College of Health Sciences

Blazing the Trail for Chiropractic Pediatrics: Master of Science in Integrative Pediatrics Coming Fall 2022

As a leader in integrated health care, Logan is committed to enhancing and advancing the chiropractic profession. The new Master of Science in Integrative Pediatrics program provides high-quality, clinically focused, specialized training for Doctors of Chiropractic who want to take their pediatric knowledge and expertise to a higher level. This degree program blends passion, excellence and leadership and is led by one of the foremost authorities in the specialty of chiropractic pediatrics, Elise Hewitt, DC, DICCP, FICC.

For over three decades, Dr. Hewitt has been treating children in her chiropractic clinic, specializing in the care of infants and young children. In addition, she teaches pediatrics at the post-graduate level, has published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals on the topic of pediatrics, and has been a leader both nationally and internationally for the specialty of pediatric chiropractic care.

“Everything I’ve done professionally, beyond treating patients in my own practice, has focused on increasing access to highquality chiropractic care for infants, children and adolescents, as there are so many who either don’t have access or whose parents are unaware that such care can help children,” Dr. Hewitt said. “Launching this program presents an outstanding opportunity to further this goal.”

Beginning in the fall 2022 trimester, the Master of Science in Integrative Pediatrics degree is a part-time, two-year program hosted primarily online with one in-person practicum per year for hands-on learning. Students will gain a working knowledge and understanding of the anatomy, physiology, neurology and nutritional needs of pediatric patients; deepen manual therapy skills with training in spinal, cranial and extremity techniques specific for pediatric patients of various ages and stages of development; deepen their knowledge of pediatric diagnostic imaging; learn how to manage common and uncommon pediatric health conditions while appraising and assimilating scientific evidence; and dive into management of pediatric sports injuries and extremity conditions.

“Logan is committed to excellence and evidence-based, collaborative care and is honored to progress the chiropractic profession by introducing the country’s first master’s degree in chiropractic pediatrics,” said Clay McDonald, DC (’82), MBA, JD, president of Logan University.

Taught by highly experienced experts in their respective fields, Dr. Hewitt believes the Master of Science in Integrative Pediatrics program shows how much the chiropractic profession has matured over the years.

“Chiropractic now has over 12 specialties, which allows the profession to better support patients needing specialized care,” Dr. Hewitt explained. “Regarding pediatrics, all chiropractors are trained and able to treat children, but this program will allow for greater depth of knowledge and skills in pediatrics for those patients who require such expertise.”

To participate in this program, applicants must have a DC degree and a chiropractic license in good standing. There is a path for international applicants with a DC-equivalent degree as well as a path for current DC students with advanced standing.

“There has never been a master’s level program in chiropractic pediatrics in the U.S. As a result, this program will offer Doctors of Chiropractic who want to specialize in the field of clinical pediatrics a groundbreaking opportunity to not only learn from the best but also to receive a new depth of instruction with university level accreditation, and to graduate with an academic degree that is recognized across professions,” said Dr. Hewitt. “I am excited to see what this program’s graduates will do, how many children they will help and whose lives they will affect in a positive way.”

To learn more about Logan’s Master of Science in Integrative Pediatrics and to apply to the program, scan the QR code at right.

Power. Endurance. Speed. Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning Enrolling for Summer 2022

High-performing athletes deserve the most qualified, well-rounded athletic performance coaches. With a science-based, evidence-informed curriculum, Logan University will add a Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning to its award-winning lineup of degree programs, beginning summer 2022.

Logan’s program is industry driven and developed and led by experienced, active leaders in athletic performance. Upon graduation from this one-year program, students will be prepared to sit for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam—the gold standard in athletic performance.

“We’re working alongside experienced, highly respected coaches in athletic performance, including Dr. Pat Ivey, Scott Bird and Dr. Bryan Mann to develop our curriculum,” said Brittany Ramirez, DC (’15), MS (’18), LAT, ATC, CCSP, program director of Logan’s Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning as well as Master of Science in Sports Science & Rehabilitation and team chiropractor for Mizzou Athletics.

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“Our graduates will be well prepared to apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance—whether that’s conducting sport-specific testing sessions, designing and implementing programs, or providing guidance on nutrition and injury prevention.”

The program is online with a supplementary three-day, in-person Resistance Training & Conditioning weekend lab. Additional courses will cover exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology, program design and more.

“Strength and conditioning coaches work long hours—often 60 hours a week or more—so it’s important that this program is offered online in order to be accessible,” Dr. Ramirez said. “Students can complete the program in one year, meaning they’ll be on their way to advancing their careers sooner than in other similar programs.”

Scott Bird, CSCS, RSCC*E will oversee the field experience courses, which offer hands-on opportunities to immerse students in an athletic performance setting such as in private gyms or high school, collegiate and professional athletics. Scott has more than 30 years of experience implementing strength and conditioning programs for multiple collegiate sports and has participated in 22 championship and bowl experiences.

“The opportunity to acquire an advanced degree in strength and conditioning combined with hands-on experience to apply the knowledge gained is a great way for a student to set themselves up for success in the field,” said Scott. “The field experience courses give students a great head start on being able to combine the science and the art of being a strength and conditioning coach.”

With a projected job growth of 11 percent between 2018 and 2028, Logan-educated strength and conditioning coaches may find careers in high school, collegiate, semiprofessional and professional athletics; training facilities and private gyms; with military and first responders; physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics; education; research and more.

Dr. Ken Leistner Memorial Scholarship Honors Strength Training Legend

In honor of the late Kenneth Evan Leistner, DC (’80), worldrenowned chiropractor and “Strength is absolute. strength and fitness coach— It’s unequivocal. It’s “Dr. Ken” to those who knew him—Logan University has true. Either you have it established the Dr. Ken Leistner or you don’t. You can Memorial Scholarship, which will award $1,000 to one strength call upon it and use it and conditioning student or you cannot.” every trimester. Over five decades, Dr. Ken – Dr. Ken Leistner pioneered a unique brand of high-intensity training, worked and consulted with celebrities and professional athletes, and was a prolific writer and expert in multiple fields. His techniques and philosophy are followed by members of the powerlifting and fitness community to this day, and he is remembered fondly for his uncompromising work ethic and commitment to bettering himself and others.

Dr. Ken’s wife, Kathy, a Big Ten Conference multisport athlete, champion powerlifter and bodybuilder, and Dr. Ken Leistner Taekwando Black Belt holder, and daughter, Bariann, were instrumental in establishing the scholarship.

To donate to the Dr. Ken Leistner Memorial Scholarship and share your memories of Dr. Ken, scan the QR code at right.