Program Overview
This post-professional MS degree is designed so that the physician can integrate his or her new knowledge directly into patient care while losing minimal office time completing the program. For an overview, please review our program brochure:
Academic Schedule
The MS ACP is a two-year program. A total of 36 credits are distributed as follows:
First Year (19 credits)
- 7 credits in Fall trimester
- 5 credits in Winter trimester
- 7 credits in Summer trimester
Second Year (17 credits)
- 7 credits in Fall trimester
- 5 credits in Winter trimester
- 5 credits in Summer trimester
Schedule of Classes
For more information, please see the class schedule for
Fall 2013.
Course Descriptions
Year 1
MS ACP 500 - Clinical Neurophysiology I -
Credits: 1
The purpose of this course is to provide health care practitioners
with an advanced understanding of clinical neurophysiology in the
context of the patient encounter. The course will explore the
clinical significance of peripheral nerve fibers, the spinal cord,
brainstem and brain and their functional activities in the context
of visceral and musculoskeletal disorders. The student will learn
to effectively integrate clinical neurophysiology with various
physical and biochemical treatment interventions.
MS ACP 510 (DL) - Clinical Neurophysiology II -
Credits: 1
The purpose of this distance learning course is to provide a
deeper understanding of the peripheral and central mechanisms of
the sensory nervous system, with a particular emphasis on pain
expression. The course will expand upon the nerve fiber and spinal
cord anatomy taught in MS ACP 500, by outlining the relationship
between altered sensory input and symptom presentation. The
student will be able to describe the anatomy and pathophysiology of
dysafferentation, and relate these concepts to patient
presentations in the clinical setting. In addition, the student
will be able to describe the differences and similarities of
nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain and psychogenic aspects of
pain.
MS ACP 520 - Clnical Skills for the Primary Care Physician
- Credits: 1
The purpose of this course is to present and demonstrate
clinical skills including comprehensive history taking and regional
physical examination skills in the context of common and complex
internal disorders. The student will be enabled to effectively
utilize these skills and formulate an accurate differential
diagnosis and treatment approach. Interprofessional relationships
and integrative, collaborative strategies for management will be
emphasized.
MS ACP 530 (DL) - Clinical Problem Solving for the
Primary Care Physician - Credits: 2
The purpose of this distance learning course is to refine and
expand upon clinical problem solving skills with an emphasis on
internal medicine. The student will be able to effectively
integrate patient history and physical examination findings into an
accurate differential diagnosis with consideration of appropriate
documentation, diagnostic testing and follow-up.
MS ACP 540 - Biostatistics and Research
Methodology - Credits: 1
This course will introduce the foundational importance of
biostatistics and the processes of interpretation and methodical
critical analysis of research reports and studies. Emphasis
will be placed on preparing students to identify pertinent research
findings that may enhance clinical outcomes. Students will be
competent in describing the components of a journal article and the
general guidelines of critical appraisal for clinical research.
They will also be able to identify, define and decipher the
validity and or limitations of basic study designs. Various
research sources found in on-line search engines and in health
sciences libraries will be identified and explored. Appropriate
search strategy surrounding a clinical topic and utilization of
scientific evidence to build credibility and cultural authority to
promote clinical practice will be discussed. The student will be
able to recognize ethical issues in clinical research and outline
the steps in planning, writing and publishing a case report.
MS ACP 560 - Mechanisms of Pain - Credits:
1
The purpose of this course is to provide a detailed description of
pain mechanisms in a clear, concise and practical manner. Clinical
considerations will be outlined regarding options for addressing
chronic pain expression. The student will gain an advanced
understanding of the anatomy, genetics, biochemistry and physiology
of pain in relation to various clinical syndromes.
Nutritional biochemistry related to nociception and pain will be
incorporated. Implementation of this information into therapeutic
programs will be emphasized.
MS ACP 570 - Psychological Issues of Illness - Credits:
1
The purpose of this course is to present the ways in which
psychological issues influence illness. Students will learn
to properly probe for psychosocial areas of concern, appreciate
those that are impacting health and understand how and when to
refer to a mental health professional. The value of proper
recognition and the process of appropriate patient communication
regarding referral to a mental health care professional will be
emphasized. The individual roles of the various mental health care
professionals and the current mental health statistics in the
United States will be outlined.
