International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC)

Below is all the information about the highly-acclaimed and exclusive International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC). Sports Chiropractors must complete their ICSC before being selected to provide care at Sporting Federation Games.

There is three pathways to being ICSC certified.

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Pathway 1 - Full ICSC learning

The International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC) program offers an individual chiropractor the credentials required to work at FICS events worldwide. It is the minimum qualification required to be part of a FICS chiropractic delegation at regional sporting events and international events such as The World Games or Olympics. 

Eligibility: In order to apply for the ICSC, you must fulfil the following criteria:

  1. Be a qualified chiropractor from a qualified chiropractic graduate from a CCEI or CCE-recognised/accredited institution. Click here for accredited programs. 
  2. Undergraduate students in or entering their final year can complete the hands-on seminars and the online learning component of the course.

To achieve the ICSC accreditation**

  1. Hands-on seminars – Each of the upper and lower extremity seminars is approximately 20 hours. The seminars include the treatment of common sports injuries, joint assessment and manipulation, soft-tissue applications, review of head injuries in sports, and taping. 
  2. ICSC online learning – The eLS consists of ten modules. There are quizzes and a final exam which has a pass mark of  90% 
  3. Working with athletes –  You will be required to provide evidence of experience working with athletes in a sporting setting via a logbook, a letter from a high-performance team coach/administrator, or a written case study. For classification purposes: Working with a team of 10-year-old soccer children is NOT considered high performance. Working with a secondary school or club team that competes against other club teams to improve their ranks in a league, etc., counts as high performance.
    The professional clinical experience must be completed after you have graduated as a chiropractor. 
  4. CPR You must provide evidence of having completed a CPR qualification within the last two years.
  5. Degree evidence Your application completion submission must have evidence of your chiropractic degree and also license to practice.

 **Chiropractors with ICCSP/ ICCSD who would like to update their certification to ISCS, refer to information in pathway 3 for more details. 

** Ref the postdoctoral recognition section for information on expedited certification. 

Pathway 1: In this short 2 minute video, Dr Christine Foss, will take you through the ICSC online learning modules and what is contained in this portion of the ICSC certification. This part of the training is completed on the FICS online learning platform. To purchase these courses go to the shop bundles.

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Pathway 2 - Expedited Process

Members who hold a postdoctoral sports-specific chiropractic degree are considered for expedited certification. 

“⚡️ Fast-track your ICSC certification! Holders of postdoctoral sports-specific chiropractic degrees get expedited consideration.

🎓 Submit credentials for review if you have sports-specific chiropractic accreditation. FICS recognition demands expertise in athlete treatment, injury assessment, concussion protocols, head trauma, facial injury assessment, and sports injury care and imaging.

🤔 Not sure if your degree qualifies? 📧 Send your degree and transcript to admin@ficsport.org for assistance.

The expedited process ensures a swift and seamless path to ICSC recognition for qualified doctors. 🏆 #ChiropracticExcellence”

Therefore, to qualify for the ICSC, doctors will be required to complete three learning components:

  • FICS Upper Extremity Live Hands-on Module Seminar
  • FICS Module ICSC09 (Cultural Diversity); and
  • FICS Module ICSC10 (International Sports Chiropractic)

## From 1 June 2024, all the postdoctoral degrees FICS recognise are to be remapped to the changes within the ICSC and this track may also require the completion of the Lower Extremity Hands-on Seminar. 

## How is the Upper extremity course different from the one I recently completed with the CCSP program? The upper limb e-learning module provides detailed information on particular injuries, mechanisms of injury, prevalence, research, and grading scales. This lays the foundational work that the hands-on module builds on. The hands-on module is the capstone of the ICSC online learning content.

Additional evidence required at the time of completion: 

  • CPR or equivalent credentials – not more than two years old;
  • A copy of your transcript or diploma from your accredited chiropractic institution;
  • Current chiropractic license and copy of your diploma.
  • Evidence working with athletes

**The acceptable master’s program for advanced standing is sports medicine. The Masters in Exercise and Sport Science degree DOES NOT qualify. The missing curriculum is sports injury assessment of the upper and lower limb, emergency care of the athlete concussion, and imaging of the athlete.

