New Zealand College of Chiropractic Programme Structure

Programme structure

Course summary

chiropractic.ac.nz

Our programme at a glance

Course summaries and descriptors

Year 1 - Semester 1

1AXANAT – Axial Anatomy

This course focuses on the functional anatomy of the axial musculoskeletal system from the head to the pelvis. It encompasses embryological development of musculoskeletal system. It also includes the anatomy and pathophysiology of the special sense organs.

1CHIROFND1 – Chiropractic Foundations 1

This lecture and discussion class serves as an introduction to the foundational principles and assumptions of philosophy. The course will cover the lexicon and definitions of the philosophical tenets and the related concepts that each may encompass. An understanding of these concepts is the foundation of the philosophy of chiropractic.

1HUMBIO1 – Human Biology 1 – Anatomy and Physiology

This course focuses on the basic structure and function of cells and tissues, together with the anatomy and physiology of selected major organ systems including: the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and immune, using a holistic approach.

1KNOWMAN – Knowledge Management

To provide study and research skills required to support and develop the students learning and to impart coherent written content. The student will learn how to perform online library searches, to evaluate scientific literature and to conduct literature reviews at a tertiary level. They will learn time management and knowledge management skills required for a professional degree.

1LIFESCI1 – Life Science 1: Cellular Basis of Life

This course focuses on the structural organisation of cells and the molecular basis of cellular processes. It also covers the structure and function of biological macromolecules and cellular components. Fundamental biochemical and cellular processes will also be introduced as well as the flow of genetic information.

Year 1 – Semester 2

1BIOMECP – Biomechanical Principles

This course focuses on the basic biomechanical principles, together with the functional anatomy and biomechanics of bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. It will also cover the implications of force and motion in relation to human movement.

1CHIROFND2 – Chiropractic Foundations 2 – Chirofit

This course provides basic psychomotor training to develop the strength, coordination and kinaesthetic skills required in the NZCC technique program.

1HUMBIO2 – Human Biology 2 – Anatomy and Physiology

This course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of selected major organ systems including: the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, hepatic, urinary and reproductive systems. It also covers human embryological development.

1LIFESCI2 – Life Science 2 – Microbiology

This course provides an introduction to the genetics and physiology of microorganisms. It covers the microbial domains including archaea, bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses. It also covers selected microbial diseases.

Year 2 – Semester 1

1AXANAT – Axial Anatomy

This course focuses on the functional anatomy of the axial musculoskeletal system from the head to the pelvis. It encompasses embryological development of musculoskeletal system. It also includes the anatomy and pathophysiology of the special sense organs.

1BIOMEC – Biomechanics

This course focuses on the spinal biomechanical principles relating to chiropractic practice and spinal analysis. It includes kinematics and spinal motion.

1CHIROSCI1 – Chiropractic Science 1

During this course students will develop a basic understanding of epidemiological and statistical terms. They will also develop the skills required to search the literature as it pertains to solving clinical problems seen in chiropractic practice. Students will be able to identify various research designs and critically evaluate them.

1PATHPHYS1 – Pathophysiology 1

To introduce the concept and the principles and develop an understanding of the pathological basis and mechanisms of diseases and disorders at cellular and molecular level. The student will explore the mechanisms by which various diseases develop and understand the application of these basic disease-causing templates. This course will bridge the understanding of shifts caused by disease processes to the normal structure and function of tissue, develop a solid foundation in the pathophysiological processes and recognise the generic clinical manifestations which will assist in making a sound clinical decision, consistent with the role of a Chiropractor.

1PHIL1 – Philosophy of Chiropractic 1 – Introduction

An introduction to the principles and practices of the chiropractic profession. The unique chiropractic paradigm of facilitating self-healing by reducing nerve interference through the correction of vertebral subluxation by chiropractic adjustments will be explored. The course will cover the unique lexicon and principles of the chiropractic profession. These concepts are vital for the foundation of understanding in the philosophy of chiropractic.

1TECH1 – Technique 1

To introduce and develop clinical principles and skills relating to assessment of the spine in an overall sense, as well as the specifics of vertebral subluxation analysis and the psychomotor skills of adjustment procedures.

Year 2 – Semester 2

1APPANAT – Appendicular Anatomy

This course focuses on the arthrology and functional anatomy of the appendicular neuromusculoskeletal system. It also covers common clinical problems associated with the appendicular neuromusculoskeletal system.

1CHIROSCI2 – Chiropractic Science 2

During this course students will further develop the knowledge and skills they require to perform literature searches, identify different research designs, and critically appraise and communicate research that may be relevant to chiropractic practice.

