Year IV (Clinical Education)
Year IV is a 12-month clinical internship year. Students complete the work initiated by RM 2301 and proposed in RM 3301. They also complete RM 4301 by computing research data and submit a final report for approval.
Course Requirements
This 12 month course completes the four year chiropractic program. Each intern is placed in two six month sessions, with a different PMT (patient management team). This team includes a primary faculty member who provides direction, supervision and information, and is responsible for both patient care and intern education. Total contact hours include 22 hours per week in clinic with 17 hours per week attributed to patient care and 5 hours per week in administrative time for a minimum of 1,000 hours over the year.
Realistic personal and professional goals are encouraged through discussion of different clinic practice business arrangements, the choice of a location, the establishment of a brand for the clinic/practice, and the development of a marketing strategy and business plan. Basic accounting procedures, financial strategies, office policy and procedures, and human resource management, are provided toward the successful management of the business aspects of private practice.
Laboratory tests and a review of the most common haematological, immunological, and biochemical disorders encountered in a chiropractic practice are provided. Laboratory reports are examined and findings are related to clinical manifestations.
Through radiographic examination of patients, students learn the basics of proper radiographic procedure and technique, film processing, and quality assurance.
Skill at producing accurate, concise and effective radiographic reports that meet the expected standards for chiropractic practice are developed through the generation of reports on a large variety of cases. Knowledge gained throughout the radiology and clinical courses in the curriculum is integrated and utilized.
The final report of the investigative project, approved by the faculty supervisor, is completed in a professional format and submitted to the Research Administrator.
Advanced imaging for the detection and evaluation of musculoskeletal and other conditions are provided, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Diagnostic Ultrasound (DUS), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Electron Beam Tomography (EBT), Bone Densitometry, Nuclear Medicine, and Computed Tomography. A basic understanding of the various techniques, their clinical indications, contraindications, and usefulness in a clinical setting and the need for referral for further evaluation and/or co-management as appropriate are provided.