
This class serves as an introduction to the philosophical underpinnings and current principles and practices of the chiropractic profession. The development of the chiropractic profession is studied through its unique history and philosophy from discovery to the present, emphasizing the contributions of key individuals and events. Evolution of different clinical approaches (chiropractic techniques) is introduced.

PHIL52123/PHIL52923 Chiropractic Theory
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: Chiropractic Philosophy and History
This course provides a philosophic exploration of the evolution of hypotheses describing the subluxation complex and its application to matters of health and illness. The history and current evidence relating to the subluxation complex will be presented, including causes and prevention.

PHIL62124/PHIL92924 Public Health
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: None
This course addresses the health issues facing today’s communities, from the foundations of community health, to the health of the nation, healthcare delivery and environmental health and safety.

PHIL82127/PHIL82927 Patient-Centered Communication
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: All first through sixth trimester courses
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills of effective patient-centered communication in chiropractic practice, focusing on how messages from media sources and different interpersonal, interprofessional, cultural, philosophical perspectives affect health beliefs and behaviors. Students will learn to engage their patients and other professionals as partners in health care and communicate the role of chiropractic in ways that motivate patients to engage in healthier behaviors.

Physiology/Biochemistry

PHCH51331/PHCH51931 Biochemistry I
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite for: General Pathology, Biochemistry II
This course is to serve as the foundation for several life science courses. Lecture topics include the structures, function, digestion and absorption of biologically important molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Enzyme kinetics, regulation of enzyme activity and maintenance of pH in the body will also be discussed. Normal and abnormal physiology related to these biologically important molecules will be considered.

PHCH51335/PHCH51935 Physiology I
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: none
Prerequisite for: Spinal Anatomy, General Pathology, Physiology II, Physiology III
This course will examine the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems, including fascia and major types of spinal cord reflexes. Integrated throughout the course, cellular structure and function will be discussed as it relates to these systems.

PHCH52306/PHCH52906 Biochemistry II
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: Biochemistry I
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Foundations of Nutrition
The course covers human metabolism, including carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogenous compounds. Vitamins and coenzymes are discussed. Energy use and metabolic control are considered for each pathway.

PHCH52344/PHCH52944 Physiology II
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Physiology I
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Endocrinology
Co-requisite with: Movement Science
This course covers the physiology of the nervous system. Topics include somatic sensation, special senses, motor control, and physiology of the autonomic nervous system. Higher cortical function will be studied. In addition, interactions between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems will be reviewed.

PHCH61345/PHCH61945 Endocrinology
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy II, Physiology II
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Physical Diagnosis I, Genitourinary
This course will consist of a lecture sequence in which the normal and some abnormal physiology of each gland or structure displaying endocrine function will be discussed. The site of synthesis, function, mechanism of action, and the regulation of hormones will be the center of discussion.

PHCH61346/PHCH61946 Physiology III
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy II, Physiology II
Prerequisite for: Life Science Review, Introduction to Electronic Health Records
This course covers the physiology of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, pulmonary and renal systems. Cardiovascular topics include mechanics, electrical activity of the heart, hemodynamics, control of blood flow and blood pressure. Pulmonary topics include mechanics of ventilation, pulmonary circulation, respiratory diffusion of gases, blood transport of respiratory gases, chemical and neural control of ventilation. Renal topics studied include body fluid physiology, glomerular function of the kidney, neural control of the bladder, and renal transport mechanisms. Additional areas of coverage include regulation of osmolality, extracellular fluid regulation, regulation of potassium and acid-base balance by the kidney.

PHCH62307/PHCH62907 Foundations of Nutrition
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: Biochemistry II
Prerequisite for: Clinical Nutrition
This course is designed to study the role of dietary nutrients in the maintenance of health and disease prevention. Nutritional characteristics of macronutrients and micronutrients will be discussed in detail, along with interpretation of food labels. In addition, the class discussion will focus on eating disorders, dietary trends and obesity.

PHCH81347/PHCH81947 Clinical Nutrition
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: Foundations of Nutrition
Prerequisite for: OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
This course focuses on nutritional strategies for managing disorders of the musculoskeletal and organ systems. The role of specific nutrients in the etiology, prevention and management of common disorders seen in chiropractic practices, as well as weight control will be discussed. Nutritional assessment strategies and subsequent patient plans will be determined.