1NEUROBIO – Neurobiology

This course provides an introduction to basic neuroanatomy, the principles of neurophysiology and the stages of neuroembryological development. Neural systems will be introduced that contribute to sensory experiences, motor control, learning and memory. It also introduces selected neurological disorders.

1PATHPHYS2 – Pathophysiology 2

To build on the understanding of the pathological basis and mechanisms of diseases and explore their effects. This will enable the student to integrate and correlate the clinical manifestations of disease with the pathological changes at organ/regional/and systemic level. At the end of the course the student will have good knowledge of the major diseases, their pathophysiological processes, and their clinical presentation to make sound clinical decisions, consistent with the role of a Chiropractor. It includes the following areas: Autoimmune disorders, Heart structural & functional considerations, Diseases of blood vessels, Respiratory disorders, Eye disorders, Ear nose and throat disorders, Head and Neck Disorders, Infectious and parasitic diseases, Reproductive system (male) disorders, Reproductive system (female) disorders (including Obstetrics).

1PHIL2 – Philosophy of Chiropractic 2

To explore in more depth, key concepts of the philosophy of chiropractic with appreciation of its practical application.

1TECH2 – Technique 2

To continue to develop chiropractic clinical principles and skills relating to assessment of spinal health in an overall sense, including vertebral subluxation analysis and the development of psychomotor skills of adjustment procedures utilising toggle recoil and sustained impulse thrusts. NZCC vertebral subluxation analysis is a multi-test system. In this course students are introduced to four types of leg length evaluations, advanced muscle palpation, motion palpation, joint play, and evaluation of the tone of the various types of paraspinal tissues.

Year 3 – Semester 1

1INTCP1 – Introduction to Chiropractic Practice 1

To develop knowledge of professional behaviour, interactions, and demeanour; diagnosis; clinical history taking; regional examinations; orthopaedic testing (spine, upper and lower limbs); physical examinations (spine, upper and lower limbs); chiropractic analysis including instrumentation and adjustment of vertebral subluxations. Opportunities will also be offered for students to utilise outcomes assessment procedures which can be applied to a clinical chiropractic setting.

1NEURO2 – Neuroscience 2

This course will review, further develop, and expand the student’s knowledge of neurological anatomy and physiology and link this knowledge to clinical presentations that may be encountered in chiropractic practice. Students will learn how to perform a chiropractic neurological examination, interpret the results, and incorporate findings into patient management decision making. Research relevant to understanding vertebral subluxations will be discussed and students will develop a definition of vertebral subluxation that is supported by research findings.

1PATHPHYS3 – Pathophysiology 3

To build on the understanding of the pathological basis and mechanisms of diseases and explore their effects. This will enable the student to integrate and correlate the clinical manifestations of disease with pathological changes at organ/region and systemic level. At the end of the course the student will, have good knowledge of the major diseases, their pathophysiological processes, and their clinical presentation to make sound clinical decisions, consistent with the role of a Chiropractor. It includes the following areas: Bone and Joint disorders, Skin disorders, Gastro-intestinal disorders, Central Nervous System disorders, Muscular disorders, Peripheral Nervous System disorders, Liver and Biliary Tract diseases as well as Blood diseases.

1PHIL3 – Philosophy of Chiropractic 3

To develop skills and strategies for the integration of the philosophy and practice of chiropractic, and for the effective delivery of public presentations for patient education. To understand the professional and health environment in which chiropractic sits.

1PSYCH – Psychology – Human Behaviour

To explore specialised knowledge in the areas of human behaviour and clinical psychology as it relates to the practice of Chiropractic.

1RADPHYS – Radiography – Physics

To introduce fundamentals principles of the physics of conventional radiologic imaging techniques, digital radiography, and advanced imaging modalities. To introduce radiation safety, protection, and quality control issues as well as principles of selected advanced imaging modalities.

1TECH3 – Technique 3

To continue to develop chiropractic clinical principles and skills relating to assessment of spinal health in an overall sense but focusing on vertebral subluxation analysis of the spine and the development of psychomotor skills of adjustment. In this course students are introduced to several types of adjusting based on techniques used within the wider chiropractic profession, and spinal subluxation analysis including visual x-ray analysis, listing creation and patterning.

Year 3 – Semester 2

1IMG1 – Imaging 1

To introduce the fundamentals of radiographic interpretation with emphasis on normal radiographic anatomy of the spine and extremities. Radiographic presentation of anomalies, developmental variants, and evaluation of generally accepted radiographic lines and measurements are also introduced. This is the foundation component to identifying pathologic conditions via various diagnostic imaging modalities. In addition to radiographic interpretation, it will provide the students with a thorough and practical understanding of the important fundamentals of radiographic positioning and factoring involved in producing high quality diagnostic radiographs consistent with the role of chiropractors.