MS ACP 580 - Clinical Nutrition I - Credits:
1
The purpose of this course is to provide a detailed understanding
of the altered biochemistry that underlies the expression of most
inflammatory related diseases. Current evidence-based nutritional
literature will be presented as a foundation for the clinical
application of appropriate dietary changes and key nutritional
supplements.
MS ACP 590 - Clinical Nutrition II - Credits: 1
This course is a continuation of the material presented
in MS ACP 580. It provides further details regarding the
mechanisms of and the scientific evidence for therapeutic agents
utilized in inflammatory related disorders. The course will
compare and contrast nutritional and pharmaceutical interventions
for pain and inflammation management.
MS ACP 600 - Clinical Nutrition III - Credits:
1
This course is a continuation of the material presented in MS ACP
580 & 590. It outlines how specific factors within the modern
diet influence health and disease expression throughout the
lifecycle; prenatal, pediatric, adolescent and adult.
Implementation of evidence-based dietary changes to help prevent
disease expression will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed
on the similarity of the underlying pathologic mechanisms of common
diagnostically distinct diseases.
MS ACP 610 - Advanced Clinical Laboratory Medicine
I - Credits: 1
The purpose of this course is to review common and functional
laboratory testing, procedures and appropriate utilization in the
primary care setting. Current reference ranges for blood (cells and
chemistries), urine, cerebrospinal fluid and other serous fluids
will be reviewed. Clinical case assessment and algorithms for
various conditions in which abnormal laboratory values occur will
be discussed in detail.
MS ACP 640 (DL) - Advanced Clinical
Laboratory Medicine II - Credits: 1
The purpose of this distance learning course is to build upon the
foundations of laboratory medicine taught in Advanced Clinical
Laboratory Medicine I. It will provide an advanced understanding of
clinical laboratory medicine through detailed case review and
analysis.
MS ACP 620 (DL) - Advanced Diagnostic Imaging - Credits:
2
The purpose of this distance learning course is to review
the history of diagnostic imaging, explain the utility and
limitations of the various diagnostic imaging modalities, improve
interpretation of diagnostic imaging reports, define effective
imaging strategies in specific clinical scenarios and approach an
imaging study with greater confidence.
The course focuses on the functionality of powerful and sophisticated imaging tools currently available: conventional radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance and nuclear imaging. Students will be taken through multiple imaging case studies from start to finish, with emphasis on the thought processes associated with diagnostic imaging interpretation. As these imaging studies are presented, human anatomy, conspicuity of pathology, correlating findings and appropriate clinical action will be emphasized; this includes treatment options, referral decisions and prognostic indicators. The student will be familiarized with the pathological entities that are best demonstrated by each imaging modality. The course will also provide examples of strategies for implementing an effective imaging plan while understanding the need for cost containment.
MS ACP 550 (DL) - Independent Research I - Credits:
4
This course builds upon the information taught in MS ACP 540
(Biostatistics & Research Methodology) and is part of the
capstone project, which will be continued in Independent Research
II. The student will be trained to perform critical appraisals,
write succinct critiques and discuss research articles in a
scientific manner. This will enable the student to acquire
pertinent research articles to develop a case study
manuscript. An institutional review board (IRB)
application regarding the case study must be approved. The
completed case study will then be presented before a research
review panel. Submission of the manuscript to a peer reviewed
scientific journal will be encouraged.
Year 2
MS ACP 690 - Clinical Neurology - Credits:
2
The purpose of this course is to provide an advanced understanding
of the systematic investigation of common and complex neurological
complaints including headache, dizziness, weakness, numbness and
ataxia. The fundamentals of neurologic history taking and
examination will be emphasized. The components of and rationale for
electrodiagnostic testing as well as interpretation of results will
be discussed. The student will also gain a sophisticated
appreciation for the pathophysiology, symptomatology and management
of pain in relation to headache and other neurologic conditions,
with the capacity to distinguish serious from benign pain
syndromes.
MS ACP 660 - Clinical Pharmacology I - Credits: 1
The purpose of this course is to review common
pharmacologic agents utilized in the primary care setting, related
to various clinical topics. Discussion will include an
overview of various clinical topics and related pharmacologic
agents, classification, mechanism of action and appropriate
utilization, controlled substance scheduling and common drug
reactions and interactions. There will be discussion regarding
adult immunizations, the current recommendation schedule and
proposed risks and benefits.