Radiology

ROEN62513/ROEN62913 Radiographic Quality I
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours and 1 lab hour per week
Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy II, Spinal Anatomy Prerequisite for: Radiographic Quality II
This course will prepare the student to create diagnostic images of the axial spine including introduction to radiologic technology and physics. Lecture material will include radiographic quality measures including patient positioning, safety practices, and principles of X-ray exposure. The application of relevant legal and ethical standards will be discussed.

ROEN71513/ROEN71913 Diagnostic Imaging I
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy II, Spinal Anatomy Prerequisite for: Clinical Methods, Differential Diagnosis, Diagnostic Imaging II, Imaging: Chest & Abdomen
This course covers methods of diagnostic imaging, normal anatomy and normal variants of the skeletal system, roentgenometrics, congenital anomalies, endocrine, metabolic, nutritional and arthritic conditions of bone. It is an overview of plain film radiography along with some discussion and visualization of specialized imaging procedures including nuclear bone scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as related to the case work-up. Patient management and various medical and legal aspects are also discussed.

ROEN71514/ROEN71914 Radiographic Quality II
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 1 lecture hour and 2 lab hours per week
Prerequisites: Radiographic Quality I
Prerequisite for: Clinical Methods, Differential Diagnosis, Imaging: Chest & Abdomen
This course is a continuation in the study of radiologic technology, physics, and positioning with emphasis on extremity, chest and abdomen setups. Additionally, strategies for image improvement and procedural adaptations for special patient populations are explored. The application of relevant legal and ethical standards continues.

ROEN72514/ROEN72914 Diagnostic Imaging II
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: Diagnostic Imaging I
Prerequisite for: Differential Diagnosis
This course covers radiographic evaluation of the skeletal system including, but not limited to, neoplasia, trauma to the spine and trauma to the extremities, as well as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and hematological diseases of bone. It is an overview of plain film radiography along with some discussion and visualization of specialized imaging procedures, including nuclear bone scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as related to case work-up. Patient management and various medical and legal aspects are also discussed.

ROEN81516/ROEN81916 Imaging: Chest and Abdomen
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week
Prerequisite: Diagnostic Imaging I, Radiographic Quality II
Prerequisite for: OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
This course covers methods of imaging, normal anatomy and normal variants of the chest, abdomen, head and neck.

Rehabilitation

REHB62347/REHB62947 Movement Science
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture hours/1 lab hour per week
Prerequisite: Spinal Anatomy
This course will explore the developmental patterns of human movement, including functional movement assessments to determine the causes and consequences of dysfunction. Students will analyze human movement from neurological, biomechanical, and physiological perspectives.

REHB71855/REHB71955 Physiotherapy I: Passive Care
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture and 1 lab hour per week
Prerequisite for: Clinical I
This course provides the student with evidence-based fundamental knowledge and skill, which will enable the student to make basic decisions about prescribing and using therapeutic modalities to restore and/or enhance function, improve physical skills, prevent re- injury, facilitate the chiropractic adjustment, stimulate healing and control pain, edema and muscle spasm. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and decision- making skills incorporating evidence-based modality selection considering patient diagnosis, stage of healing and contraindication in generating the most appropriate management plan through all phases of care. An overview of various manual therapies also will be included.

REHB72856/REHB72956 Physiotherapy II: Active Care
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture and 1 lab hour per week
Prerequisite for: Clinic I
This course will provide the chiropractic student with fundamental knowledge and skill, which will enable the student to make basic decisions about prescribing and using therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation to restore or enhance function, improve physical skills, prevent re-injury, correct and prevent subluxation, and promote wellness and active lifestyles. It will address the relationship between subluxation and exercise. Using fundamentals developed in earlier trimesters, the focus will be on prescription, development and progression of rehabilitation and exercise programs that will address the conditions most commonly seen in the general practice of chiropractic. An overview of outcome measures will also be included.

Research

RSCH61112/RSCH61912 Foundations of Evidence Based Clinical Practice
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours per week Prerequisite: None
This course will provide the student with a foundation in evidence-based clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on asking clinical questions, acquiring knowledge, and appraising the literature. Information will be provided on the services and resources available through Palmer’s library. Students will also discuss the hierarchy of evidence and study design.

