Course Syllabus

Thompson/Upper Cervical - AT 4423

Ronald Wells, B.S., B.S., D.C.



TRIMESTER: Fall 2006

TRIMESTER CREDIT HOURS:

LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 2

LABORATORY HOURS PER WEEK:

TOTAL CONTACT HOURS 
PER TRIMESTER: 60 

OFFICE LOCATION:
Suite 251E, Center for Chiropractic Sciences

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday:           12:00 – 12:50  
Tuesday:          12:00 – 12:50

Wednesday:      12:00 – 12:50
Thursday:          12:00 – 12:50    
Friday:               12:00 – 12:50

OFFICE TELEPHONE:
(214) 352-7332 x 7223

 

PREREQUISITES: Palpation I

 

CLASSROOM LOCATION: 108 E

COURSE GOAL:
To equip the students with the ability to analyze and interpret information obtained through the appropriate materials and Thompson protocol, and to know when and how to apply the accumulated information for favored results. They will learn Thompson adjusting procedures while using the terminal point drop table (as developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson).  They will make use of specific diagnostic procedures…utilizing leg length checks, specific patient positioning prior to adjustment, and post adjustment leg checks to determine the proper application of the technique. The student will also be introduced to the proper use of the terminal point table and interpretation of pertinent X-ray findings.  They will also be presented with the fundamentals of upper cervical technique and its system of analysis and application.  The student is presented with the theory and practice to develop adequate skills in order to be proficient in this technique.  The student is also introduced to the proper use of the side posture drop headpiece and its use in the toggle-recoil system of upper cervical adjusting.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVE: 

 

      1.   To teach the Thompson / Upper Cervical protocol in a class / lab setting, and apply its procedures in a safe and effective way.

Measuring outcome: 

·        Mid - term written; Mid - term practical; Final written; Final practical; Multiple quizzes; Demonstrations (set-ups) via the student body.

 

 

2.   With Thompson / Upper Cervical technique, the student will be able to adequately analyze and adjust the spine and remove subluxations via the

protocol.

Measuring outcome: 

·        Using leg lengths, Motion Palpation, Rebound & Direct challenge, as well as Stress & Pressure techniques to analyze the spine after the treatment.

 

 

      3.   The behavior that a student should be able to perform will include but not limited to the following:

Measuring outcome: 

·        The student will be able to identify what, when, and where to adjust while using the appropriate procedures.

·        The student will be able to list and describe the subluxation via Thompson nomenclature, as well as other techniques and their respective nomenclature…such as Gonstead, Diversified, and orthogonal systems.

·        The student will be able to compare other techniques prior to this class that will help to identify the problem and allow them to use the most appropriate technique to solve the issue at hand.

 

4.  The ability to operate the Thompson / Upper Cervical tables.

Measuring outcome: 

·        Given the Thompson & Upper Cervical table, the student will be able to activate and weigh the appropriate pads throughout the protocol for the patients comfort and the best results.

·        Weekly demonstrations and weekly mock set – ups via the student body

 

 

 

REQUIRED TEXT:
Table Assisted Adjusting - An Exposition of the Thompson Technique, By Robin C. Hyman, D.C.
The Upper Cervical Specific Technique  by Christine A. Hyman, D.C.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
1. Thuli Board
2. Radiographic Ruler
3. Compass
4. Geometric Protractor
5. X-ray Marking Pencil
6. X-ray Eraser

COURSE MECHANICS:
A. Written examinations will be multiple choice, matching, and true or false questions.
B. All practical examinations will require a verbal response.
C. "Pop" Quizzes at the discretion of the instructor, some quiz grades may include attendance of lectures and labs.
 

Test Weight

1.

Written Midterm

20% 

2.

Midterm Practical

20% 

3.

Written Final

20% 

4.

Final Practical

20%

5.

 Unannouced Quizzes

20% 

 

TOTAL

100% 

*NOTE*: THE COURSE GRADE IS DETERMINED BY THE ADDITION OF THE TOTAL POINTS ATTAINED, RELATIVE TO THE TOTAL POINTS ATTAINABLE.
 

