Doctor of Chiropractic, D.C.

Curriculum

A Doctor of Chiropractic is a physician whose purpose is to meet the health needs of the public as a member of the healing arts. This physician gives particular attention to the relationship of structural and neurological aspects of the body and is educated in the basic and clinical sciences as well as related health subjects. Chiropractic science concerns itself with the relationship between structure (primarily the spine), and function (primarily coordinated by the nervous system) of the human body and how that relationship affects the restoration and preservation of health.

“The DCP of the University of Bridgeport incorporates the understanding of chiropractic as a profession, practicing primary health care, providing curricular and clinical evidence of that through outcome measures, and consists of education and training to prepare graduates to:

1. Practice direct contact health care as a primary portal-of-entry provider for patients of all ages and genders;
2. Assess the patient’s general health status, complaints and problems leading to a diagnosis. Specific elements of patient assessment minimally include a complete health history; review of systems; physical exam, biomechanical and neurological examination; analysis of vertebral and extra-vertebral joint function; and, when clinically indicated, diagnostic im­aging, clinical laboratory, and/or special­ized diagnostic procedures;
3. Develop a goal-oriented case management plan that addresses any joint misalignment/function or other neuro-biomechanical problems which may include rehabilitation and/or other thera­peutic modalities;
4. Develop appropriate doctor/patient relationships with continuity in the chiropractic management of health problems, and coordination of care with other health-care providers; and
5. Promote wellness by assessing health risks and providing problem-related, general and public health information, and lifestyle counseling.

The purpose of chiropractic professional education is to provide the student with a core of knowledge in the basic and clinical sciences and related health subjects sufficient to perform the professional obligations of a doctor of chiropractic.

A doctor of chiropractic is a primary portal-of-entry physician and practitioner of the healing arts, to help meet the health needs of individual patients and of the public, giving particular attention to the structural and neurological aspects of the body.

The application of science in chiropractic concerns itself with the relationship between structure, primarily the spine, and function, primarily coordinated by the nervous system of the human body, and how that relationship affects the restoration and preservation of health.

Further, this application of science focuses on the inherent ability of the body to heal without the use of drugs or surgery.

As a gatekeeper for direct access to the health care delivery system, the doctor of chiropractic’s responsibilities as a primary care physician include wellness promotion, health promotion, health assessment, diagnosis and the chiropractic management of the patient’s health care needs. When indicated, the doctor of chiropractic consults with, co-manages, or refers to other health care providers. “An accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP) prepares its graduates to practice as primary portal-of-entry chiropractic physicians, and provides curricular and clinical evidence of such through outcome measures.” (From the Council on Chiropractic Education Standards for DCPs, July 2013).

It is the purpose of the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic program to offer, as a minimum, those courses and objectives as suggested in the CCE standards. It is also the purpose of the UBSC program to offer a broad-based educational experience. In many cases, the educational program presented will go beyond the course offerings suggested by CCE and will also go beyond individual state laws and scope of practice.

The University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic curriculum is divided into three phases: Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Clinical Services.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Chiropractic program earn the ability to 

• Practice direct contact health care as a portal-of-entry provider for all patients. 
• Assess a patient’s general health status and determine a diagnosis. 
• Develop a goal-oriented case management plan. 
• Assume appropriate doctor/patient relationships with continuity in the chiropractic management of health problems, and coordination of care with other health care providers. 
• Promote wellness by assessing health risk and providing problem-related information and counseling. 
• Gain eligibility to sit for NBCE licensure. 

Curriculum: https://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/programs/chiropractic-dc/curriculum