Technique

TECH52603/TECH52903 Palpation
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisite for: Clinical Skills I, Subluxation Analysis, Cervical-Thoracic Technique
Basic clinical palpation will be introduced with emphasis on the structural and functional examination of the spine and related structures. Soft tissue palpation and posture analysis are also presented.

TECH61609/TECH61909 Subluxation Analysis
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 1 lecture hour and 3 lab hours per week Prerequisite: Palpation
Prerequisite for: All remaining technique courses, Clinical Skills I
This course lays the foundation of the spinal subluxation evaluation as presented in the technique and clinic curriculum with emphasis on thermographic instrumentation. The components and related assessment procedures of the vertebral subluxation complex will be presented in a stepwise process with an emphasis on integration of clinical findings. These clinical findings will also be related to clinical guidelines relative to the PART system.

TECH62610/TECH62910 Cervical-Thoracic Technique
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisite: Palpation, Subluxation Analysis
Prerequisite for: Lumbo-Pelvic Technique, Special Populations, Technique Principles and Practice
Co-requisite with: Clinical Skills I, Introduction to Electronic Health. This course prepares the student to evaluate and adjust the cervical and thoracic spine regions. Students will be taught the elements of Palmer Package in order to determine where, when, and how to adjust the vertebral subluxation.

TECH71606/TECH71906 Lumbo-Pelvic Technique
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisite: Cervical-Thoracic Technique
Prerequisite for: Clinic I, Emergency Procedures, Special Populations, Technique Principles and Practice
Co-requisite with: Clinical Skills II
This course prepares the student to evaluate and adjust the lumbar and pelvic spine regions. Students will be taught the elements of Palmer Package in order to determine where, when, and how to adjust the vertebral subluxation.

TECH72616/TECH72916 Extremity Adjusting Technique
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 4 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisites: Subluxation Analysis
Prerequisite for: Clinic II, OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
Co-requisite with: Clinical Skills III
This course emphasizes analytical aspects of extremity care. Consultation, examination and X-ray techniques are covered to determine when and when not to adjust the extremities. Analysis and adjusting of the entire appendicular skeleton are taught.

TECH72617/TECH72617 Special Populations
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2 lecture hours and 1 lab hour per week
Prerequisites: Cervical-Thoracic Technique, Lumbo-Pelvic Technique
Prerequisite for: Clinic II
This course prepares the student to adjust patients with special considerations including pregnancy, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Other topics include considerations for cultural and religious differences and patients with physical or mental disabilities.

TECH81616/TECH81916 Technique Principles and Practice
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 5 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisites: All technique courses through sixth trimester
Prerequisite for: Clinic II, OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
This course is an enhancement of the spinal evaluation and adjusting procedures presented in the technique curriculum. The fine points of spinal evaluation and adjusting procedures are covered, with an emphasis on clinical application.

TECH81619/TECH81919 Assisted Adjusting Techniques
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 3 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisites: Cervical-Thoracic Technique, Lumbo-Pelvic Technique
Prerequisite for: Clinic II, OSCE Clinical, OSCE Radiology
This course will provide the student with a background in the use of table assisted and instrument assisted chiropractic techniques. Common assisted techniques utilized in chiropractic practice and introduced in this course include Thompson, Flexion/Distraction and Activator Methods. Students will review patient evaluation procedures for indications and contraindications for utilization of assisted adjusting techniques.

TECH81620/TECH81920 Toggle Technique
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 4 lecture/lab hours per week
Prerequisites: All technique courses through fifth trimester
Prerequisite for: Clinic III
The biomechanics of the upper cervical spine are presented, as well as a reinforcement of static and motion palpation skills. Palmer Upper Cervical specific X-ray analysis and adjusting procedures are presented. The use of chiropractic instrumentation and leg checks are presented as they pertain to upper cervical practice.

Clinical Enrichment Elective Programs

Certification may be earned in some electives by completing an elective course offered on the Palmer campus and by passing a comprehensive examination. Certification is required for utilization of the procedure in the clinic. Elective courses are offered on a rotating basis with each elective offered at a minimum of one academic term per year. Fees are charged for elective courses in addition to the regular tuition.

SPED81361 Logan Basic Technique
Contact Hours: 32 per session
Prerequisite: Movement Science, Cervical-Thoracic Technique
Students must be in the fifth trimester or higher to take this course. This course is designed to teach the Logan Basic Technique. It includes anatomy, body mechanics, body distortions, adjusting technique, X-ray and heel lifts.