MS ACP 670 - Clinical Pharmacology II -
Credits: 1
The purpose of this course is to review common pharmacologic
agents utilized in the primary care setting, related to various
clinical topics. It will build upon the information presented
in Clinical Pharmacology I. Discussion will include an
overview of various clinical topics and related pharmacologic
agents, classification, mechanism of action, appropriate
utilization and common drug reactions and interactions.
MS ACP 680 (DL) - Clinical Pharmacology III - Credits:
2
The purpose of this distance learning course is to review common
pharmacologic agents utilized in the primary care setting, related
to various clinical topics. It will build upon the information
presented in Clinical Pharmacology I & II. Course material will
include an overview of various clinical topics and related
pharmacologic agents, classification, mechanism of action,
appropriate utilization and common drug reactions and
interactions.
MS ACP 650 (DL) - Integrative and Functional Medicine -
Credits: 2
This distance learning course offers an overview of integrative
and functional medicine. Discussion will emphasize a paradigm shift
from a traditional disease-centered approach to a more
patient-centered focus with appropriate integrative, collaborative
management. Effective methods for application of this model
in various clinical scenarios will be discussed.
MS ACP 170 - Pediatrics - Credits: 1
This course offers an overview of common pediatric
disorders and effective methods for approaching evaluation and
management of the pediatric patient. Well infant and child
examinations will also be discussed and demonstrated. Students will
gain an understanding of normal growth and development and discuss
scheduled vaccinations and their associated risks and
benefits.
MS ACP 720 - Women's and Men's Health and Geriatrics -
Credits: 1
This course illustrates common and complex conditions
impacting the health of women and men, including the geriatric
population. Pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and effective
integrative treatment strategies will be discussed.
MS ACP 730 - Clinical Competencies - Credits: 2
Simulated patient encounters will be utilized to advance,
assess and refine the student's clinical skills. The student
will be performing comprehensive histories and focused physical
examinations on a variety of patients presenting with common and
complex complaints regularly seen in a primary care office.
The student will be expected to obtain and document pertinent
clinical information from a comprehensive history and focused
examination, maintain professional patient communication, identify
possible red flags and establish an appropriate differential
diagnosis with applicable diagnostic plan.
MS ACP 740 - Ethics and Risk Management -
Credits: 1
This course outlines current ethical standards as well as
medical and small business liability. Ways in which to
identify and minimize possible risks associated with health care
practices will be presented.
MS ACP 630 (DL) - Independent Research II -
Credits: 5
This course, as a continuation of the capstone project,
reinforces exploration in critical appraisal of published research
and discussion of journal articles in a scientific manner. Students
will be expected to choose a topic of interest from previously
presented material, which corresponds with a selected clinical case
and acquire relevant research through the use of on-line database
literature search. The student will work with one of the
program faculty, as a content expert, to write a case study for
publication. The student will be responsible for drafting and
submitting an institutional review board application and manuscript
for publication. This will culminate in a capstone case
defense to be presented to a research review panel.
Faculty
Meet the faculty members of the MS ACP program.
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Jerrilyn Cambron, DC, MPH, PhD
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Eric Deppert, MD, FACP
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David Gursky, PhD
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David Miller, MD, FAAP, LAc
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David Seaman, DC, MS, DACBN
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Dennis Skogsbergh, DC, DACBR
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Rand S. Swenson, DC, MD, PhD
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Alex Vasquez, DC, ND, DO
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Consulting Faculty
- Greg Cramer, DC, PhD (Dean of Research, National University of Health Sciences)
- Claire Johnson, MSEd, DC (Editor: JMPT, JCM, JCH)
- Anna Allen, RN, MSN, CLNC (NCMIC Group)
- Michael Whitmer (NCMIC Group)
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees 2012-2013
- $410.00 - Tuition per credit hour
- $55.00 - Application fee, not refundable
- $75.00 - Reservation fee, not refundable
- $150.00 - Tuition deposit, not refundable
- $37.00 - Technology fee (per semester)
- $47.00 - MS ACP 530 supply fee (Fall 2011)
- $425.00 - MS ACP 720 laboratory fee (Winter 2013)
- $20.00 - Payment plan fee (per semester), optional
- $100.00 - Exam retake fee
- $80.00 - Commencement ceremony fee (Summer 2013)
- 1.5% - Finance charges per month
Payment Plan Option
Pay one-fourth of the tuition prior to the first day of
class and one-fourth each of the next three months due on the same
day of the month as the first day of class. Payment options
include: cash, personal check, money order, cashier's check,
traveler's checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or
financial assistance through financial aid.
Financial Aid
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