1INTCP2 – Introduction to Chiropractic Practice 2

To develop skills in professional behaviour, interactions, and demeanour; diagnosis; clinical history taking; regional examinations; orthopaedic testing (spine, upper and lower limbs); physical examinations (spine, upper and lower limbs); x-ray analysis; x-ray set-up; chiropractic analysis including instrumentation and adjustment of vertebral subluxations. Opportunities will also be offered for students to utilise outcomes assessment procedures which can be applied to a clinical chiropractic setting.

1NMSI – Neuromusculoskeletal Integration

This course develops the student’s ability to utilise a hypothetico-deductive diagnostic strategy to generate an appropriate history, differential diagnoses, examination plan, and a working diagnosis when evaluating a patient. Students will choose suitable diagnostic testing and examination procedures, interpret data from them, and create an appropriate patient management plan for a presenting chiropractic patient.

1PHIL4 – Philosophy of Chiropractic 4 – Integration

To explore and critically analyse key concepts of the philosophy of chiropractic.

1PROFPRAC1 – Professional Practice: Culture and Belonging

To develop students’ understanding and skills in a variety of communication strategies and protocols and ethics underpinning successful communication with Ma-ori, and to apply the cultural competency and belonging concepts to other cultural and diverse situations.

1TECH4 – Technique 4

To build upon the students understanding of the vertebral subluxation and enhance the key adjustment and assessment strategies in preparation for their internship in the Chiropractic Centre.

Year 4 – Semester 1

2CHIROINTG1 – Chiropractic Integration 1

To build on and develop the skills required to create a thorough, effective, and safe patient assessment and management plan for musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in healthcare today, integrating the science, philosophy, and art of chiropractic. Chiropractic management will include health promotion, nutritional advice, and patient education for a range of patient populations.

2CHIROPRAC1 – Chiropractic Practice 1

To develop Interns’ practical experience and skills, and integrate practical competencies learned in the classroom in a practice environment, to a level suitably demonstrating advanced comprehension of all tasks performed. This includes a minimum of 40 patient interactions (5 new patients and 35 regular visits) with special category patients.

2IMG2 – Imaging 2

To build on the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging interpretation and knowledge of pathological conditions to include trauma of the spine and extremities, osteomyelitis, and hematologic and vascular disorders. Radiology report writing is first introduced as well. The Diagnostic Imaging laboratory experience is emphasized in order to develop skills and pattern recognition regarding the conditions covered in this paper. Lectures are presented to assist and focus the student for the laboratory portion of the paper.

2PROFPRAC2 – Professional Practice – Business Marketing

To develop a general understanding of what is required to own and operate a small business, with particular emphasis on marketing a Chiropractic Practice in New Zealand.

2TECH5 – Technique 5

During this course students will gather an appreciation of the manually assisted chiropractic techniques. This course will cover both Drop Assist and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique and includes the theory, analysis, correction, and management of subluxations throughout the spine and pelvis by these techniques. Further students will learn when to and when not to select these techniques for effective patient management.

Year 4 – Semester 2

2CHIROINTG2 – Chiropractic Integration 2

To build on and develop the skills required to create a thorough, effective, and safe patient assessment and management plan for complex musculoskeletal and common visceral conditions seen in health care today, integrating the science, philosophy, and art of chiropractic. Chiropractic management will include health promotion, nutritional advice, and patient education for a range of patient populations.

2CHIROPRAC2 – Chiropractic Practice 2

To evolve Interns, practical experience, and skills, and integrate practical competencies learned in the classroom in a practice environment, to a level suitably demonstrating advanced comprehension of all tasks performed. This includes a minimum of 125 total interactions (15 new people and 110 regular visits) with public members.

2IMG3 – Imaging 3

To build on the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging interpretation and knowledge of pathological conditions to include degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative arthropathies, septic arthritis, deposition arthropathies, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis and skeletal dysplasias. The Diagnostic Imaging laboratory experience is emphasized in order to develop skills and pattern recognition regarding the conditions covered in this paper. Lectures are presented to assist and focus the student for the laboratory portion of the paper.

2SPCHIRO – Special Population Chiropractic

To expand the students’ understanding of all aspects of chiropractic care for the special populations including pregnancy and labour, and the provision of safe effective chiropractic care to pregnant women, children, and the older adult. This includes health promotion, nutritional advice, and pharmacological needs.

