National Offers Accelerated Prerequisite Program
For some students, the major obstacle to enrolling in a chiropractic college or obtaining a DC degree is failure to complete the science courses required for entry into the doctoral program. National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is providing a unique solution to this problem with its Accelerated Prerequisite Program for undergraduate students.
Beginning in the summer 2004 trimester, students attending NUHS will be able to finish one (or several) required bachelor's-level science courses prior to starting their doctoral program. Classes will be offered in two eight-week sessions, and include anatomy and physiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and kinesiology.
"This program allows students to get to know NUHS professors and the campus, and sets them at an advantage when beginning the chiropractic degree curriculum," explained Dr. Randy Swenson, National's academic dean.
In conjunction with the Accelerated Prerequisite Program, NUHS announced it is offering a 50 percent discount per credit hour (compared to the standard bachelor's degree tuition) for qualified individuals. Students enrolled in the program are also eligible for financial aid and student housing. For more information, contact the NUHS Admissions Office at (800) 826-6285.
Northwestern Health Sciences University recently announced the creation of a certificate program in integrative health and wellness. The new program, available on weekends only, adds to the growing list of degree and certificate programs now offered at the university.
The integrative health and wellness program is separated into two distinct five-course tracks: The clinical track focuses on increasing a clinician's ability to work across health care disciplines within an integrative setting, while the administrative track allows professionals to increase their chances of serving in an administrative role, either in an integrative setting or in a health care organization considering an integrative practice. Students must take all five courses in succession in order to earn a certificate. There are also two levels of certificates offered: an undergraduate-level certificate and a graduate-level certificate, the latter of which requires a bachelor's degree as prerequisite.
Dr. Okokon Udo, dean of the new program, explained why the classes are being offered on weekends only. "This allows for working professionals to enhance their education while maintaining their professional careers," he said. "Plus, they can earn their certificate in less than two years and be on their way to more effectively integrating health care in their daily work."
To learn more about Northwestern's integrative health and wellness program, contact the university's office of admissions at (800) 888-477, ext. 409.
Researchers at New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) have launched an investigation to determine the efficacy of the Graston technique in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study is expected to last for approximately one year, with results available as early as this fall.
The study will develop in three phases. In the first phase, a research team led by Dale Buchberger, DC, DACBSP, will screen patients suspected of having CTS, in the hopes of recruiting 20 patients who have carpal tunnel in one wrist. In the second phase, the patients will be assigned randomly to two groups for a six-week treatment period. All patients will receive the same treatment protocols, including soft tissue manipulation twice during the first four weeks and once during the last two weeks; however, in one group, patients will be treated using Graston technique instruments, while in the other group, patients will be treated using manual manipulation.
After the six-week treatment period, all patients will be retested to assess improvements; testing will be repeated again after three months.
"This study is an important step in better understanding the anatomy, physiology, and functionality of what makes patients feel better when being treated for carpal tunnel," remarked Dr. Jean Burke, head of NYCC's department of research.
Health and athletics have always been a priority for Dena Westerfield. She began practicing gymnastics at age 4, then moved on to competitive running and softball. In college, while completing her undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida, she became a personal trainer and an instructor, teaching spinning and aerobics classes, kickboxing, and strength and conditioning. She also began to pursue a career in competitive bodybuilding, working out diligently with weights to shape her physique.
After college, Dena worked as a massage therapist and eventually took a job working for Dr. Frederick Freed, a chiropractor in St. Petersburg, Fla. That job would change her life and focus her career aspirations even more.
"As an adult, I was interested in health care and especially in rehabilitation," Dena said. "And as I learned more and more about the body as a result of my athletic activities, it seemed right for me to think about chiropractic as a career." Dena eventually enrolled at Logan College of Chiropractic, where she is currently in her 10th trimester and scheduled to graduate in April.
A typical day for Dena begins at 4 a.m., when she prepares meals specifically designed for her training regimen, followed by a workout in the local gym by 6 a.m. After that, she attends several hours of classes and clinic rotations, along with working in her private neuromuscular therapy practice.Dena, who won the 2003 National Physique Committee Junior National Championships in her weight class, plans on completing seven months of intensive training after graduation, leading up to a national event in November that qualifies professional bodybuilders. She is also fully intent on pursuing a career in chiropractic; infact, she plans on practicing next to the gym where she works out, specializing in the care and treatment of athletes.
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?
