As a prospective student, it is sometimes difficult to determine in
which one of the many acupuncture universities or other complementary
medicine schools you'd like to enroll. One of the first things you
should do is make a list of potential contacts for your Oriental
medicine school of choice. The next step is to pursue these contacts
and explore your career training options.
As
you will discover, many acupuncture institutes and other Oriental
medicine colleges typically require some degree of higher education
before students can enroll into academic programs. So, it is important
that applicants acquire official transcripts from previous educational
institutions.
In order to enroll in the MSAOM (Master of Science
in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) degree program at most acupuncture
universities and schools, students must have completed an educational
equivalent to a Bachelor's degree. As well, students pursuing the DAOM
(Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) degree soon learn that
minimum prerequisites include the equivalent of the MSAOM degree.
Now
that you've organized your transcripts, it's time to take a virtual
journey to the many available acupuncture universities and colleges
online. Because the Internet has improved the prevalence of educational
resources, this is a good place to begin. As with any Chinese medicine
school, you will learn there are more than just degree programs
available to you. A matter of fact, a number of acupuncture and
Oriental medicine colleges extend adjunct certificate and/or diploma
programs in Chinese medical massage (Tuina), meridian therapy, herbal
medicine, continuing education, as well as post-graduate courses.
Once
you've chosen your top three school candidates, it's time to determine
your financial need and availability of financial aid resources at the
educational institution of choice. Much like conventional schools,
acupuncture universities frequently participate in tuition assistance
programs like the PELL grant, among other loan options.
After
you've applied for financial aid, filed your transcripts, and submitted
an application to your selected acupuncture school - be prepared for not
only course-intensive programs, but for a whole new concept in modern
and natural healthcare education. Aside from certificate and diploma
courses, students pursuing acupuncture degree programs will be
pleasantly surprised at the wealth of comprehensive knowledge and skills
they will gain. In addition to basic health sciences like anatomy,
physiology, and biology; students enrolled in acupuncture universities
gain in-depth philosophies and studies of TCM (Traditional Chinese
Medicine), acupuncture therapy (and/or auricular-acupuncture), meridian
therapy, moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbology, Tai Chi/Qi Gong,
Eastern bodywork modalities like acupressure, and Chinese medical
terminology, among other associated studies.
Upon completion of
all necessary academics and clinical internship, graduates of
acupuncture programs must take and pass the National Certification
Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam. Once candidates
have successfully achieved certification, they may then apply for
licensure* to practice in their respective State of residence.
