Dr. William A. Volk, president of the Association of Straight Chiropractic Colleges (ASCC), announced in an April 6th news release that its three member colleges -- Pennsylvania College of Straight Chiropractic, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, and Southern California College of Chiropractic -- have applied for membership to the Commission on Accreditation (COA) of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).
Dr. Volk stated that the ASCC colleges applied to CCE because "... it has been difficult to maintain USDE recognition of the Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association (SCASA) in the face of the strenuous opposition from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB)." On September 4, 1992, Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander notified SCASA that its accreditation would expire June 4, 1993, that "SCASA has not established that, as an overall matter, it is a reliable authority as to the quality of training at schools within the scope of its accreditation activities."
Dr. Volk said the SCASA colleges are "encouraged by a recent letter from the CCE Commission stating the agency would be respectful of ASCC institutions' missions and the programs that support those missions." The ASCC colleges noted further encouragement from Dr. Marino Passero writing to the ASCC as chairman of the CCE's Commission on Accreditation:
"We again invite you, however, to apply for status. We also commit to work with you constructively and in good faith to expedite the accreditation process and to resolve whenever possible, issues that properly can be resolved in a way to provide the professional unity that both of our organizations have sought for so long."The words of CCE President James Winterstein, DC, at the time of Lamar Alexander's decision now seem prophetic:
"I believe that the profession would be best served if all educational institutions would adhere to one set of educational standards. The actions taken by Secretary Alexander provide the opportunity for this situation to become a reality."The initial procedure for the three colleges to establish eligibility to apply for accreditation is underway. The colleges are individually in the process of submitting materials that relate to 1) degree granting; 2) charter; 3) professional ethics; 4) compliance; 5) board action; 6) governance; 7) chief executive officer; 8) facilities, equipment, organization, finances; 9) mission, objectives, programs; and 10) a five-year plan. The timetables for completion of the process will vary among the colleges.
Dr. Volk concluded: "The ASCC colleges hope that with CCE's current policy, respecting institutional autonomy, and its colleges applying to CCE, the foundation for greater unity within the educational component of the chiropractic profession has been substantially advanced. The ASCC member colleges look forward to joining the greater community of colleges in meeting the exciting educational and research challenges that face our profession."
Considering the long road that both the ASCC colleges and the CCE have traveled separately, the prospect of unity within chiropractic education is very exciting. All parties should be supported in their efforts to resolve whatever differences may still remain.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
