Naprapathic Program

Syllabus

The Naprapathic College's syllabus contains information about the program's objectives, its main structure, and the degree it leads to.

Basic data

Scope

240 credits, of which 60 credits are at the corresponding advanced level.

Decision-making body

Education Board.

Language of instruction

Swedish.

Level of education

Post-secondary education, 4 years, full-time.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for higher education.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for higher education.

Program overview

Year 1 - 60 credits

Total credits year 1 at undergraduate level: 60 credits

Year 2 - 60 credits

Total credits year 2 at undergraduate level: 60 credits

Year 3 - 45/15 credits

Total credits year 3 and 4 at undergraduate/advanced level: 45/15 credits

Year 4 - 15/45 credits

Total credits year 4 at undergraduate/advanced level: 15/45 credits

The college reserves the right to make changes to the content, scope, and structure of the education. Such changes may be made, for example, as part of the institution's ongoing quality assurance work, to ensure that the education maintains a high academic and pedagogical standard, or to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.

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© Naprapathögskolan 2025
naprapathogskolan.se
Skandinaviska Naprapathögskolan AB, Stockholm

Learning outcomes according to the Higher Education Act

Objectives for undergraduate level according to the Higher Education Act

Undergraduate education shall essentially be based on the knowledge students acquire in national upper-secondary school programs or equivalent knowledge. However, the government may decide on exceptions regarding artistic education.

Undergraduate education shall develop the students':

  • Ability to make independent and critical assessments
  • Funding
  • Ability to independently identify, formulate, and solve problems
  • Preparedness to meet changes in working life.

Within the field of the study program, students shall, in addition to knowledge and skills, develop the ability to:

  • seek and evaluate knowledge at a scientific level,
  • keep abreast of developments in the field, and
  • exchange knowledge also with persons without specialist knowledge in the field.

Objectives for the second cycle according to the Higher Education Act

Second-cycle studies shall essentially build upon the knowledge students acquire in first-cycle studies or equivalent knowledge. Second-cycle studies shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to first-cycle studies and shall, in addition to what applies to first-cycle studies:

  • further develop the students' ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
  • develop the students' ability to manage complex phenomena, issues, and situations, and
  • develop the students' prerequisites for professional activities that place high demands on independence or for research and development work.

Objectives for the Degree of Master of Naprapathy

The educational objectives encompass knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, as well as evaluative capacity and approach regarding the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of pain conditions and functional disorders in the neuromusculoskeletal system. The objectives are structured around five areas of competence: medical, clinical, professional, health-promoting, and scientific.

Knowledge and understanding

For the Degree of Master of Naprapathy, the student shall:

1

Demonstrate knowledge of the field's scientific basis and insight into current research and development work, as well as knowledge of the relationship between science and proven experience and the significance of this relationship for professional practice.

2

Demonstrate both broad and in-depth knowledge of the body's structure and function, as well as health and disease, with a particular focus on neuromusculoskeletal disorders and pain.

3

Demonstrate an understanding of health conditions in relation to neuromusculoskeletal disorders, grounded in a biopsychosocial perspective, and demonstrate knowledge of naprapathic treatment and rehabilitation from a person-centered approach.

4

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of patient safety in naprapathic care, based on both current knowledge and relevant statutes, ordinances, and regulations.

5

Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as the importance of early preventive interventions when there is a risk of ill health.

6

Demonstrate an understanding of people's varying physical and mental conditions, as well as other societal factors that can affect the health of individuals and groups, and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of considering ethical principles to achieve equitable care and health.

Skills and abilities

For the Degree of Master of Science in Naprapathy, the student shall:

1

Demonstrate an advanced ability to independently manage and create treatment and rehabilitation plans in consultation with the patient, evaluate these in relation to set goals, and, when necessary, refer the patient for further investigation or to another healthcare provider.

2

Demonstrate an advanced ability to independently integrate and apply knowledge in a critical and systematic manner, and to analyze and evaluate complex phenomena, issues, situations, and problems.

3

Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with patients, other healthcare providers, and the community at large, and to document this in accordance with statutes, regulations, and governing documents.

