Anatomy
A comprehensive overview of the development, structure and function of the human body gives students the basic information necessary for further study. Courses are presented in both lecture and laboratory formats during Years I and II using a clinically integrated approach.
Pathology and Microbiology
Courses highlight etiologic, diagnostic, and preventive aspects of disease to give students a basis for better understanding their clinical courses.
Physiology and Biochemistry
Courses in biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience and nutrition give students a foundation for understanding human physiology and biochemistry as a basis for sound clinical management. They also introduce the role of nutrition and nutritional supplements in disease management and health promotion.
Applied Chiropractic
Students gain the scientific knowledge of biomechanics to develop safe and effective psychomotor skills. Through laboratory sessions and mechanical and live models, they acquire skills in chiropractic diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and learn how tissues respond to altered biomechanics. Students become proficient in static and motion palpation, postural evaluation, manipulative, adjustive and mobilization manoeuvres, and soft tissue therapies. They learn the indications and contra-indications for manipulation, the physical and mechanical properties of the human frame and its static and dynamic behaviour, the effects of the chiropractic dynamic thrust in bringing about corrective change, and the theory and practice of functional recovery and active therapeutics.
Chiropractic Principles and Practice
Courses cover broad areas from the history of manipulation to contemporary knowledge and research in chiropractic manipulative therapy. It includes the sociology of chiropractic, the legal and ethical aspects of practice, as well as practice development and management. All courses emphasize contemporary perspectives, the chiropractor’s unique approach to health care within the modern health care team, and the importance of ethical behaviour and professionalism.
Clinical Diagnosis
Students learn the importance of clinical diagnosis to the chiropractor as a primary contact practitioner. They learn to critically analyze clinical data in the pursuit of an accurate diagnosis, and the importance of appropriate interdisciplinary cooperation.
Radiology
Provides the academic and practical skills to produce and give diagnostic interpretation of radiographs. Radiation protection and radiobiology are stressed. Students are oriented to the role of diagnostic radiology in patient evaluations and its importance in chiropractic practice.
Clinical Education
Through Years I, II and III, students receive almost 3,000 hours of education and hands-on training, and complete the observer program requirements during Grand Rounds. In Year IV they are eager to apply the knowledge they have acquired in a real clinic setting. As chiropractic interns, they assume patient care in two six-month rotations in one of CMCC’s teaching clinics, under the supervision of clinical faculty.
Research
Students gain a fundamental understanding of scientific research applications and skills for critical review of the literature. They also develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of the rigour and process of research necessary for discriminating judgement applied in clinical decision-making. To apply these skills, students complete a course in applied research and biometrics, and then submit a research paper, guided by three courses in the development and execution of a research project under the supervision of a CMCC faculty member.