FICS acknowledges the following to expedite ICSC requirements**

  • Masters of Sports Science and Rehabilitation degree
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Science (Canada)
  • Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (USA)
  • DACBSP® – American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (USA)
  • Diplomate in Sports Chiropractic (USA)
  • IFEC Sports Chiropractic Program (France)

 

Pathway 3 - ICCSD - ICCSP Holders

🌟 International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC) 2019 – Present:

The birth of ICSC marked a milestone, streamlining the certification process and mitigating trademark challenges. As a wholly-owned FICS certification, ICSC empowers Sports Chiropractors to offer care at International Federated Games. The entire e-learning program resides within the FICS environment, guaranteeing real-time updates for best practices without the need for name changes.

For ICCSD and ICCSP holders aspiring to embrace ICSC, a transformative journey awaits. 

Transitioning from ICCSD/ICCSP to ICSC:

Pathway 3.1   –    ICCSD/ICCSP (less than <8 years since completion) complete three online learning components to qualify:

  • FICS Module ICSC01 (Head Injuries in Sport)
  • FICS Module ICSC04 (Emergency Procedures)
  • FICS Module ICSC10 (International Sports Chiropractic)

Pathway 3.2   –    ICCSD/ICCSP (greater than >8 years since completion)

Attending hands-on seminars is mandatory to update and enhance your current knowledge and skills, where various online learning updates will be integrated to keep you up-to-date.

  • Hands-on seminar – Upper Extremity Seminars
  • Hands-on seminar – Lower Extremity Seminars
  • Online learning – ICSC09 – Cultural Diversity

Discounts for ICCSD/ICCSP apply to the seminars as an incentive to update. Reach out to admin@ficsport.org to allow registration at the student rate for ICSC hands-on educational seminars.

🌟 Additional Requirements at Completion:

  • CPR or equivalent credentials (within two years)
  • Current chiropractic license
  • Copy of ICCSD or ICCSP
  • Evidence of experience working with athlete

  

    Experience the ICSC journey and redefine your sports chiropractic legacy! 🌟 #ICSCExcellence #FICSJourney 🚀

    Evolution of Excellence: Pathway 3 – ICCSD to ICSC 🌐

    🔍 International Chiropractic Sports Diploma (ICCSD) 2002-2016:

    • Born out of the global need for a recognised certification, FICS crafted the ICCSD as a pivotal educational tool, especially in countries without a national sports organisation. This accreditation has stood the test of time, remaining a cornerstone in chiropractic education.

    🔄 International Chiropractic in Sports Practitioner (ICCSP) 2016-2019:

    • Responding to the dynamic landscape, FICS evolved the ICCSD in 2016, adapting content and transitioning to an online format. This update ensured that the accreditation stayed current, meeting the ever-changing demands of sports chiropractic practice.

    🌟 Embark on Your Journey to Sports Chiropractic Excellence! 🚀

    👀 Now is the Perfect Time to Dive In: Seize the moment and step into the world of certified sports chiropractic! 🏆 Explore our program and kickstart your journey to becoming an International sports chiropractor. Join us at The World Games China in 2025.

      🎓 Accredited Sports Chiropractic Schools: To unlock the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC) with FICS, you need to be a graduate of an accredited chiropractic program or in your final year of study.

      🔗 Click here for accredited Programs registered with CCEI

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      ICSC Delivery Methods

      🚀 Embark on Your Learning Adventure! 🌐

      💡 Online Learning (eLS): ELS_ICSC_Asynchronous_Moudles_Education Learning Objectivies_20230301

      • Unleash the power of flexibility!
      • 🌟 Dive into our revolutionary eLS program, where YOU set the pace.
      • 🏁 Sign up anytime and conquer the modules in YOUR preferred order.
      • Each online module comes with a section exam to validate your learning. 

      💪 Hands-on Seminars: HOM_UE & LE Hands On Seminars_Education Learning Objectivies

      • Brace yourself for a transformative journey with the masters!
      • 🌍 Our internationally renowned Sports Chiropractors, seasoned in treating athletes at global events, are here to guide you.
      • 🏆 FICS orchestrates an exhilarating lineup of ten seminars annually, reaching every corner of the globe through partnerships with NCSCs.
      • 🤝 Immerse yourself in the future of learning with a dynamic hybrid approach – theory online, hands-on excitement worldwide
      • 🤝Theory section is five short modules taken before the hands-on portion of the seminar. The theory has a very short section exam at the end of each module to validate your learning. 

      🌟 Seamless Mastery, No Finals Required! 🎓

      🚀 Forget the stress of finals!

      🌐 At FICS, we’ve redefined the learning experience. No final exams are needed because your knowledge journey is validated with each completed module.