4

Demonstrate the ability to support and contribute to the professional development of others, as well as the ability to be independent in learning and in assessing one's own competence and further development; demonstrate leadership skills and a sense of responsibility for promoting interprofessional work and cross-disciplinary collaboration within healthcare.

5

Demonstrate the ability to initiate and participate in health-oriented work focusing on public health issues, and to utilize the individual's own resources through increased participation, knowledge, and support for health-promoting interventions.

6

Demonstrate an advanced ability to independently and critically examine, assess, acquire, and apply new knowledge in the field of manual medicine on a scientific basis, and to discuss and identify both clinical and scientific problem areas to contribute to the development of the profession and the field of naprapathy.

Judgment and approach‍

To obtain a degree in naprapathy, the student must:

1

Demonstrate an advanced ability to maintain a professional approach based on self-awareness and empathy, with respect for integrity, personal values, and attitudes.

2

Demonstrate the ability to reflect on health and illness from a biopsychosocial perspective, including ethical aspects and principles of equal opportunity and equitable care.

3

Demonstrate the ability to adopt a person-centered approach based on a scientific and humanistic foundation, and to evaluate the benefits, limitations, and potential risks of naprapathic care.

4

Demonstrate a health-promoting approach rooted in a holistic perspective that puts the patient at the center, and show the ability to reflect on sustainable professional practice and potential changes in the workplace.

5

Demonstrate insight into lifelong learning by identifying the need for continuous professional development and taking responsibility for this process.

6

Demonstrate the ability to re-evaluate and challenge established and personal knowledge in relation to knowledge development based on science and proven experience in areas relevant to naprapathy.

Content and structure

An environment that shapes professional therapists

The Naprapathic College aims to provide students with a scientific and professional environment that bridges the gap between research, education, and future careers, while fostering an educational setting that encourages student-active and lifelong learning.

Our objectives encompass core values such as commitment, creativity, a positive social study environment, equality, and sustainable development, alongside resources including functional facilities, learning materials, technical equipment, and information and communication technology. Furthermore, we provide an active research environment that stimulates the student's scientific approach and development. Collaboration with other higher education institutions, industry organizations, and the future professional field is also of great importance. Taken together, these factors influence the conditions for the learning process, which the Naprapathic College is constantly working to maintain and further develop.

Subject areas

The program is structured around six subject areas with naprapathy as the primary focus. It combines knowledge of body function, health, and disease with sports medicine, as well as scientific and professional development.

The program is offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with the final semesters deepening your clinical expertise in naprapathy, health, and sports medicine.

Competency areas

To clarify how the different parts of the program relate to one another, the education is organized into five competency areas that serve as a common thread throughout the program's courses. These are based, among other things, on the seven roles of the CanMEDS competency framework and the associated skills necessary for practicing as a naprapath, which are addressed to develop a professional approach. The development of these competencies and roles runs through and permeates the entire program.

Pedagogy, practice, and progression

Progression in the program

Throughout the entire Naprapathic Program, there is a well-thought-out progression in the form of:

  • broadening, i.e., that students are expected to expand their knowledge, skills, and approaches within different subject areas,
  • deepening regarding knowledge, skills, and approaches, where learning activities and situations increase in complexity and difficulty, placing higher demands on students to be able to integrate knowledge, skills, and approaches, and
  • independence is described as an increasing degree of expected responsibility in relation to teaching and supervision, i.e., the student's ability to take responsibility for their own learning in relation to the learning objectives.

Teaching and learning activities

The program employs various working methods that stimulate student activity, promote deep learning, and encourage collaborative learning. Teaching and learning activities are adapted to the purpose, learning objectives, content, and examination of each course, with a primary focus on problem-based learning. Examples of student- and activity-centered pedagogical methods include strategies based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Two forms of activity-centered methods used in the program are the flipped classroom and team-based learning. Flipped classrooms involve web-based walkthroughs and assignments that students review individually (or in groups) before meeting in the classroom, which frees up time and space for clarification, deeper discussions, and more hands-on work during interactions between students and teachers. Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a teaching method based on active learning and group work. In TBL, discussion is the primary tool and is intended to prepare students to solve problems in their future professional role as naprapaths.

