Palmer College of Chiropractic West

Clinics

13th Q Program FAQ

These are common questions that students ask regarding the FTP.

• When do I have to have all the required paper work in for the FTP? By the end of 5th week of 12th Q.
• What happens if I do not turn in my paperwork on time? We will attempt to get the doctor approved by the time the program starts but make no guarantees. If we do not have the doctor approved by the end of the quarter, you will be assigned to another in-area office.
• If the doctor has participated in the FTP in the past, do they need to complete a new application? Not if they have participated in the last 12 months. They are however, required to submit a letter of acceptance and forward a copy of their D.C. License, Malpractice declarations page and X-ray certificate to Director at (fax # (408) 944-6093.)
• Is there a list of doctors on the program? No. We can check if there is a particular doctor in the program and if they are active, but there is no list.
• Can I obtain a list of doctors so I can interview them? Probably not. We will not give out a list of local doctors, as this is a promise we’ve made to these doctors when they joined our program. We are more likely to give out names of approved offices in out of area locations.
• Who should I see regarding my assignment or availability of doctors? Dr. Greg Snow. Dr. Snow handles the computer assignments to specific doctors. If you have questions regarding your assignment, potential assignments, would like to further specify your office preferences, or approved out of area offices, please see Dr. Snow on Mondays ONLY from 11:00 – 4:00
• Should I select my own doctor or be assigned? The choice is yours, however it is recommended that you find your own doctor. This gives you an opportunity to interview them and see if it is a good fit and perhaps a post grad opportunity. It is also a good networking tool and assists you in honing your interviewing skills.
• How many hours do I have to be in the office? 180 hours during the quarter, 24 hours min. 35 hours max. per week, excluding lunch and other breaks.
• Can I finish the quarter early? Yes, you need at least 180 hours to graduate. Please make arrangements, beforehand, with the DC if you intend to finish early, be professional.
• Can I start my FTP early? Yes, but you must have permission to do so from the FTP Director first. If you are planning to start one quarter early (or half-quarter), you must follow the policies in the FTP policy and procedures manual. Early participation may NOT be out of area.
• If I start early will those hours count towards my 180 required hours? No. The only hours that count are those done during the regular scheduled 13th Q.
• What is considered out of area? The border for out of area is San Francisco east (through Berkeley) to Concord, south Gilroy, west to Aptos, and north to San Francisco. Anything outside that area is considered “out of area”. You must have all clinic requirements completed to qualify for out of area.
• Can I come to the Thursday class instead of doing the Out of Area assignments? Yes.
• Can I do the Out of Area assignments instead of coming to the Thursday class? No.
• I don’t have all my clinic requirements, can I still participate in the 13th Q? Yes, you must complete 75% of all clinic requirements in order to be eligible to register for 13th Q and participate in the Field Training Program. If you fail to meet the 75% requirement, you must take the clinic elective until you’ve done so. Appeals may be made to the Clinic Standards Committee via Dr. Snow.
• What happens if I don’t have 180 hours at the end of my FTP? You do NOT get your diploma until you’ve completed 180 hours. Therefore, keep your time sheet up to date and retain a copy for your own file as proof of hours worked. Make sure that the time sheet is signed by either office staff or the doctor to verify your hours.
• Can I be an intern in more than one office? No.
• Can there be more that one intern in one office? Yes, a Preceptor (licensed doctor of chiropractic) may have up to two (2) interns in their office at a time, regardless of how many doctors work there. The two-intern limit applies to both 13th quarter and post grad interns from ALL colleges that would be in the office at the same time.
• Can I get paid from the doctor or clinic? No compensation can be received for 13th Q. If this is violated your hours worked will be void. You will be considered an employee of that office and the college’s malpractice policy will not cover your actions. You may also be guilty of practicing without a license.
• If I stay on for a postgraduate preceptorship program in the office where I did my FTP, do I have to pay the quarterly $150.00 registration fee? Yes, however, the preceptor (licensed doctor) does not have to pay the $50 application fee.
• Who receives the Midterm and Final reports? Those reports must be turned in to Dr. DeWet by the due date. Failure to do so may result in an incomplete grade for the course and no diploma at graduation. Ask your doctor to complete and submit them in a timely fashion to ensure you receive your diploma at graduation.
• If I don’t like the office I am in, can I change? Yes, provide a typed explanation as to the reasons you are requesting a change. An attempt will be made to locate an alternative office. The later in the quarter this request is made, the more difficult this process will be. Try to resolve any issues with the doctor before reaching this step.
• Some students say that all they do is soft tissue work, is that true? The FTP is intended to provide the student with a well-rounded experience in the operation of a Chiropractic office. Patient treatment is certainly one aspect, but should not dominate your time. Before starting with the doctor discuss his/her and your expectations for the program and ask him/her to set out a schedule where you will be exposed to the multiple facets of practice. You have a hand out summarizing the seven subjects that should be covered. Communicate with you doctor the things you want to learn and your expectations for your FTP.
• I want to do my FTP outside the State of California, what do I need to know? Every state is unique. Some states are “observation only” and this means different things in different states. Others require that the FTP be approved by the state. Some states have very different rules than California so check with the FTP director before inquiring with a perspective doctor. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to become aware of, and adhere to, the rules and regulations of the state/province in which you chose to do your FTP.
• Can I go to another country outside the US or Canada for 13th Q? Generally, no; however, there have been a few situations where these types of assignments are approved providing Chiropractic is regulated in the country and covered by the college’s malpractice insurance. If you wish to do your FTP in a country other than the US or Canada, please see the Program Director well in advance of your 13th Q.

The FTP is a unique opportunity to become involved in an office before being licensed, make the most of it.

If there are any other questions that should be on this list, please contact the director in room 315 or (408) 944-6036. Thank you for your input.

For more information, please contact us at field.training@palmer.edu