      📚 Dive into a hassle-free path to mastery, where every module conquered is a step closer to expertise. 🏆 You build on your knowledge, one module at a time! 🌟

      #NoStressLearning #FICSExcellence 🚀 🌐 #FICSAdventures #ChiroExcellence 🚀

      ICSC Program Cost

      💳 Payment Information:

      • FICS use Stripe Financial services for credit card payments in Swiss Franc (CHF).
      • A 1.3% surcharge is applied to cover credit card fees, in addition to the course fee.

      🏦 Bank Wonders:

      • Prefer the classic route? Unleash the power of direct bank transfer! 📧 Simply shoot us a message at admin@ficsport.org for an invoice and embark on your transformative journey.

      🎁 Shop & Save:

      • Unlock exclusive member discounts in the “members benefits” section of your learning dashboard to pick up a 20% coupon off online learning modules.
      • For seminars and events, you can register directly at the member’s rate.

        💻 Online Learning:

        • 10 modules priced at 2,500.00 CHF.
        • Cost-effective bundles available for 500.00 CHF per group of two courses.
        • Members coupon 20% available in your learning dashboard “membership benefits.”

        👐 Hands-on Seminars:

        • Upper and Lower Extremity Seminars starts at 550.00 CHF.
        • Seminar pricing varies by location and hosting country.

        🚀 Expedite Pathway:

        • Follow the postdoctoral recognition process

        🎓 Student Discounts:

        • Students get a 20% discount on online learning (contact FICS or Student Commission for a code).
        • Special student prices for hands-on seminars are available within the event registration; proof of enrollment is required.

        🎓 Final payment

        • 65.00 CHF administrative fee due at the final review.
        Working with Athletes Requirements

        ***Evidence of working with Athletes.

        Showcasing your ability to collaborate with a diverse athlete base is crucial, extending beyond the routine care of a singular athlete or those you regularly engage with in your day-to-day practice.

        The significance lies in your preparedness for international events, where you’ll be engaging with athletes from various backgrounds, potentially unfamiliar to you. Furthermore, these events often occur in bustling, multi-display environments, diverging from the serene setting of your typical at-home practice.

        As such, the content in this section highlights your experience in navigating a spectrum of athletes and underscores your adaptability to varied treatment approaches.

        Professional experience – You can choose to demonstrate your practical experience working with athletes via one of two options.

        1. Documenting at least 50 different athletic injuries and treatments. If you choose this method of demonstrating professional experience, you can download the template spreadsheet here:  Download a copy of the Clinical Experience templateIt’s essential to have records of at least 50 different athletes’ injuries and treatments.
        2. Provide a letter in English on a letterhead from a high‐performance team coach/administrator confirming that you have been their team chiropractor for at least one entire season. High performance implies the team you are working with is competitive. Ref below for the requirements of the letter. For classification purposes: Working with a team of 10‐year‐old soccer children is NOT considered high performance; However, working with a secondary school or club team that competes against other club teams to improve their ranks in a league is considered high performance.

        The below example is for a letter outlining your practical experience with athletes.

        It is essential that you have worked with athletes in the field. Working with athletes in your clinic, contact our Education Commission Chair for a discussion on your particular experience or email admin@ficsport.org, and we will pass this on for a ruling. 

        Please consider the following if you provide a letter for your Evidence instead of a training log.

        1. Format: All letters MUST be in English 
        2. Letterhead: The letter must be on a club or professional letterhead to match the club or person providing the reference. The athlete must list their full name, sport, and contact details if the letter is from an athlete.
        3. Team level: Example: National, State, Local) and sport/s.
        4. Service period and outline of duration (Example: 2021 season, covering training twice a week and game days = on average xxx hours per week.)
        5. Athletes: Range of athletes you have provided care for. It is important to demonstrates your capacity to work with a diverse athlete base, as opposed to only one athlete you regularly care for. The rationale behind this is that, when working at international events, you’ll encounter a wide range of athletes from diverse backgrounds with whom you may not be familiar. Therefore, the evidence in this section emphasises the doctor’s exposure to a variety of athletes and potential treatment approaches.
        6. Your skills: To include your teamwork skills;
          roles and responsibilities;
          communication with athletes; and
          position within the team (for example, only Chiropractor or working in a team of XX with another Chiropractor, Physio, Doctor etc.).
        7. Contact details include the person’s contact details to verify the letter and provide additional follow-up if required.

        Don’t forget to get the letter signed and include the total amount of hours your service for the club covered.

        Below is an EXAMPLE ONLY: Please ensure all fields are included in your submission letter to avoid delay in processing your evidence. 

        preferably letterhead if from a club.
        Date
        Person Name signing the letter
        Position
        Full clubs name
        Contact details. An email will suffice.

