A Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) is a nationally recognized advanced credential earned by healthcare providers who demonstrate specialized expertise beyond their core professional degree. Physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, and podiatrists have long used CAQs to validate advanced clinical training and competence in focused disciplines. Now, for the first time, chiropractic joins this elite standard. Through Cleveland University Kansas City, College of Chiropractic and Health Sciences, doctors of chiropractic can earn a CAQ in Advanced Spinal Imaging—a credential that signals elevated training, defensible diagnostic skill, and clinical authority in trauma and complex spine care.

This CAQ is not introductory education. It is an advanced post-graduate qualification available only after successful completion of Trauma and MRI Spine Qualifications, ensuring a rigorous foundation before entry. Once admitted, participants engage in intensive, evidence-based instruction designed to refine diagnostic accuracy, strengthen clinical reasoning, and enhance interdisciplinary communication. Graduates earn the academic distinction of adding “CAQ” after their DC designation—an immediate, visible signal of advanced expertise to attorneys, insurers, medical colleagues, and patients.

The Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Advanced Spinal Imaging validates high-level competency in the interpretation and clinical application of MRI, CT, and advanced radiographic studies. Clinicians are trained to correlate imaging findings with mechanism of injury, neurological presentation, and biomechanical forces. The curriculum emphasizes the identification of traumatic, degenerative, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions, while also recognizing imaging findings associated with concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This integration supports precise, defensible decision-making in both clinical and medico-legal environments.

A defining strength of the program is its focus on clinical triage following trauma. Participants learn to identify red flags requiring urgent referral, differentiate spinal versus neurological symptom generators, and apply validated screening tools for concussion and brain injury assessment. Advanced case analysis demonstrates how imaging findings directly influence triage decisions, referral timing, interdisciplinary coordination, and escalation of care. The result is confident, patient-centered management in acute and subacute injury settings where accuracy and timeliness matter most.

Beyond interpretation, the CAQ strengthens comprehensive patient management and documentation standards. Doctors develop structured reporting methods that improve clarity, establish medical necessity, and enhance legal defensibility. Instruction includes referral strategy, follow-up imaging protocols, collaborative care with neurology and radiology, and risk mitigation throughout the continuum of spine and trauma care. These competencies elevate professional credibility while improving patient safety and outcomes.

Earning the CAQ in Advanced Spinal Imaging signifies more than added education—it represents measurable commitment to excellence, accountability, and evidence-based spine care. In a healthcare environment increasingly focused on specialization, documentation integrity, and outcomes, this credential positions chiropractors at the forefront of advanced imaging interpretation and trauma-informed practice. For doctors committed to clinical mastery and professional distinction, the CAQ sets a new standard in chiropractic healthcare. 

PRE-REQUISITES

1. Trauma Qualified

2. MRI Qualified

CAQ Requirements

 

1. X-Ray Essentials - Grand Rounds  - $300

BUY HERE

Courses credentialed through the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Cleveland University Kansas City, Chiropractic and Health Sciences

identify cervical trauma patterns, subtle instability, and critical red flags—and document them with clarity that stands up in clinical, collaborative, and case-review environments—this training is built for you.

This 6-hour program delivers focused, step-by-step instruction through 3 targeted modules plus a full image review + testing hour, emphasizing the radiographic anatomy and biomechanical interpretation clinicians need to make defensible, outcome-driven decisions.

By the end of this training, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify normal vs. abnormal alignment and joint spacing in the spine and extremities

  • Interpret cervical and thoracic curvature patterns and recognize structural deviations

  • Recognize fractures, ligamentous injury indicators, and instability mechanisms

  • Evaluate upper cervical instability metrics including key interval measurements

  • Identify clinically meaningful findings such as DISH, calcified ligaments, cervical ribs, and more

  • Connect imaging findings to radiculopathy, disc protrusion, biomechanical failure, and outcomes

  • Improve documentation for clinical collaboration, case management, and medical necessity justification

  • Build diagnostic confidence through live image review, testing, and pattern recognition training

 

2. Primary Spine Care 15 - 16 - 17 - 18  $1196

INSTRUCTIONS: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. when purchased to send the courses... 

Courses credentialed through the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Cleveland University Kansas City, Chiropractic and Health Sciences

Each of these 15-hour programs explore 20 physiologically validated methods for age-dating disc pathology and identifying trauma-related sequelae. They provide an in-depth analysis of spinal disc morphology and pathology, with demonstrative documentation of disc bulges, herniations, protrusions, and extrusions. Extensive case presentations on MRI spine interpretation include a focus on various arthropathies and ancillary tumors related to spinal MRIs. Participants gain valuable insights into strategies for collaborating with lawyers, medical doctors, primary care providers, and specialists. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of integrating medical and legal perspectives to enhance patient care and case management. Through detailed instruction and real-world case studies, attendees develop a comprehensive understanding of disc pathology and its implications in clinical and legal settings.

