"The Chiropractic College Admissions and Curriculum Directory 1990-91"

Edited By: Kevin P. McNamee, D.C.

See pages xx on how to order

In Hollywood, everything appears to be in sequels. If the original proves popular, you know that there will be another whether it's "Rocky," or "Ghostbusters," or the millionth sequel to "Friday the 13th."

Some things are just meant to have sequels, which brings us to The Chiropractic College Admissions and Curriculum Directory 1990-91. Often sequels are not quite as good as the original. Sometimes, however, they are even better -- and so it is with the latest directory.

While the format is essentially the same, the content has been extended with editorial and informational flourishes. The flourishes come in the form of an explanation and history of the chiropractic emblem, a section on how to use the directory, and a graph on the number of applications and acceptances to chiropractic colleges. There is also added information on chiropractic assistant programs and information on colleges and universities that have pre-chiropractic programs.

Apparently, there was some controversy about Sherman and Pennsylvania straight schools being included in the first directory -- especially since they aren't fully accredited to grant the D.C. degree. In other words, SCASA doesn't seem to have the same full academic recognition that the CCE does. The preceding will ruffle some super straight feathers, but it's my personal understanding and conviction and not necessarily that of the author or publisher of the book being reviewed.

No matter -- McNamee has printed an editor's note before both the Pennsylvania and Sherman reviews which states, "It is the philosophy of (school name) that the chiropractor does not offer to diagnose, heal or treat disease, nor does the chiropractor offer advise regarding the treatment of disease." Let's hope that thinking students will avoid institutions that espouse such philosophical nonsense. Those who go anyway deserve what they get.

Each college review has the same format -- the history followed by the prerequisites, and then a breakdown of each trimester. This is in turn followed by general information for the student, combined degree program, application information, student evaluation, chiropractic adjustive technique courses, non-technique electives, student body demographics, research, student clubs and organizations, clinics, and preceptorships.

The book, however, is far more than a directory of the schools. It's a book of information about the profession. The text covers the meaning of chiropractic as well as its history. It also covers everything from financial planning to the accrediting process of our colleges, and from information for high school students and career advisers to a brief discussion of various chiropractic techniques. One of the best chapters was the one covering the questions that prospective students should consider.

It has everything in the right place and succinctly told. It should be in the office of every chiropractor who is serious about the progress of his profession. The directory should also be in the hands of career advisers and legislators, and be accessible to high school and college students. It is something for us to be proud of and should be presented to as many people as possible. If this is the quality of a sequel, I can't wait for Directory III.

RHT