NZSATCM New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

The four-year Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) programme aims to produce primary health care practitioners who use acupuncture to treat patients.

Graduates of the programme have the extensive knowledge, skills and clinical experience in TCM and biomedicine to ensure high standards of competency and safety in the practice of acupuncture.

Graduates are eligible for membership with New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists (NZRA). Members of NZRA are entitled to treat Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) patients and claim a treatment fee from ACC.

The curriculum has five domains:

• TCM theory

• TCM practical

• Biomedical health science

• Professional studies

• Research

With the exception of professional studies, each domain is studied throughout the four years of the programme, to ensure progressive and coherent development of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Courses on professional studies cover the fields of professional ethics, bedside manners and decorum, cultural sensitivity, and patient rights. The courses are delivered towards the end of year one, to prepare students to become clinical assistants in year two, and in year four, to further prepare them for professional practice after graduation.

The first year of study provides the foundation in the required biological, clinical, and professional knowledge and skill base. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of TCM theory, scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and academic writing. Additionally, initiation into the clinics begins through discussions of rules and regulations governing professional behaviour and the running of the clinics; familiarisation with the physical clinical setup and equipment; and exposure to clinical routine procedures.

The second year of study enables students to explore and expand the core knowledge acquired in the first year, and to apply the knowledge in the clinics through clinical observation and assistance. Year two also introduces students to both biomedical and TCM pathology, diagnosis and treatment.

The third year of study reviews students on the various diseases and disorders – their development, diagnosis and treatment both within the biomedical and TCM contexts. Areas of cooperation between the two medical schools of thought are explored. As well as offering consultation and treatment services to patients under the supervision of experienced acupuncture practitioners, students engage in presentation and discussion of clinical cases. They are also required to submit written case reports to their supervisors.

In year four, students continue with clinical training supplemented by courses that prepares them for professional practice. It is also during this year that they are introduced to research principles and methodologies.

Postgraduate Studies

The four-year Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) programme provides a pathway for students to pursue postgraduate studies. Through the School’s affiliation with established TCM universities in China, graduates of the Bachelor programme have the opportunity to undertake Master’s and Doctorate studies at the following partner institutions:

• Southern Medical University in Guangzhou

• Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in Guangzhou

• Hubei University of Chinese Medicine in Wuhan.