Class/Lab Participation
Part of the education and training at Parker College of Chiropractic will include participation in laboratory classes.  Students will have the opportunity to practice chiropractic techniques on other students.  Labs are conducted under the supervision of at least one Faculty Member.  The procedures to be followed and any risk associated with those procedures will be fully disclosed.  The purpose of this class is merely instructional, and no doctor/patient relationship will be created with either the students or the Faculty Members.  Consequently, there is no duty to provide any diagnosis or treatment.  A student is expected to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism during such classes.  When in the role of the doctor, a student will maintain professional demeanor, follow the proper procedures including appropriate draping, and refrain from any offensive or inappropriate behavior or statements.  When in the role of a patient, the student will advise the student in the role of doctor and/or the Faculty Member supervising the lab if any offensive or inappropriate conduct occurs.  Sexual harassment, including jokes, inappropriate or embarrassing statements or comments, or other offensive conduct is prohibited and may be grounds for dismissal from Parker College.
 

Attendance:

A professional education at Parker College requires a full time commitment by the student. Classes are demanding and academic standards are high. Students must expect to spend a significant part of each day in and out of class to successfully complete the program.

Full realization of the learning process is reliant upon the fact that students are expected to attend and be attentive and participatory in all lecture and laboratory classes. Students must attend classes on a regular basis to attain the skill, training and expertise they will need to become successful Doctors of Chiropractic. It is in this light that Parker College of Chiropractic considers classroom attendance to be mandatory in all scheduled classes and laboratory sessions and failure of the student to attend classes and/or laboratory sessions could result in poor academic performance by the student, possible grade reduction and/or the student receiving a failing grade in the class.  Students who fail to attend 50% of the lectures and/or the labs will automatically fail the course. 

 

Attendance roll sheets are passed out at the beginning of each class. To be counted present for a class you must be present, in your seat and you must sign the roll sheet when it comes past your seat. Roll sheets will be picked up by the instructor once they have passed through all rows of the classroom. No student will be allowed to sign the roll sheet once it is picked up by the instructor. It is the student's responsibility to be on time and in their seats when the class starts and the roll sheets are passed out. Tardiness is disruptive to the class. Each student should make every attempt to get to class on time. A professor may refuse to allow to a tardy student to enter the classroom. A student who is tardy to a class and does not sign the roll sheet when it passes his/her seat will be counted absent for that class period.

At the discretion of the individual faculty member, student attendance in lectures, laboratory sessions and/or scheduled academic conferences may be a factor in deriving a grade for the student.

Students who are repeating a course because of previous academic failure are required by the Dean of Academic Affairs to attend all lectures and labs of the course in question. A student on Academic Probation is required to attend all lectures, laboratory sessions and scheduled academic conferences. If a faculty member in a department finds that a student is not meeting this attendance requirement, the student will be notified in writing with a copy of the letter sent to the office of the Dean of Academic Affairs.

The student is responsible for obtaining and learning subject materials presented during an absence. When the period of absence is known and may be planned, the student must confer with the appropriate course director and determine a plan of action for that absence. Absence from any examination (lecture or lab) must be accompanied by a written excuse documenting the extenuating circumstance which prevented the student from sitting the examination. If the excuse is considered valid by the course director then arrangements to sit exam must be made with the course director within 5 days of returning to class.

The licensing requirements of the states vary widely. Some state boards require a specific number of classroom hours in order to obtain a license to practice as a Doctor of Chiropractic in their respective states. It is the student's responsibility to determine, fulfill and document the requirements of the state(s) in which they are planning to apply for licensure. These requirements are available from the individual state boards and kept in the Office of the Registrar for the student to review.

Tardiness is disruptive to the class. Each student should make every attempt to get to class on time. A professor may refuse to allow to a tardy student to enter the classroom. A student who is tardy to a class may be counted absent for that class period.
 
 

Grading System:
Evaluation is an integral part of the educational process and is used as an educational tool to help students identify problem areas, to recognize and reqard achievement, and to identify students who are unable to meet the rigors of the curriculum.  Final course grades and their interpretation are listed below:
 

Grade

 Numerical Value

Grade Point Average 

Interpretation of 
Academic Achievement

A

89.5 - 100

4.0

Excellent

B

 79.5 - 89.4

 3.0

Above Average

C

 69.5 - 79.4

 2.0

Satisfactory

 D

 59.5 - 69.4

1.0

Minimal

Below 59.4

 0.0

Unacceptable

 

The current grading policy of Parker College of Chiropractic will be utilized. Grades will be posted by student ID#, in the event a student does not want their grade posted, they are to notify the instructor in writing before the first evaluation.

