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Program Overview
students in class

Program Overview

This post-professional MS degree is a 100% online degree program with no on-campus requirements. It is designed so physicians can integrate their new knowledge directly into patient care while losing minimal office time completing the program.

Orientation or registration for the program is completed through online portals. Class participation is recorded through online discussion boards. 

Academic Schedule

The MSACP is a two-year program. A total of 36 credits are distributed as follows:

Year 1 – Fall

  • MS ACP 501 – Functional Nutrition in a Clinical Setting (3 credits)
  • MS ACP 511 – Clinical Pharmacology (3 credits)

Year 1 – Spring

  • MS ACP 521 – Research Methodology & Biostatistics (4 credits)
  • MS ACP 531 – Advanced Clinical Laboratory Functional Medicine (2 credits)

Year 1 – Summer

  • MS ACP 541 – Clinical Neurophysiology (3 credits)
  • MS ACP 551 – Clinical Neurology (3 credits)

Year 2 – Fall

  • MS ACP 601 – Clinical Problem Solving for the Primary Care Physician (3 credits)
  • MS ACP 611 – Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Special Populations (3 credits)

Year 2 – Spring

  • MS ACP 621 – Clinical Injectables and IV Functional Nutrition (3 credits)
  • MS ACP 631 – Advanced Clinical Applications in Special Populations (3 credits)

Year 2 – Summer

  • MS ACP 641 – Psychological Issues of Chronic Illness and Disease (2 credits)
  • MS ACP 651 – Independent Research (4 credits)

Part-time enrollment options are available.

MS ACP Course Descriptions

Year 1

MS ACP 501 – Functional Nutrition in a Clinical Setting – Credits 3

The purpose of this course is to develop a detailed understanding of how the underlying metabolic dysfunction in various body systems are interconnected, as well as treatment methods to reduce such dysfunction. We will explore current evidence-based nutritional literature as a foundation for the clinical application of appropriate dietary changes and key nutritional supplements.

MS ACP 511 – Clinical Pharmacology – Credits 3

The purpose of this course is to review common pharmacologic agents utilized in the primary care setting related to various medical diagnoses. Discussion will include an overview of various clinical conditions and the related pharmacologic agents, classifications, mechanisms of action, and appropriate utilizations. Common drug reactions and interactions will be discussed, including interactions with botanicals and other over-the-counter dietary supplements.

MS ACP 521 – Research Methodology and Biostatistics – Credits 4

This course will increase the knowledge regarding critical appraisal of research articles including accessing articles, assessing the research methods and results, and determining potential biases. Emphasis will be placed on preparing students to identify pertinent research findings that may enhance clinical outcomes. The student will learn to write succinct critiques and discuss research articles in a scientific manner.

MS ACP 531 – Advanced Clinical Laboratory Functional Medicine – Credits 2

The purpose of this course is to review common laboratory tests, 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. Also, essential functional lab testing such as heavy metal, organic acid, and salivary/hormonal testing will be presented. This course will also provide an advanced understanding of clinical laboratory medicine through detailed case review and algorithms for medical conditions in which abnormal laboratory values occur.

MS ACP 541 – Clinical Neurophysiology – Credits 3

This course will explore the clinical significance and functional activities of peripheral nerve fibers, the spinal cord, brainstem, and brain in the context of visceral and musculoskeletal disorders. 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 551 – Clinical Neurology – Credits 3

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. This course will focus on 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.

Year 2

MS ACP 601 – Clinical Problem Solving for the Primary Care Physician – Credits 3

The purpose of this course is to enhance comprehensive history taking and regional physical examination skills in the context of common and complex internal disorders. The student will be able to effectively develop an accurate differential diagnosis with consideration of appropriate documentation, diagnostic testing, and follow-up.

MS ACP 611 – Advanced Diagnostic Imaging – Credits 3

The purpose of this course is to study utility and limitations of the various diagnostic imaging modalities, including conventional radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging. The student will also improve their interpretation of diagnostic imaging reports, define effective imaging strategies in specific clinical scenarios, approach an imaging study with greater confidence, and determine referral decisions and prognostic indicators.

MS ACP 621 – Clinical Injectables and IV Functional Nutrition – Credits 3

This course will provide a description of the importance of nutrients that can be injected to prevent, control, and cure certain conditions in patients. It will include a case-based description of the condition and explanation of the technique used by the clinician to administer each nutrient via intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous means. The mechanisms of action of these substances will be discussed.

MS ACP 631 – Advanced Clinical Applications in Special Populations – Credits 3

This course offers an overview of subgroups that have been identified as special populations, such as pediatric and geriatric populations. The main focus will be on common medical concerns in terms of pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and effective integrative treatment strategies.

MS ACP 641 – Psychological Issues of Chronic Illness and Disease – Credits 2

The purpose of this course is to present the ways in which psychological issues influence illness. The course will present information relative to the proper probing for psychosocial areas of concern and understanding 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 through various case studies. 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 651 – Independent Research – Credits 4

This course, as a 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 in relation to a selected clinical case in order to write a case report for publication.

MS ACP Faculty

doctor cambron

Jerrilyn Cambron, DC, MPH, PhD

Dr. Cambron has served as a principal investigator on research studies focused on massage therapy and chiropractic care for over 20 years.

  • Chair, College of Allied Health Sciences and Distance Education
  • Chair, Massage Therapy Program
  • Professor, Research, Basic and Clinical Sciences
  • BS, DC, National College of Chiropractic, 1989, 1991
  • MPH, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1999, 2005
  • MT, National University of Health Sciences, 2006
  • Certified in Public Health

 

doctor roy settergren

Roy Settergren, MD, DC, MSACP

Dr. Settergren’s education in both CAM and allopathic medicine provides him with additional knowledge and a unique perspective that he brings to the classroom.

  • Lecturer, Basic Sciences
  • MD, IUHS School of Medicine
  • DC, MSACP, National University of Health Sciences, 2009, 2012
  • BS, MS, Eastern Illinois University, 2003, 2005

2023-2024:

Tuition: New, repeat, elective – per credit hour: $606.00
Tuition deposit, not refundable: $150.00
Application fee, not refundable: $55.00
Reservation fee, not refundable: $75.00
Technology fee, per trimester: $58.00
Exam retake fee: $100.00
Application fee for readmission (after one calendar year of non-attendance): $25.00

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 the Office of Financial Aid.

Financial Aid
Please contact the financial aid office for additional information or questions at (630) 889-6518 or [email protected].