        This letter is to confirm that (Your Name) worked on the (Type of sport) medical team for the (event). Dr (your name) was an integral part of the team that worked on the professional  (sport) athletes. Dr (your name)  demonstrated professionalism, a strong work ethic and an excellent bedside manner and skill set in working in a multi-disciplinary medical tent.

        Event
        Full name and dates of any events relevant to your letter of support.

        Athletes Care: It’s essential to have records of at least 50 different athletes’ injuries and treatments. This demonstrates your capacity to work with a diverse athlete base, as opposed to only one athlete you regularly care for. The rationale behind this is that, when working at international events, you’ll encounter a wide range of athletes from diverse backgrounds with whom you may not be familiar. Therefore, the evidence in this section emphasises the doctor’s exposure to a variety of athletes and potential treatment approaches.

        Job Responsibilities

        • List whether you were a member of the team of multi-disciplinary professional health or the sole medical staff member providing care for a participant athlete/s
        • List all job responsibilities you had for the event referred to in this letter of support.

        Treatment options include:

        • Specific Chiropractic spinal and extremity manipulations
        • Soft tissue treatment including Graston instrument-assisted mobilization active release therapy
        • Passive, active and resisted stretches and PNF Cryotherapy
        • Kinesiology taping
        • Soft tissue myofascial release therapies Mechanical soft tissue release

        It must be signed by the person submitting the letter, with their email address to allow verification and follow up. 

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        ICSC - Get started today

        Time is of the Essence:

        • All requirements must be completed within three years from the start of your first modules.
        • Life happens, we get it. Extensions can be considered for those unpredictable twists. Please reach out. 

        🌐 Flexible Path to ICSC: No rigid order here! 🔄 All courses and seminars are listed in the FICS SHOP

          1. Register for online learning
          2. Check out the seminar schedule to plan your hands-on experience.
          3. Dive into recording your athlete hours, with options like the FICS clinical experience spreadsheet or a letter from the sporting team. You can also showcase your expertise through a captivating case study.

        🏆 Clinical Experience is Key:

        • Ensure your readiness for ICSC certification by maintaining records of at least 50 diverse athletes’ injuries and treatments, showcasing your versatility in sports chiropractic care beyond routine individual cases.

        🌍 Hands-On Seminars – Explore Locations:

        • Adventure awaits! Explore the FICS Shop for locations that align with your journey.

        📧 Get in Touch – We’re Here for You!

        • FICS admin,  based in Australia, is ready to hear from you. 🌟 Expect email acknowledgments within 48 working hours. Contact us at admin@ficsport.org.

        🚀 Your ICSC Adventure Begins – Let’s Create Your Sports Chiropractic Legacy! #ICSCAdventure #FICSGuidance 🌐

        ICSC - Completion Documentation
        Once you have all your evidence together, it’s time to send this to us via email admin@ficsport.org. FICS will undertake the necessary checks and verification of your evidence. Please allow up to three-four working weeks for a ruling.

        Pathway 1 – Full course documents: 

        1. Download and save your els digital completion certificates for each module.
        2. Attach a copy of your upper and lower seminar completion certificates.
        3. Your practical experience working with athletes. ****Ref format notes in the example provided. 
        4. Provide a copy of current certification in CPR or equivalent credentials in emergency procedures – not more than two years old.
        5. Copy of transcript or diploma from a CCEI accredited chiropractic institution.
        6. Current chiropractic license/registration

        Pathway 2 – Expedited process documents:

        • ICSC E-Learning –  Module ICSC09 & ICSC10
        • ICSC Seminar – Upper Extremity Seminar
        • Evidence of your practical experience working with athletes
        • CPR or equivalent credentials – not more than two years old;
        • A copy of transcript or diploma from your accredited chiropractic institution;
        • Current chiropractic license and copy of your diploma.

        Pathway 3 – Update from ICCSD or ICCSP documents:

        • ICSC E-Learning –  Module ICSC01, ICSC04, ICSC10
        • Evidence of your practical experience working with athletes
        • CPR or equivalent credentials – not more than two years old;
        • Copy of your ICCSD or ICCSP
        • Current chiropractic license and copy of your diploma.
        ICSC - Frequently asked questions
        Student discount: Students can reach out to FICS to apply for a discount on the eLS. The hands-on seminars all have student prices advertised at the time of registration. Students will be required to provide evidence that they are enrolled student in a chiropractic program and in their last year of study or within the first year of graduation. 