SPED81363 Advanced Soft Tissue
Contact Hours: 32 per session
Prerequisite: Passive Care
Co-requisite: Active Care
Students must be in the sixth trimester or higher to take this course. This course will develop a greater understanding of chiropractic rehabilitation concepts. The course will include review of functional anatomy, joint mechanics, gait analysis and movement patterns.

SPED81365 Thompson Technique
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Prerequisite: Cervical-Thoracic Technique and Lumbo-Pelvic Technique
Students must be in the sixth trimester or higher to take this course. The Thompson Technique is a low force, specific adjustment technique, which includes the Derefield-Thompson Leg Analysis System.

SPED81367 NUCCA
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Prerequisite: Subluxation Analysis Technique
Co-requisite: Cervical-Thoracic Technique
Students must be in the fourth trimester or higher to take this course. It covers X-ray techniques, upper cervical biomechanics and adjusting techniques for the four basic types of atlas subluxation complex.

SPED81368 Sacro Occipital Technique I
Contact Hours: 45 per session
Students must be in the fourth trimester or higher to take this course. It deals with the philosophy and fundaments of SOT technique.

SPED81369 Sacro Occipital Technique II
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Students must be in the fifth trimester or higher to take this course and have completed Sacro Occipital Technique I.

SPED81372 Atlas Orthogonal
Contact Hours: 32 per session
Prerequisite: Subluxation Analysis
Co-requisite: Cervical Thoracic Technique
Students must be in the fourth trimester or higher to take this course. It covers methods of locating cervical spinal subluxations using the Atlas Orthogonal technique.

SPED81374 Blair Technique
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Prerequisite: Movement Science, Cervical-Thoracic Technique
Students must be in the fifth trimester or higher to take this course. The Blair Technique is a specific system of analyzing and adjusting the upper cervical vertebrae (atlas/axis primarily). It relies on the natural asymmetry of the body to formalize an adjustment designed specifically for that patient. Special X-rays are taken (protractor and stereo) to determine the listings. Use of instrumentation, leg checks and palpation are also covered.

SPED81375 McKenzie MDT – Part A
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Students must be in the fifth trimester or higher to take this course. Students will learn how to functionally assess Cervical and Thoracic Spine complaints and categorize them into mechanical sub-groups enabling the student to accurately and efficiently triage patients. Students will learn the importance of centralization of symptoms and directional preference with the application of repeated functional spine movements and/or static positioning. Patient management, including progression of forces up to and including spinal adjusting, will be emphasized. Patient treatment aspects of care are stressed. Students will learn how this process promotes patient empowerment, increases satisfaction with treatment, and is cost effective.

SPED81376 McKenzie MDT – Part B
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Prerequisite: McKenzie MDT Part A
Students must be in the fifth trimester or higher to take this course. This course is a continuation of McKenzie MDT – Part A.

SPED81380 McKenzie MDT – Part C
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Prerequisites: McKenzie MDT Part B
The Part C course will review and advance the theory and practical application of MDT in relation to the lumbar spine and introduce the concept of MDT in the management of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

SPED81381 McKenzie MDT – Part D
Contact Hours: 42 per session
Prerequisites: McKenzie MDT Part C
The Part D course will review and advance the theory and practical application of MDT in relation to the cervical and thoracic spine and introduce the concept of MDT in the management of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

SPED81378 Advanced Activator Methods
Contact Hours: 32 per session
Prerequisite: Assisted Adjusting Technique
Protocols for assessing and treating the extremities and pelvis will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Additionally, this course reviews the Activator Methods basic scan and adjusting protocols.

SPED81379 Advanced Flexion Distraction
Contact Hours: 32 per session
Prerequisite: Assisted Adjusting Technique
This course builds on the introduction to Flexion Distraction provided in the core curriculum. Full spine flexion distraction treatment will be taught with evidence-based evaluation and management of low back pain using case presentations.

SPED81382 Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
Contact Hours: 20 per session
Prerequisite: Movement Science
This course teaches the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). The SFMA is used as a comprehensive assessment to classify movement patterns and direct the appropriate use of manual therapy and other treatment interventions. The SFMA is based on the concept of regional interdependence, instructing students to assess and manage dysfunction away from the patient’s primary location of pain.