The Master of Science in Oriental Medicine four-year program equips students with the knowledge they need to practice both as a professional acupuncturist and as an Oriental Medicine practitioner. An Oriental Medicine practitioner uses Traditional Chinese Medicine styles of treatment (ie. acupuncture, cupping) as well as Chinese herbal formulas when working with patients.
The program consists of 160 credit hours which are completed over the course of ten trimesters.
Students are educated thoroughly in the theory and practice of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which includes instruction in twelve core curriculum:
- History of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
- Basic Theory of Oriental Medicine
- Acupuncture, Point Location, and Channel (Meridian) Theory
- Diagnostic Skills
- Treatment Planning in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
- Treatment Techniques
- Equipment Safety
- Counseling and Communication Skills
- Biomedical Clinical Sciences
- Clinical Training
- Oriental Herbal Studies
- Oriental Medicine Modalities
During their four years of training, students will be actively involved in the clinical observation and care of patients at the internship clinic. During their first year, students will spend a minimum of 150 hours observing acupuncturists and/or senior student interns who are performing acupuncture and/or Oriental Medicine at the internship clinic. During the second, third, and fourth years of training, students complete their residency which consists of participating in a minimum of 700 hours of supervised care of patients. Each student graduating with their Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree will provide a minimum of 350 treatments to patients in the clinic.
Upon completion of the mandatory course credits and residency requirements, students will be eligible for graduation. After graduation, students will be able to sit for the acupuncture licensure exam in the state in which they plan to practice. Upon passing they will be able to independently perform the following techniques:
- Acupuncture
- Electro-acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Cupping
- Herbal medicine formulation
- Herbal medicine diagnosis & administration