Prerequisite: Biochemistry 1

A continuation of Biochemistry 1: glycogen, gluconeogenesis, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, steroids, liver biotransformations, vitamins, and trace elements.

This course introduces new students to concepts and issues pertaining to building the foundations for the business of chiropractic practice and for becoming a professional. Discussion will include what it means to be a professional, ways that students can begin to grow in terms of displaying the qualities and behaviors expected of a professional, core/governing values, money concepts and budgeting.

This course will introduce goal-setting that is consistent with governing values developed from the previous term. Public speaking in relation to addressing common questions in chiropractic practice will be explored with in-class speaking presentations.

This course will expose students to the concepts and issues that are central to aspects of routine office visits including the history, examination, diganostic testing and and report of findings. Students will develop and apply skills of communication and rapport-building necessary for practice.

Prerequisite: Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common complaints and important cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Students learn diagnostic and treatment procedures, and discuss how doctors of chiropractic can participate in the management of patients who have these disorders.

Students develop an understanding of normal growth and development of the child. An emphasis is placed on lifestyles and behaviors that support health maintenance and prevent common disorders or diseases of childhood.

The initial internship term begins with practical experiences accompanied by lecture and small group discussions, and supported by web site resources. All elements of doctor-patient interaction are reviewed and discussed, including interviewing, examination. development of a diagnosis and management plan, re-evaluation, outcome assessment, and documentation. Through interaction with early-term chiropractic program students and simulated patients, interns refine the skills necessary for progression to the next phase of their clinical experience and share their experiences in small group discussions.

Prerequisite: Clinic Internship 1

In the second internship term, students continue to apply and review all elements of the patient care process as they work with faculty clinicians in the University Health Service, caring for patients from the campus community. Lectures and small group discussion sessions cover topics such as patient and professional communication, cultural competence, clinical thinking, and case management. During the practical and didactic elements of the course, students also advance their skills in gathering clinical information, synthesizing laboratory and radiographic data, arriving at accurate diagnostic decisions, providing health counseling, and competently treating clinic patients.

Prerequisite: Clinic Internship 2

During the 17-week clinic term, interns provide chiropractic care to patients under the supervision of faculty clinicians. Doctors of chiropractic mentor students in either the University's Natural Care Centers or the Community Based Internship program as they further develop their competence in all elements of the clinical process. Prerequisites and other internship policies and procedures are described in the Clinic Handbook and explained during orientation sessions scheduled in Trimesters 7 and 8.

Prerequisite: Clinic Internship 3

During the 17-week clinic term, interns provide chiropractic care to patients under the supervision of faculty clinicians. Doctors of chiropractic mentor students in one of the University's health care facilities or one of our participating community-based internship sites as they further develop their competence in all elements of the clinical process. Prerequisites and other internship policies and procedures are described in the Clinic Handbook and explained during orientation sessions scheduled in Trimesters 7 and 8.

In the final academic term, students complete their internship by continuing to provide chiropractic care to patients in either one of the University's health care facilities or in any approved Community Based Internship. Interns carry out examinations, administer chiropractic care and deliver treatment under the direction of a supervising clinical faculty while completing their technical requirements for graduation.

In the final academic term, students who have completed all clinical quantitative requirements related to patient visits; physical examinations; radiographic, laboratory and case management studies may expand their Clinic Internship options to include working with both urban and rural areas across the United States and in many foreign countries.

A variety of patient cases are presented and discussed in an interactive format. Most presenters are field doctors from the
University’s Community Based Internship program.

Presentation and discussion of patient cases commonly seen in the outpatient clinic setting.

Prerequisites: Biochemistry 1 & 2, Physiology 1 & 2

Discussion of nutrient metabolism and physiologic function in the body. Components of nutrition including vitamins, major minerals and trace elements. Macronutrients and micronutrients are discussed along with clinical applications.

Prerequisite: Clinical Nutrition 1

Current application of nutritional management of common conditions encountered in chiropractic practice, including disorders of the organ systems. Discussion of nutritional needs throughout life. Students practice assessing nutritional status. Discussion of general, individual and community nutritional needs along with special patient populations.

Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy 1 & 2, Histology, Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry 1 & 2

Introduction to laboratory skills, including venipuncture, and discussion of urinalysis, hematology and serology. Emphasis on interpretation of laboratory test results and study of case histories to enhance clinical learning and diagnostic skills.