2TECH6 – Technique 6

To expand students’ manual skill-base by developing their knowledge and application of basic principles of a range of upper and lower limb non-spinal adjustment techniques. This includes assessment of patient case-history, physical examination, chiropractic analysis, rehabilitation modalities and

programmes, adjustment of non-spinal articulations of the upper and lower limb and management of non-spinal musculoskeletal subluxations or conditions which commonly present to a Chiropractor.

Year 5 – Semester 1

2CHIROINTG3 – Chiropractic Integration 3

To build on and develop the skills required to create and critique a thorough, effective, and safe patient assessment and management plan for complex musculoskeletal and visceral conditions seen in health care today, integrating the science, philosophy, and art of chiropractic. Chiropractic management will include health promotion, nutritional advice, and patient education for a range of patient populations.

2CHIROPRAC3 – Chiropractic Practice 3

To develop Interns, practical experience, and skills, and integrate practical competencies learned in the classroom in a practice environment, to a level suitably demonstrating advanced comprehension of all tasks performed. This includes a minimum of 150 patient interactions (18 new patients and 132 regular visits) with public patients.

2IMG4 – Imaging 4

To build on the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging interpretation and knowledge of pathological conditions to include metabolic, endocrine and tumour disorders. An understanding of advanced imaging modalities and basic interpretation factors will also be presented. The Diagnostic Imaging laboratory experience is emphasized in order to develop skills and pattern recognition regarding the conditions covered in this paper. Lectures are presented to assist and focus the student for the laboratory portion of the paper.

2PROFPRAC3 – Professional Practice 3 – Practice Safety and Risk Management

To analyse the principles of risk management and practice safety applicable to chiropractors in the New Zealand health care environment. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of common risk management components including practice ethics, cultural safety and laws and acts

(including ACC) in the New Zealand healthcare system. Students will also be expected to identify contraindications to chiropractic care and analyse a range of practices to enhance patient safety.

2TECH7 – Technique 7

As the final compulsory technique course students will learn to integrate all they have learned throughout the technique curriculum and critically modify their patient care plans to suit different population groups and patient health statuses.

Year 5 – Semester 2

2ADCHIRO – Advanced Chiropractic

This course has four streams that the student can choose from:

1. Gonstead: To provide a more in depth understanding in the application of the principles of the Gonstead system as they pertain to the practice of Chiropractic by fine-tuning existing motor skills required for the examination and correction of vertebral subluxation, using standard adjusting protocols as well as alternative contacts and procedures. To explore patient management, based on the individual characteristics of the patient.

2. Network Spinal: The new Network Spinal includes the basic teachings of Network Chiropractic, Network Spinal Analysis, as an evolving model of health and healing. The student will be introduced to the concepts of Reorganizational Healing, the Epstein model of Spinal and Neural Integrity, Adverse Mechanical Cord Tension, the Spinal Gateway, and evaluation of the spine and nervous system for NetworkSpinal “Discover” Care.

3. Research: To further investigate, summarise and discuss the concepts of scientific research methodology and to further explore and evaluate the various research methodologies available to investigate the impact of the vertebral subluxation and chiropractic care. To further evaluate and critique research findings and methodology and examine and evaluate the process of conducting and publishing relevant research. Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive knowledge and practical experience of the application of the scientific approach to research. They will also demonstrate the skills and attitude to critically evaluate the research literature as it pertains to chiropractic principles in general and in solving clinical problems as seen in chiropractic practice.

4. Thompson: To provide a more in depth understanding in the application of the principles of the Thompson Terminal Point system as they pertain to the practice of Chiropractic by fine-tuning existing motor skills required for the examination and correction of vertebral subluxation, using standard adjusting protocols as well as alternative contacts and procedures. To explore patient management, based on the individual characteristics of the patient.

2CHIROMAS – Chiropractic Mastery

To consolidate practical experience and skills and integrate clinical competencies to a level suitable for graduating. To incorporate clinical assessment, philosophical principles, and research literacy in the management of complex real-life cases. To establish lifelong learning through peer review and self-reflection.

2CHIROPRAC4 – Chiropractic Practice 4

To evolve Interns, practical experience, and skills, and integrate practical competencies learned in the classroom in a practice environment, to a level suitably demonstrating advanced comprehension of all tasks performed. This includes a minimum of 175 total interactions (12 new people and 163 regular visits) with public members.

2PROFPRAC4 – Professional Practice 4 – Business Management

To develop a general understanding of what is required to own and operate a small business, with particular emphasis on a Chiropractic Practice in New Zealand.