*Secretary staff members are not allowed to give a student his/her grades either in person or over the telephone.*

Examinations:

Make-up Exams/ Lab Practical
Exams / Lab Practical are scheduled well in advance.  If a student must be absent from an exam/lab practical, it is the student's responsibility to notify the Course Director no later than the scheduled starting time of the exam/ lab practical.  Failure to notify the Course Director could result in the student receiving a grade of "0" for the missed exam/lab practical.  If the instructor determines the reason for missing a scheduled exam is valid and the proper documentation can be provided, then the following protocol shall be followed:   Not taking a scheduled written exam or practical exam at your scheduled exam time will result in an automatic 10 drop in your grade.  You may take the practical exam during any other scheduled lab, however, you may only test after all students scheduled for that particular exam time have tested.  The written exam will be offered and administered within 3 school days of the original exam.  After 3 days, if the student does not take the exam missed...a "0" will be given.

Final Examinations:
Because some students are on special schedules an exception will be made only with documentation of a conflicting Final examination.  In this case the student will be required to take the exams back to back.  Arrangements must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled time of the final exam. Students must be on time for all examinations.  However, if a student is late, and no one has left the examination room, they will be allowed to take the examination, but no additional time will be allowed.  If a student comes in late for an exam and another student taking the exam has already left the classroom, the late student will not be allowed to sit the exam, and will receive a grade of "0".

However, if the late student can provide valid documentation of an extra ordinary circumstance, arrangements can be made to take the missed exam.  At the Course Directors discretion, the make-up exam will be an essay style or an oral exam.

Lecture Exam Review:
The review period for each exam will begin after the posting of the grades and last for ONE week only, excluding weekends and holidays.  Questions about the final exam and/or final course grades may be reviewed with the Course Director for a period of two weeks at the beginning of the subsequent trimester.

Classroom Participation:
As a student enrolled at Parker College, you will have opportunities to practice conducting physical examinations, orthopedic and neurological testing, and chiropractic techniques on other students, as well as other students practicing those same procedures on you. These classes are instructional and no doctor/patient relationship will be created with either the students or faculty members. Students are required to:

     1) Conduct themselves in a professional demeanor.
     2) Follow appropriate classroom procedures to include appropriate draping.
     3) Refrain from any offensive or inappropriate behavior or statements.
     4) Refrain from engaging in any behavior which may constitute sexual harassment.
     5) Report any such activity to the faculty member supervising the lab or class.

Academic Dishonesty:
Cheating will not be tolerated.  If you are caught cheating, you will receive a "0" on that exam and disciplinary action will be taken which could result in your dismissal from Parker College.  If you are suspected of cheating on an exam you may be singled out and required to sit in the front of the classroom so that you can be clearly watched.  The cheating policy included lecture exams, lab quizzes and lab practical.

Professional Decorum:
Students are expected to behave in a professional manner at all times.  Positive contributions to the learning environment and participation in classroom learning activities are expected.  Students should demonstrate courtesy to the instructor, to special guest speakers, and to other classmates. Focusing your attention on anything other than pertinent classroom material is considered discourteous.  Any person who is discourteous or disrupts the class with unprofessional conduct will be asked to leave the classroom and will be counted absent for that class period.

Computer Use:
Students are encouraged to utilize personal computers, however, not during lecture time.  Due to surfing the Internet, answering e-mails, or playing games during lecture or lab time, computer usage is prohibited.  Any previous activity stated is strictly prohibited and will result in the student being asked to discontinue use of their computers. The student may be asked to leave the classroom and will be counted absent for that class period.

Audio/Video Taping:
Since the courts have ruled that a professor's voice and physical image are their personal property, the prerogative of the audio taping and/or video recording of lectures/laboratories is a right specifically reserved to faculty.  Should you wish to record, using any device you must obtain the permission the respective instructor in all classes.

Important Note:
The provisions contained in this syllabus do not constitute a contract between the students and Parker College of Chiropractic.  These provisions may be changed at any time for any reason at the discretion of the course director.  When necessary, in the view of the college, appropriated notice of such changes will be given to the student.

When we need to transmit important information to the class or an individual student, we will contact you via your Parker email address.  As a Parker student you are responsible to periodically check your email.  If you do not know your parker email address, or how to log on to collect your email messages, contact information services at ext. 7450.  If you experience an adverse outcome from missing important information, "I don't check my email" will not be considered a valid excuse.