Prerequisite: Clinical Pathology 1

Discussion of laboratory alterations accompanying abnormal function of body organs and specific diseases, with emphasis on interpretation of blood chemistries. Choosing appropriate lab tests. Correlation of laboratory results with patient history and examination findings. Case histories are discussed to enhance clinical learning.

Prerequisites: Business and Professional Foundations 1, 2 & 3, Gross Anatomy 1 & 2, Physiology 1

Examines all areas of patient interviewing such as history of present illness, comprehensive health history, record- keeping, problem-oriented history-taking, narrative format histories, nonverbal communication and patients with special problems. Small group sessions involving interviews of simulated patients are utilized as are videotaped sessions of the students performing histories which are later critiqued for verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Prerequisites: Gross Anatomy 1 & 2, Physiology 1 & 2

Students learn and practice clinical examination and assessment, with emphasis on performing and interpreting comprehensive physical examination procedures of the non-neuromusculoskeletal systems in the adult patient.

This course will train students to respond to, assess and manage cardiac and respiratory emergencies using basic life support skills and autonomic external defibrillation.

Prerequisite: Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions commonly encountered in chiropractic practice, including infections, tumors, allergic reactions, inflammatory conditions and skin injuries. The chiropractic role in caring for patients with skin conditions is discussed.

Prerequisite: Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common complaints and disorders of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Students practice diagnostic and treatment procedures. Discussion on how doctors of chiropractic can participate in the management of patients with EENT disorders.

Students are required to complete a minimum of two elective courses and currently these courses are typically completed during Trimester 7. This requirement is progressively increased and by 2010 the requirement will be four elective courses that must be completed during Trimester 7 through Trimester 10 for a total of 3.00 credits

Elective course availability varies per trimester. Current offerings include: Geriatric Case Studies, Issues in Social Biology, Clinical Imaging – A Case Study Approach, Flexion-Distraction Mechanically Assisted Techniques, Structural Approach to Patient Care, Strategic Planning for Practice, and Activator Methods Mechanically Assisted
Techniques.

Corequisite: Gross Anatomy 2

The early human embryology (fertilization through the three germ layers) and the special embryology of the major organ systems as well as special sense organs.

Prerequisites: Infection Control, Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Basic techniques of assessment and management of patients experiencing airway, breathing and circulatory emergencies. Customized for the chiropractic physician who may encounter situations with adults or pediatric patients in clinical or field environments. Students receive AHA Health Care Provider CPR certification and First Responder Certification from the State of Minnesota. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to challenge the National Registry First Responder exam.

Prerequisite: Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common endocrine disorders and complaints, including the chiropractor's role in the management of patients with these disorders.

This course uses a blended approach of classroom and online presentations and activities to introduce students to the basic principles of Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP). EIP is an approach that integrates clinical findings, patient preferences, research and clinical experience (all important types of evidence) into the process of health care delivery. Students will learn the strengths and limitations of each element of the model and how to use them together to enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Prerequisites: Clinical Pathology 1, Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis,
Corequisite: Clinical Pathology 2

Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common gastrointestinal and genitourinary disorders and complaints. Students practice diagnostic and treatment procedures and discuss how doctors of chiropractic can participate in the management of patients with these disorders.

An in-depth study of the human skeletal and muscular systems, regional anatomy of the extremities and an introduction to the nervous system. Laboratory includes human dissection.

Prerequisite: Gross Anatomy 1
Corequisites: Histology 2, Embryology

The gross anatomy of the special sense organs and the nervous, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urogenital and endocrine systems; systemic and regional interrelationships. Laboratory includes human dissection.

Prerequisite: Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Diagnosis and care of elderly patients, with emphasis on the most common conditions and complaints, especially those likely to be present in chiropractic offices. Discussion of normal aging versus disease, theories of aging, demographic trends and special features of geriatric history taking, examination, diagnosis and chiropractic care.

Prerequisite: Histology 1

The functional microanatomy of the organs of the circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, endocrine and immune systems.

Prerequisite: Biochemistry 1
Recommended: Pathology 1, Histology 2

The theoretical and practical basis of clinical microbiology: structure, classification, genetics, control, cultivation and identification of typical species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The normal immune defenses and pathological interactions between microbes and human host are stressed.

Students will learn the principles of infection control, bloodborne pathogens and OSHA regulations and apply them to both classroom and clinical settings.

