A board certified Chiropractic Orthopedist is a chiropractor who has gone on to complete 300+ post-doctoral hours in the area of orthopedics as well as passed 2 board examinations on the specialty, one as a written examination and the second as a practical board examination. This is to make sure that your chiropractic orthopedist is up to date on the most current non-surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions.
This training focuses on specializing the doctors ability in: patient history and interview, physical exam, laboratory exam, diagnostic imaging exam (and interpretation of these exams), diagnosis formulation and differential diagnosis formulation, preparation and implementation of the most recent and evidence based treatment plans, assessment and conclusion of care, health care record management and clinical documentation.
To find information about how to decide on what chiropractor may be best for you see our article on, “how to find a chiropractor in Spotsylvania.”
Is There any Continuing Education
Your chiropractic orthopedist will also have to get continued education every year to stay current. These specialist program studies must focus on, but not limited to: cerebral vascular disease/vascular disease, central nervous system, medical conditions resulting in impairment or disability, musculoskeletal-occupational and sports injuries, neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injury, spine disorders and radiculopathy, traumatic brain injury, musculoskeletal disorders-general. As defined in the taxonomy code, “It’s the branch of chiropractic medicine that includes the continued acquisition of knowledge relative to both normal functions and diseases of the human body as they relate to the bones, joints, capsules, discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, their complete neurological components, referred organ systems and contiguous tissues.
This also includes the development and perfection of skills relative to health maintenance when such exists and when not, the investigations, historical review, physical detection, correlative diagnosis development and complete management of any disorder within the bounds defined herein. Also necessary is the delivery of the combined knowledge and skill, on a primary basis, to patients who both need and desire this service, to the eventual outcome of remission, whenever resolution is not readily achievable. In addition the certified chiropractic orthopedist provides consultation services at the request of other qualified doctors seeking assistance in the care of their patients.
The chiropractic orthopedist may also engage in the teaching and or research of subjects and materials relevant to pursuing the quest for knowledge in the ever changing field of the orthopedic specialty.” While a vast majority of these skills are developed during the chiropractic doctoral program they are expanded upon in the specialization program.
What Do You Need In Order To Become a Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist?
You first need to get your doctorate in chiropractic. This consists of 10 semesters of training and a series of 4 board examinations. The first board examination is on basic sciences after 2 years of study. The second board examination is after 2 more years of training in clinical sciences. The third board examination is if the doctor plans on using physiological therapeutics.
The fourth and last board examination, tests three practical skill areas: diagnostic imaging, chiropractic technique, and case management. At this level of doctorate education the doctor of chiropractic is expected to include but not limited to the study and practice in the areas of the cardiovascular system, dermatologic system, endocrine system, ENT (eyes, ears, nose, and throat), gastrointestinal system/nutrition, genitourinary system (male and female), hematologic system, infectious diseases, psychiatric/behavioral science, pulmonary system, renal system, reproductive system (male and female), nervous system, muscular system, and all physical examination techniques used to examine all of the bodies systems as well as the positioning of xray and the referral and correct application of advanced imaging as well as their interpretation.
Once receiving your doctorate in chiropractic you may then start accruing the 300 additional hours needed in the study to sit for the two board examinations. Once additional hours are completed and verified you now are able to sit for the first board examination, which is a written exam. Once the part one board is completed you are then permitted to take the second practical exam. Once both examinations are passed, board certification is awarded and yearly continued education is necessary to upkeep the board certification.
How Long Is Chiropractic College?
Chiropractic college takes on average 4 years to complete and is done after a 4 year undergraduate degree. Chiropractic college is completed with differing semester lengths depending on the institution. Most colleges utilize a trimester system in which 3 semesters are completed a year and the credit hours taken during a semester range from 36 credit hours down to 22 credit hours. Towards the end of the doctors training, there will be a minimum of 3 semesters in the clinical setting at the colleges clinic, or alongside a practicing doctor of chiropractic. Depending on the school’s associations, there may be opportunities in the hospital setting or more.
There are also opportunities based on the institutions connections with hospitals and other clinics in the area to observe in these settings as well. In some of the colleges there are opportunities to get other degrees in areas of further interest of the individual, such as a masters degree in human performance, or general biological studies. These additional degrees start around the 5th semester and are done simultaneously with the doctorate programs curriculum at a surrounding university.
