FAQs

 

What is the 300-Hr Hybrid Diplomate program?

The program is designed to be a hybrid between online education and in- person meetings. The program consists of 4 sections, broken down into several online units, and two in-person intensives. Each unit will have a brief assessment to ensure participants are keeping up with the coursework prior to the in-person intensives. Assessments and coursework are designed to meet the meta competencies of the certified pediatric chiropractic specialist referenced in Hewitt, et al 2016*.

 

Tell me more about the core competencies of the certified pediatric chiropractic specialist?

Read all about it here; Hewitt E, Hestbaek L, Pohlman KA. Core competencies of the certified pediatric doctor of chiropractic: results of a Delphi consensus process. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine. 2016 Apr;21(2):110-4.^[1]

 

Why pediatric-specific training?
Caring for the pediatric population necessitates extra training and study. We’ve compiled an additional 300 hours of pediatric focused education to prepare you to better serve your pediatric communities! In this course series, Doctors of Chiropractic will become familiar with the normal developmental milestones of all systems within the pediatric population – from birth to age 16.  Treatments, both chiropractic and integrative care, will be discussed to best support our youngest patients.

 

Tell me more about the 4 sections of coursework?

Section 1: Growth and Development (competencies 1,3,6*)

Section 2: Differential Diagnosis (competencies 2, 4*)

Section 3: Evidence (competency 5*)

Section 4: Essentials in Pediatric Practice (competencies 7, 8, 9*)

 

When can I access the coursework?

The first learning cohort is scheduled to start in September 2023, coursework will be uploaded to your GoLearn account on a monthly basis.  You can finish the work in as few as 17 months, or take up to 24 months to complete the work. Finish the work on your schedule, and at the pace that fits your lifestyle.

 

How long will it take me to complete the program?

Coursework is added to your GoLearn account on a monthly basis, you can finish the work in as few as 17 months, or take up to 24 months to complete the work. Finish the work on your schedule, and at the pace that fits your lifestyle.

 

I’ve completed the coursework, now what?

Congratulations, you deserve a pat on the back! Your final step towards Diplomate status is taking (and passing!)  the Board Exam offered through the American Board on Chiropractic Pediatrics, (A.B.C.P.)

 

CPR and First Aid is a required part of the program, and I completed this in my community. May I submit documentation of the class I took?

Yes, you are encouraged to take (or renew) CPR/First Aid class with your local Red Cross or American Heart Association chapter. During that portion of the coursework, you will be prompted to upload confirmation of your current certificate, in order to fulfill that requirement.

 

When and where will the two in-person intensive sessions be held?

Your time and travel dollars are precious; and we created a hybrid program to honor that! Two intensive, in-person learning sessions are planned. Plan for the first intensive to be held May 18 & 19, 2024 at Parker University and October 5 & 6, 2024 at Northwestern Health Sciences University. 

 

What should I expect at the in-person intensive sessions?

The first intensive training will cover history, physical exam, and adjusting techniques, including cranial and extremities.  The second will focus on a writing workshop for publishing case reports, full technique review, and board review. The intensive sessions allow you to connect with your instructors and learning cohort through condensed learning sessions, while limiting travel time and expense.  Plan for the first intensive to be held May 18 & 19, 2024 at Parker University and October 5 & 6, 2024 at Northwestern Health Sciences University. 

How do I connect with my instructors and learning cohort?

We value learning and know that learning within a community is important! This hybrid program is enhanced with Virtual Grand Rounds, led by instructors and focused on the questions from your learning cohort.  These sessions will be held every few months, schedule TBD.

 

What’s synchronous vs. asynchronous learning?

Synchronous classes run in real time, with students and instructors attending together from different locations. Asynchronous classes run on a more relaxed schedule, with students accessing class materials during different hours and from different locations.

 

What is the tuition investment?  I’m an ACA CCP member, is there a discounted rate for me?

Thanks for being an ACA Peds Council Member, you’re helping to drive our profession forward! Yes, there are discounts for ACA CCP members, students, and faculty members.  View the tuition investment details here.

 

I’m ready to register, but would like to pay in installments, can you help with that?

We have plans to offer a four-part installment payment program, with a 5% fee.  Our platform is working to create this option and it should be available SOON. 

 

I’m still a student, will I be able to take the course?