Prerequisite: Microbiology

Discussion of infectious disease, with emphasis on common pathogens and the diseases they cause. Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common complaints of infectious diseases.

This course assists the student through the transition from the classroom to the clinical environment by introducing the patient care and record-keeping procedures of the University Health Service. Web site resources augment lecture and small group discussion sessions covering all aspects of documentation and the clinic procedures students will follow during their initial patient care experiences in the subsequent term.

Students meet weekly with a faculty facilitator for a guided study of a virtual case, using problem-based learning and group discussion.

This seminar is a continuation of the Introduction to Clinical Reasoning 1 course and introduces students to two or more case studies which illustrate a number of relevant issues regarding chiropractic practice. Again, emphasis is on personal discovery and learning based on the class discussions.

Overview of the legal environment of chiropractic service. Topics include malpractice, the chiropractic report, contracts, legal entities, direct and cross examination, chiropractic statutes, scope of practice and ethics. Material covers the statutes and ethics that govern chiropractic practice, how to legally begin a business, how to prepare a legal case report and how to obtain malpractice insurance.

This course covers the physiologic and biomechanical changes normal to pregnancy. Those behaviors that maximize health in pregnancy for the mother and her unborn child will be addressed in depth. Health aspects of the first year of life are also discussed.

Examination of important psychological theories, assessment tools, and conditions. Discussion of common presentations of psychological disorders, how to screen for these conditions in the chiropractic office, and fundamentals of treatment. Diagnostic categories and syndromes are reviewed.

Prerequisite: Mental Health 1

The student will develop his/her own unique theory of helping by looking at different styles of doctor-patient relationships, issues of professional boundaries and attributes of an effective helping relationship. Development of skill, knowledge and attitudes necessary for influencing patient recovery and maintaining the mental health of the patient and chiropractic clinician is discussed.

The fundamental terminology and skills used by the chiropractor during patient assessment (PARTS) are introduced, including patient observation and postural assessment, visual recognition and palpation of topographical landmarks, segmental motion palpation, and the physical and radiographic recognition of vertebral dysrelationships.

Prerequisite: Methods 1

Development and integration of skills necessary to detect various manifestations of spinal subluxation and/or dysfunction, including static and motion palpation (active, passive, end feel), radiographic marking and mensuration, and postural examination.

Prerequisite: Methods 2

Introduction to applied adjustive procedures using high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts in the cervical and thoracic regions. Methods derived from various technique systems (e.g. Gonstead, Thompson, Faye, Diversified) are practiced under direct supervision after PARTS evaluation has identified segments for which adjustments are indicated.

Prerequisite: Methods 3

Introduction to applied adjustive procedures using high velocity, low amplitude thrusts in the lumbar and pelvic regions; continued development of same in the cervical and thoracic regions. Methods derived from various technique systems (e.g. Gonstead, Thompson, Faye, Diversified) are practiced under direct supervision after PARTS evaluation has identified segments for which adjustments are indicated.

Prerequisite: Methods 4

In this course, students will review psychomotor skills learned in previous methods courses as well as explore assessment and management strategies for common axial and appendicular conditions. Students will continue to develop their skills and discuss specific modifications that may be necessary to fit specific doctor and/or
patient needs. Online case studies are utilized in conjunction with classroom discussions of those cases to help students develop their clinical reasoning skills and interpret clinical relevance of history and examination findings. These exercises also incorporate discussion
concerning treatment plans for the management of commonly encountered spinal conditions.

Prerequisite: Methods 5

Continued development of chiropractic diagnostic and adjustive skills used in previous courses. Complete management strategies of common axial and appendicular conditions are discussed and practiced.

Prerequisites: Neuroscience 1 & 2

Students will study the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common disorders and complaints of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Prerequisites: Spine and Pelvis, Skeletal Radiology 1, Neuroscience 1
Corequisite: Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Discussion of the integral relationship between neuromusculoskeletal structure and function and the healthy function of all other body systems and organs. Introduction to the evaluation and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal responses to common postural and traumatic insults and to pathologies in the neuromusculoskeletal system and other body systems. Students practice diagnostic and treatment procedures, and discuss how chiropractors can participate in the management of patients who have NMS disorders.