 

3. Spine and Brain Pathology Imaging Findings: Tumors –

Concussion - Infections - $300

Courses credentialed through the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Cleveland University Kansas City, Chiropractic and Health Sciences

Spine and Brain Pathology Imaging Findings: Tumors, Concussion, and Infections is an advanced academic course designed to develop a high-level understanding of neuroimaging and spinal imaging as it relates to critical pathological conditions. The course focuses on the radiologic identification and interpretation of tumors, traumatic brain injury (with emphasis on concussion), and infectious processes affecting the brain and spine. Students will examine key imaging modalities—including MRI, CT, and advanced neuroimaging techniques—to recognize characteristic patterns, red flags, and differentiating features of benign versus malignant tumors, primary versus secondary lesions, and acute versus chronic pathological changes.

 

Module 1 - Tumors Found Ancillary to Spine Imaging

Module 2 - Tumors and Pathologies found in Advanced Spinal Imaging

Module 3 - Concussion and TBI  

Each of these 2 hour programs explore pathological findings found in advanced imaging of the spine, brain and surrounding tissue. they are taught by a Body Oncology-Radiologist, Neuroradiologist and a double boarded vascular neurologist. These is the same level of education taught in the finest medical teaching programs nationally. 

  

4. Mini-Fellowship in Advanced MRI Spine $3000

TAP HERE TO LEARN MORE AND ENROLL

Courses credentialed through the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Cleveland University Kansas City, Chiropractic and Health Sciences

The Mini-Fellowship in Advanced MRI Imaging is an elite, post-credentialing program designed for doctors who have completed MRI Credentialing and are seeking advanced expertise in MRI spine interpretation and neuroradiology. Administered through the Academy of Chiropractic, this hybrid program combines structured online education with intensive one-on-one live training. Participants work directly with Patricia Roche, DO, CAQ (Radiology, Neuroradiology), Associate Professor of Radiology at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook School of Medicine, ensuring training grounded in academic excellence and real-world clinical application. This advanced MRI fellowship supports chiropractors nationwide who are committed to delivering evidence-based spine care and improving diagnostic accuracy in their communities.

Dr. Roche brings exceptional credentials and academic authority to this program. She has presented to medical students, fellows, and national professional societies, including the American Osteopathic College of Radiology, establishing her as a respected leader in neuroradiology education. Her unique understanding of the chiropractic profession—having grown up in a chiropractic family and worked in her father’s office for many years—allows her to bridge the gap between medical radiology and chiropractic clinical practice. This rare perspective enhances interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthens doctors’ credibility when communicating with radiologists, surgeons, and medical providers.

This comprehensive three-part Mini-Fellowship includes 8 hours of personalized live MRI training and awards 42 chiropractic continuing education credits. Credits are recognized by the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Office of Continuing Medical Education, Cleveland University–Kansas City College of Chiropractic, and PACE (Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards). Designed for chiropractors seeking advanced MRI certification and higher-level neuroradiology competence, this program elevates clinical authority, strengthens documentation standards, and enhances professional standing within local healthcare markets.

Part 1: Advanced MRI Research & Clinical Foundations (24 Hours) 

Part 2: Live-Online MRI Image Interpretation & Expert Review (8 Hours) 

Part 3: Published Case Report & Peer Review (10 Hours) 

 

5. Spend a Day With a Spine Specialist in the Medical Field $0

Spending a day with a neuroradiologist, neurologist, pain management specialist, orthopedic surgeon, or neurosurgeon (any medical specialist related to spine) can significantly enhance your understanding of the collaboration process in patient care. While it’s not mandatory, engaging them in one of your cases published in the NIH, if possible, can help solidify your professional relationship with them. Their contribution might be as simple as reviewing images or may extend further, depending on the case. This collaboration not only strengthens your relationship but also fosters a sense of community support for chiropractic care. By showcasing your level of training and expertise, you position yourself as a peer rather than just a technician, helping others better understand the depth of your skills and role in the multidisciplinary team.

6.  Exit Examination

Consistent with all other healthcare disciplines, there will be an exit examination. This examination will be conducted online and will be open book, allowing for computer searches and reference lookups. The purpose of the exit exam is twofold: to validate your knowledge while also serving as a learning experience.

Click Here to Pay the CAQ Application - $1500

Plus the cost of the indivdual courses

Once enrolled, you will have a Cara (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) as your concierge to help you manage courses through completion.

 

Total Cost: Application Fee