The 300-Hr Diplomate program is accessible through all stages of your chiropractic journey; you’re already in “school-mode”, why not deepen your understanding of pediatric chiropractic and better prepare yourself for your career! Students must be in Trimester 6 and above OR those who have successfully completed all courses in anatomy, biochemistry, and hands-on technique classwork.

 

I’m a practicing DC, will I be able to take the course?

Yes, absolutely! The 300-Hr Diplomate program is accessible through all stages of your chiropractic career.  It’s never too late (or too early) to widen your knowledge base and become an expert in pediatric chiropractic.

 

How is my attendance recorded?

During the two intensive, in-person sessions you are required to sign in and out on the course roster at the beginning and end of each day to confirm your attendance. Asynchronous attendance is confirmed by completing the course content to ensure competence in the subject matter presented.

Summarized Modules and Objectives, Months 1-6

Month 1

Describe the process of skeletal maturity and development and conditions associated with abnormal development:

Instructor: Dr Lauren Tollefson        Ages infant to 11

 Instructor : Dr Mike Fergus        Ages 12-16 

Instructor:  Dr Sara Cuperus        All ages 

Neurophysiology of the central nervous system - introduction to pathology related to the CNS

Instructor: Dr Emily Kalambaheti   

Neurophysiology of the peripheral nervous system/pathology 

Instructor:  Dr Sue Weber

Physiological maturity/abnormal maturity

Instructor: Dr Kris Petrocco-Nepuli

 

Month 2

Describe the clinically relevant features of the most common genetic and developmental disorders

Instructor:  Dr Sue Weber        Genetic disorders of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems

          Dr Anya Szigeti        Genetic disorders non nervous/musculoskeletal systems

          Dr Janet Lintala        Common development disorders (Autism, spectrum disorders)

          Dr Kristin McClintock        Mental Health (Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PANDAS, etck)

Month 3

Describe prenatal factors and importance of perinatal care

Instructor:  Dr Kris Petrocco-Nepuli    The importance of perinatal care and how it affects the fetus

                           Diseases/conditions of the mother that affects the fetus/infant

                    Effects of the birth process on the health of the infant/child

Month 4

Describe the physiologic changes that occur in the neonate’s/child’s cardiovascular system

Instructor:  Dr Delilah Renegar        Physiological changes that occur in the neonate’s cardiovascular 

                    system.

                    Signs of the cardiovascular conditions that may require further     

                    attention.

Recognize clinic features of the nervous system disorders 

Instructor:  Dr Caitlyn Jungels        Conditions of the nervous system that are abnormal 

                    Sensory Processing Disorders

Instructor:  Dr Emily Kalambaheti    Headaches

Instructor:  Dr Emily Kalambaheti    Concussion

Course Description:  This 2-hour course on pediatric concussions will focus on current, scientifically 

Month 5

Recognize clinical features/disorders of other body systems in the pediatric population

Instructor:  Dr Mary Beth Minser    Dermatology

Instructor:  Dr Kris Tohtz            Immunology

Instructor:  Dr Delilah Renegar        Pulmonary/EENT/Asthma

Instructor:  Dr. Anya Szigeti        GI/GU

Instructor:  Dr Anya Szigeti        Gynecological disorders (preteen/teen, early maturation)

Recognize contraindications to proceed safely to provide chiropractic care

Instructor:  Dr Jo Nell Cool        Safety of chiropractic care and contraindications

 

Month 6

Recognize clinical findings of atypical spinal curvatures and how they are managed

Instructor: Dr Mohammed Zarriabian    Atypical spinal curvatures and treatment options

Recognize clinical features of skeletal conditions that require further attention      

Instructor:  Dr Anna Marie Simpson    Skeletal conditions and treatment option (i.e. spondylolisthesis)

Perform age appropriate neurology examination including cranial nerves

Instructor:  Dr Delilah Renegar        Perform an age appropriate neurological examination 

Instructor:  Dr Anya Szigeti        Nutritional needs and conditions infancy to teen

Describe motor and cognitive development and identify milestones that are normal and abnormal

Instructor:  Dr Mary Beth Minser    

*subject to change depending on instructor availability

 

^[1] *Hewitt E, Hestbaek L, Pohlman KA. Core competencies of the certified pediatric doctor of chiropractic: results of a Delphi consensus process. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine. 2016 Apr;21(2):110-4.