Prerequisites: NMS 1, Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis. Skeletal Radiology 2

Discussion of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of spinal and paraspinal conditions and complaints. Students practice diagnostic and treatment procedures, and discuss how doctors of chiropractic can participate in the management of patients who have spinal and paraspinal disorders.

Prerequisites: NMS 1, Gross Anatomy 1 & 2, Physiology 1 & 2

Discussion of the biomechanics of the extremities and the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of common complaints and disorders. Students practice diagnostic and treatment procedures, including adjustments and manipulations, and discuss how doctors of chiropractic can participate in the management of patients with extremity disorders.

Prerequisite: Gross Anatomy 1
Corequisite: Physiology 1

In-depth study of the organization of the nervous system followed by a detailed study of neurophysiology, including receptor pharmacology; spinal nerves, with major emphasis on visceral and somatic afferent and efferent PNS pathways; reflex arcs; common segmental innervations; and dermatomes.

Prerequisite: Gross Anatomy 1 & 2

The anatomy and function of the brain and spinal cord.

Prerequisites: Histology 1 & 2, Biochemistry 1

Concepts of general pathology including cellular and tissue reactions to injury, mechanisms of inflammation, role of complement, immunology, hypersensitivity, concepts of neoplasia and hemodynamic disorders.

Prerequisite: Pathology 1

Study of the pathologic changes in specific body organs and systems in autoimmune, environmental, infectious, degenerative and neoplastic diseases.

Major drug classifications and their most common applications. The rationale for pharmacological intervention in common disorders. Discussion of patient compliance issues, drug abuse, drug side effects and adverse reactions, and basic concepts regarding pharmacodynamics and kinetics, the therapeutic window and toxicity.

Theories and application of heat, cold, traction, and electrical modalities, vibration and light as adjuncts to patient management. Discussion of indications, contraindications and modifications of physiological therapeutics based on various conditions and situations.

Students will study the therapeutic management of soft tissue dysfunction of the axial and appendicular skeleton.

Discussion of the role of exercise in the comprehensive conservative management of commonly encountered conditions. Principles of exercise therapy and exercise psychology. Concepts and skills relative to exercise techniques, and emphasis on spinal stabilization. Specific protocols regarding the prescription of exercise.

Corequisite: Neuroscience 1
Recommended: Gross Anatomy 2, Histology 2

Study of cell membrane physiology and electrophysiology. Survey of the physiology of neuronal functions and in-depth study of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle physiology. Cardiovascular and respiratory physiology will be covered in detail with facilitative learning using clinical case studies.

Prerequisites: Physiology 1 or instructor consent, Biochemistry 1

The primary objective of this course is to emphasize systems physiology. The course will feature lectures, labs and case studies on renal, digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems in detail. Miscellaneous topics such as special senses will also be covered in this course.

Prerequisite: Principles and Philosophy 1

The scientific tenets that guide the philosophy of chiropractic health care are discussed, with emphasis on the concepts that alterations of body structure can influence neurological function, which in turn can impact body physiology and homeostatic balance.

Discussion and critical appraisal of chiropractic technique systems beginning with a rationale for the use of manual therapy in general. This course is not a “how to” hands-on practical class. Rather it is designed to present the information known about some of the more
common and not-so-common techniques used by doctors of chiropractic. Emphasis is on the person who developed each technique, the biomechanical principles upon which it is based, and how patients are evaluated and treated using the technique. The current research status of each technique is also discussed.

Discussion of current scientific literature regarding chiropractic principles and philosophy of the subluxation model. Neuromusculoskeletal and visceral conditions are discussed with the subluxation model of facilitation and adaptation in mind. Particular emphasis is placed on evidence related to the reciprocal influence between dysfunction of the neuromusculoskeletal system and related dysfunction in other systems. The influences of subluxation and the effects of chiropractic care and the adjustment on the health of the entire body are also stressed.

Presentation of key ethical issues encountered in the professional setting. Emphasis is on those issues commonly occurring in the chiropractic patient-care environment.

Introduction to major public health concepts and topics, with delineation of the role and responsibilities of the chiropractic physician. The role of chiropractor as a primary care physician within the public
health system will be defined. Students will appreciate the complexities of population-based assessments, prevention and treatment strategies. Students will explore the rationale for trends in public health focus.

Introduction to the safe production of quality radiographs. Students discuss the physics of X-ray production, the principles of radiobiology and radiation protection, and regulations regarding the use of ionizing radiation equipment as typified by those of the Minnesota Department of Health.

