National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Encyclopedia
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) is a non-profit national and international testing organization for the chiropractic
profession that develops, administers, analyzes, scores, and reports results from various examinations. Examinations are offered twice a year (in the U.S.) to students of CCE
accredited schools. The NBCE maintains its headquarters in Greeley, CO. It was established in 1963 to standardize the licensing requirements as opposed to each state having its own requirements. Since 1963, the majority of states have adopted the passage of parts I,II,III, and IV in lieu of their state boards, but each state typically has its own requirements that must also be met. http://www.nbce.org/directors/directors.html
The NBCE also administers tests in two electives: physiotherapy and acupuncture
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After successful completion of each NBCE exam a "Certificate of Attainment" is given, but practitioners must still meet individual state or international requirements.
There are two tests for post-licensure purposes:
, and the remaining four are considered "at large" and are elected by the board to serve one to three year terms. The board elects officers to fill the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. It is generally categorized as complementary and alternative medicine...
profession that develops, administers, analyzes, scores, and reports results from various examinations. Examinations are offered twice a year (in the U.S.) to students of CCE
Council on Chiropractic Education
The Council on Chiropractic Education is the agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education for accreditation of programs and institutions offering the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. CCE seeks to insure the quality of chiropractic education in the United States by means of accreditation,...
accredited schools. The NBCE maintains its headquarters in Greeley, CO. It was established in 1963 to standardize the licensing requirements as opposed to each state having its own requirements. Since 1963, the majority of states have adopted the passage of parts I,II,III, and IV in lieu of their state boards, but each state typically has its own requirements that must also be met. http://www.nbce.org/directors/directors.html
Examinations
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners provides written and practical examinations that are administered at chiropractic colleges in the United States, Canada, France, and Australia. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners does not promote a particular philosophy but "formulates test plans according to information provided collectively by the chiropractic colleges, the state licensing agencies, field practitioners, subject specialists, and a Job Analysis of Chiropractic."- There are four primary tests for students: http://www.fclb.org/directory/nbce.pdf#search=%22related%3Awww.nbce.org%2F%22
- Part I covers six basic science subjects – general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, and microbiology.
- Part II covers six clinical subjects – general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, principles of chiropractic, chiropractic practice, and associated clinical sciences.
- Part III covers case history, physical examination, neuromusculoskeletal examination, roentgenologic examination, clinical laboratory and special studies examination, diagnosis or clinical impression, chiropractic techniques, supportive techniques and case management.
- Part IV covers x-ray interpretation and diagnosis, chiropractic technique, and case management skills.
The NBCE also administers tests in two electives: physiotherapy and acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of solid, generally thin needles in the body....
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After successful completion of each NBCE exam a "Certificate of Attainment" is given, but practitioners must still meet individual state or international requirements.
There are two tests for post-licensure purposes:
- Special Purposes Examination for Chiropractic (SPEC): This test is to re-assess clinical competency and licensing eligibility in cases involving disciplinary action, reciprocity, and other state board needs.
- NBCE Ethics and Boundaries Examination (NBCE E&B): Assesses the knowledge of ethics and boundaries issues, including ethical misconduct, sexual misconduct and sexual harassment encountered in chiropractic practice.
Board of directors
There are 11 board members. The first five directors come from each of the five U.S. geographic regions. Every three years each region nominates one state board delegate to represent their region on the board. Two directors are appointed by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing BoardsFederation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards was officially chartered in 1926, but used different names in the early years.The FCLB's mission is to maintain high, uniform standards in areas related to chiropractic licensure, regulation, discipline, and education.The annual conference and...
, and the remaining four are considered "at large" and are elected by the board to serve one to three year terms. The board elects officers to fill the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.