Work-integrated learning (VIL)

Work-integrated learning (VIL) is a collective term for pedagogical models based on collaboration and integration between higher education and working life. Work-integrated learning (VIL) can take the form of clinical placements (VFU), study visits, and observations. VIL/VFU is a central and integrated part of the naprapathy program and is initiated during semester 2. Primarily, VFU is carried out at the university's own patient clinic during semesters 2–6 (undergraduate level), and study visits to professional, licensed naprapaths take place every semester to connect the education to the future profession at an early stage. During semesters 7–8 (advanced level), in addition to the previously mentioned VFU, longer observation periods are conducted with professional, licensed naprapaths and other licensed healthcare providers. This deepened contact with professional naprapaths and practitioners in related professions provides a strong foundation for developing the collaborative skills required of a licensed naprapath.

Examinations

Legally secure assessment and examination within the educational program take place within the framework of each course.

Formative assessments and summative examinations are conducted with a clear connection between learning objectives, teaching and learning activities, and examination (constructive alignment). The student's theoretical knowledge, practical and clinical skills, and analytical abilities are assessed continuously during the study period, where problem-oriented issues are central and characterized by a holistic perspective.

In the theoretical parts of the education, written examinations are the most common form of assessment, but assignments and group work with written and oral presentations also occur. Courses are often examined using combined forms of assessment; for example, mandatory assignments at both group and individual levels may be included in a course that concludes with a theoretical written examination. The practical courses are divided into a theoretical part that is examined in writing, as well as one or more practical partial exams where the student's knowledge, skills, and approach are assessed.

Degree project (independent work)

The core curriculum is based on the educational objectives, but during semesters 4–6, naprapathy students have the opportunity to participate in an elective, independent course worth 7.5 credits. The course is intended to deepen the student's knowledge and competence by providing opportunities for broadening and specialization in research methodology.

Individualized program

To encourage elite athletes to combine their sports activities with their studies, there is an opportunity to apply for an individualized program. This means that the student has the possibility to schedule mandatory teaching within the framework of work-integrated learning (VIL) and other components, such as practical lessons and examinations, based on their athletic commitments. The individual study plan is created in consultation with the responsible director of studies, where the elite athletic commitment is verified by a certificate from the relevant national sports federation under the Swedish Sports Confederation.

Transitional provisions

Other guidelines

A new education plan was implemented in the autumn semester of 2022, which has resulted in several courses being revised regarding their name, scope, and placement. For students resuming their studies after a break, an individual study plan is created in consultation with the responsible director of studies.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is Swedish, but some teaching in English occurs. Literature in both English and Swedish is used.

Grading scale

The grades awarded are Fail (U) or Pass (G). The grading scale is specified in the course syllabus.

Credit transfer

Students may apply for credit transfer for all or part of a course based on previously completed education or professional experience. Applications for credit transfer must be submitted in writing to the responsible Director of Studies. If an application for credit transfer is rejected in whole or in part, the decision must be justified in writing.

Specific entry requirements for courses within the programme

The programme includes specific entry requirements for its courses. These requirements are stated in the course syllabi. In cases where requirements are linked to progression to a higher semester, these are described in the Scandinavian College of Naprapathic Manual Medicine's student handbook.

Guidelines for terminating work-integrated learning

If a student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills, or professional conduct that patient safety or patient trust in the healthcare system is compromised, the examiner may terminate the student's work-integrated learning (VIL) with immediate effect. In such cases, an individual action plan must be established, specifying the components and assessments required before the student is granted the opportunity for a new clinical placement. The number of assessments in the action plan is limited to two. If the student has failed the final possible examination attempt, no action plan shall be established.

Equal treatment plan

Studies within the Study Programme in Naprapathy shall be conducted on equal terms in accordance with the Scandinavian College of Naprapathic Manual Medicine's policy document "Equal rights, obligations, and opportunities."