Prerequisite: Radiation Physics and Safety

Learn and practice the skills necessary to produce diagnostic radiographs of skeletal and related body components, including measurement, positioning, radiation protection, technique factor calculation, and equipment set-up and operation. Emphasis is on the projections commonly used in chiropractic practice.

Corequisites: Cardiopulmonary System, Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Systems

Differentiation of normal from abnormal radiographic anatomy of the chest and abdomen using plain film. Correlation of X-ray findings with patient history, exam and lab findings. Discussions of the uses of and indications for advanced imaging techniques such as intravenous pyelography, barium studies, ultrasonography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Corequisites: Spine and Pelvis, Gross Anatomy 1

Identification of radiographic projections and normal radiographic anatomy and selected developmental variants of the spine, extremities, chest and abdomen.

Prerequisite: Skeletal Radiology 1

Assessment of spinal biomechanics, congenital anomalies and normal variants, with emphasis on correlation of radiographic findings with patient history, exam and lab findings. Discussion of various methods of chiropractic X-ray marking and measurement, and the benefits and limitations of each as supported by current literature. Introduction to imaging modalities commonly used or encountered in chiropractic practice.

Prerequisites: Skeletal Radiology 1 & 2

Radiographic interpretation of skeletal trauma using a regional approach. Presentation of degenerative, inflammatory and metabolic arthritides. Correlation of radiographic findings with those from patient history and physical examination and lab. Discussion of various concerns regarding case management.

Prerequisites: Skeletal Radiology 1, 2 & 3

Discussion of neoplastic, infectious and metabolic diseases and their associated radiographic findings. Skeletal dysplasias, hematologic and nutritional disorders will be covered. Emphasis will be on correlating anatomic-clinical-radiological findings with appropriate discussion of physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic imaging findings. Indications for and routes of appropriate referral for follow-up will be discussed.

Introduction to the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the spinal column and pelvis. Special consideration is given to highlight areas that are of clinical importance to chiropractic. This course is intended to form a foundation for clinical science courses.

Prerequisite: Clinical Skills 2: Physical Diagnosis

Emphasis on lifestyles and behaviors which enhance and promote health in women. The unique aspects of caring for women are discussed. Introduction to breast and pelvic examination. Discussion of chiropractic and medical management of women's health problems.

Prerequisites: Emergency Procedures, current First Responder Certification, current Healthcare Provider CPR Certification

Designed for the chiropractic physician who: 1) will practice in a remote setting, or 2) focus primarily on sports-related injuries, or 3) anticipates becoming affiliated with community EMS (emergency medical services) providers. A continuation of Emergency Procedures, this course further addresses the assessment and management of emergency patients, including medication administration and transportation of patients to medical facilities. Also provides students with training in advanced airway management and IV set-up. This course consists of lecture, skill practice and clinical experience at a local hospital. This course is approved by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. Participants who successfully complete the course will be eligible to take the National Registry of EMT's practical and written examinations.

Knowledge and skills for personal and  professional communication. Students continue working to develop such clinical-practice-related written products as patient referral letters, clinic and educational pamphlets, press releases, cover letters, curriculum vitae, and letters to editors. Each student develops and gives an oral presentation including slides on a randomly-assigned general topic and an audience type. All class slide presentations, often 20-30 talks, are then solicited from students in the class for their colleagues' use as they begin marketing their practices.

Introduction to scientific reasoning. Students are introduced to the skill of scientific critical thinking in everyday life, much as the scientist uses critical thinking to develop valid and reliable knowledge. Students practice the language of reasoning, and they identify and evaluate assumptions and statements presented as fact. Students evaluate patterns of reasoning and assess the credibility of causal inferences.

Emphasis is on morality and actively engaging in the practice of “doing ethics” in everyday life. Students identify and practice resolving generalized “ethical distress” and specific ethical dilemmas. Students review ethical theories and problem-solving methods used in personal and professional life.

A continuation of Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice. Students identify an area of interest, locate ten or more articles from the peer-reviewed scientific literature and appraise and summarize them. Course materials include a format for appraising both original reports and systematic reviews. Students develop reviews of research that
can be used as doctors’ clinical summaries and as patients’ health education abstracts. Class projects promote students’ skills in
appraising and summarizing research and in generating useful research questions and research designs.