        Do I need a Textbook? The required textbook for the eLS is no longer necessary. The eLS system presents the latest and current information. Online learning caters to the individual learning styles and allows FICS the ability to continue to build on our learning platforms catering to the diverse membership. It will enable FICS to update information as new research comes to light and introduce different tools and resources for language functions and hear audio translations.    

        Do I need an ICSC to participate on a FICS sports chiropractic team at an international event? Yes, you need to have an ICSC and be a member of FICS to be selected for a FICS team working at International games. This is necessary to assure the games organisers and the athletes that all doctors on the team are properly qualified and experienced, and to promote the professionalism and future of sports chiropractic. 

        Why do I need to do the modules above if I already hold a postdoctoral degree?
        A review of the expedited process has taken place to ensure we are providing US doctors holding their CCSP the complete educational content in their quest for the ICSC certification. This review considered the educational differences between the CCSP and ICSC and the best pathway for doctors to gain all needed content to cover an international certification.  The Upper Extremity Live Hands-on Module course provides a thorough update of the current concussion protocols as well as other topics needed to bridge the needed content. Therefore, Beginning January 1, 2022, doctors will be required to complete the Upper Extremity Live Hands-on Module Couse as well as Module ICSC10 (International Sports Chiropractic) to qualify for the ICSC.  At the time of registration for the Upper Extremity course, doctors will automatically be given ICSC10 for no extra charge. We look forward to you joining us on the field!

        Why do I need to do the head injury module every two years?
        The study of the effects of head injuries is continually evolving. As we all know, a concussion is common in many sports and recreational activities. If you have completed a head injury module in the last two years, you may apply for advanced standing of this module. If you are using research papers as part of your evidence, papers on impact exposure only do not satisfy the full scope of a head injury review. Research papers need to show an understanding of the assessment of and prolonged symptoms and cognitive deficits in the short term and depression and cumulative deterioration in brain function in the longer term.

        Reach out to us at admin@ficsport.org if you have further questions. We look forward to assisting you and getting you started on your journey.

        Continual Education Credits

        🌐 Continuing Education (CE) in Sports Chiropractic! 📚  Why CE is Essential:

        Known as CE/CPD/CEU, is a prerequisite for Sports Chiropractors at international games, ensuring continuous growth, current knowledge, and expanded networks throughout your career.

        📝 Local Recognition and Certificates:

        Gain approval for CE credits for your local chiropractic license with certificates of completion provided for all  FICS courses, listing learning hours.

        Many National Council Sports Chiropractors (NCSC) are working with their local governing body to gain the recognition of FICS seminars and courses. We would encourage you to contact your local NCSC as the first point of contact to enquire what the process is within your country. Some countries have a self-assessment requirement and will provide you with the necessary application to fill in to apply for CE credits.

        🌍 Global Recognition and Partnerships:

        FICS is forming partnerships worldwide to help you meet CE requirements. Stay tuned on social media and this page for updates as we expand our network. Reach out if you have contacts in your country to open up a conversation.

        United States Special Opportunity:

        • In partnership with US universities, FICS will offer CE credits in select states. These will be advertised on the seminar at the time of registration. 

        🤝 Partnerships with Institutions:

        • In collaboration with Northeast College and Life University, we are paving the way for CE credits in several states. Additionally, the most up-to-date listing will always be posted on their website https://ce.northeastcollege.edu/courses/browse/ Search Keyword FICS

        🌍 European Chiropractic Union (ECU) Recognition:

        • The FICS ICSC Program and seminars is recognised by ECU for Continuing Professional Development, earning CE credits for each course element.
        Not a member? Join FICS

        🌐 Unlock FICS Membership – Two Paths Await! 🚀

        🌍 Join Through Your NCSC:

        • Amplify your FICS journey by joining your local National Council Sports Chiropractic (NCSC). By becoming a member, you seamlessly unlock FICS membership benefits. Gain access to local events at NCSC rates, expanding your network within your region.

        🤝 The Power of Local Connection:

        • Consider the synergy of joining your NCSC first – a gateway to both local and global membership perks. Strengthen your ties with local colleagues while enjoying the full spectrum of FICS benefits.

        💼 Individual Membership:

        • Join FICS directly for CHF 125.00 and step into a global community of sports chiropractors. Enjoy exclusive benefits and direct access to FICS events and resources. : Download application form 

        🌟 Empower Your Global Network – Choose Your FICS Membership Path! #FICSMembership #GlobalNetwork 🌐