Chiropractic Assistant
CHIROPRACTIC ASSISTANT TRAINING
Interspersed throughout the program, students will receive training for becoming a Certified Chiropractic Assistant (CCA). These classes prepare therapists to work in a cooperative relationship within a chiropractor’s office. A CCA is required by the state of Arizona for an individual to assist in chiropractic modalities. Graduates from ASIS receive a CCA, with an emphasis in Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, upon completion of the 750 hour Massage Training.
We never know how far reaching something we may think, say, or do today will effect the lives of millions tomorrow.
Dr. B. J. Palmer
According to the Arizona Chiropractic Board:
Only a chiropractic assistant as defined in A.R.S. § 32-900 who assists a chiropractor by performing basic health care duties, shall use the term “chiropractic assistant”.
Historical Note
Adopted effective December 18, 1992 Chiropractic Assistant Training shall complete 24 clock hours of coursework, with a minimum of four hours in each of the following subjects: chiropractic principles, management of common diseases, history taking, recordkeeping, & professional standards
If a chiropractor supervising a C.A. is certified in physiotherapy an additional 12 hours of training in physiotherapy is required.
If a chiropractor supervising a C.A. is certified in acupuncture, an additional 12 hours is required in Asian theory, TCM, and safety.
Scope of Practice
A C.A. may only perform clinical duties that are consistent with a supervising chiropractor’s licensure and certification; and delegated by the supervising chiropractor.
Clinical duties that a chiropractic assistant may perform as directed by the supervising chiropractor under subsection (A) include, but are not limited to: Asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, performing first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the supervising chiropractor with examinations and treatments, and collecting and processing specimens.
Physiotherapy
A chiropractic assistant who meets the education requirements for physiotherapy may administer, under the direct supervision of a chiropractor certified in physiotherapy: Whirlpool treatments, diathermy treatments, electronic galvanization stimulation treatments, ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, traction treatments, transcutaneous nerve stimulation unit treatments, and hot and cold pack treatments.
Acupuncture
A chiropractic assistant that meets the education requirements for acupuncture may prepare and sterilize instruments and may remove acupuncture needles under the direct supervision of a chiropractor certified in acupuncture. An understanding of 5 Element Theory and Traditional Chinese Medicine is recommended.
Chiropractic Assistants Shall Not
A C.A. shall not: Take an x-ray, perform an independent examination, diagnose a patient, determine a regimen of patient care, change the regimen of patient care set by the supervising chiropractor, perform an adjustment, or perform acupuncture by needle insertion.
For more on Arizona Chiropractic Assistant Laws, click here:
The best physicians are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman.
Dr. D. D. Palmer
