How does that affect my training?   Top  
An interesting part of the changes which affects current and future acupuncture training is in S3.2 of the report which states: “That responsible Authorities work together, and with Australian counterparts, to identify and share best practice principles and arrangements for the accreditation of educational institutions, and programmes, and that the Ministry of Health give further policy consideration to developing a trans-Tasman joint accreditations system for regulated professions.”

What are the Australian standards for acupuncture?   Top
The Australian Guidelines for Traditional Chinese Medicine Education sets down the minimum standards required for acupuncture qualifications in Australia. This month the Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) confirmed that the Australian standard benchmarks for an approved undergraduate (Bachelor degree) are:

• Four academic Years (eight semesters) of full time-study for a single modality (for acupuncture or herbal medicine) or five years (ten semesters) for a dual modality (for Acupuncture and herbal medicine).
• A minimum of 500-800 hours of supervised practical clinical training……. in a face-to-face environment for practical needling skills, diagnostic skills and clinical training.

What is the Chinese standard for acupuncture/TCM?   Top
The Chinese State administration for international education confirms that any 3-year course of study is only to the diploma level for China and that further study is required.

Why do you deliver a 4 year degree?   Top

• With the impending withdrawal of the National Diploma of Acupuncture (NDA) in 2012, NZSATCM looked at developing an acupuncture Bachelor degree to replace it that would meet national and international quality requirements. With this in mind we contacted the AACMA and with their guidance decided to follow the Australian minimum benchmarks as described above.
• We chose to deliver a four year Bachelor qualification rather than a three year degree as we were aware that there was little point in having a qualification that would only be recognised in New Zealand.
• This means that our graduates are able to work in Australia with a four year Bachelor degree qualification that is recognised by the Australian authorities and also under the Lisbon Convention in other countries.
• Although we are not offering specific training for the NDA anymore, our students are able to qualify for this Diploma in Year 3 of the Bachelor course, although we are finding that few are choosing to do so as they see little point in gaining a qualification which is expiring in three years.
• Our four year degree is recognised in the USA enabling graduates to sit the national acupuncture licensure examination.
• The Chinese State administration for international education confirms that 3-years of study is only to the diploma level.

How do you deliver your courses?  Top
Through dynamic team and collaborative learning activities, instead of old-fashioned memorization, you will develop an in-depth understanding of East Asian medicine, as well as a solid foundation in Western biomedicine, so that you are able to communicate, cooperate and collaborate with other health care professionals as part of a patient-centered team. Your education will foster information literacy and the ability to engage in evidence-based practice, preparing you to work independently or to become part of the mainstream complementary and integrative medicine models that are emerging in response to America's health care needs. We call this delivering a 21st century education!

 

How will we as students interact with patients?   Top
Providing patient-centered care requires being mentally attuned to the nuances of the patient-practitioner dynamic. Your training in both Eastern and Western disciplines of mind, including mindfulness, reflective practice, and critical thinking, will provide a set of tools to aid you in making clinical decisions in the best interests of your patients. Our graduates become lifelong learners who's truest teachers are their patient.

Is there a Practice Management part of the course?   Top
A successful acupuncture practice requires an understanding of the business, ethics and legal issues of the acupuncture profession. In the practice management curriculum you will create a comprehensive business plan that will serve as an on-going resource and road map in creating and marketing a successful practice, and also learn about practical issues such as scope of practice, medical record keeping, insurance and billing practices.

What are we to expect as practitioners?    Top
NZSATCM offers a dynamic curriculum, combining extensive hands-on clinical experience, in-depth classroom instruction, and innovative collaborative learning activities. Our graduates have the theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and professional maturity to effectively practice as primary independent Acupuncture providers.

what's the outlook for our profession?   Top
Acupuncture has rapidly gained popularity in New Zealand and the rest of the world over the last 3 decades. With increased public demand and mainstream interest in alternative medicine, the market for skilled acupuncturists is expected to be strong in the coming years.

Where can I work?   Top 
Upon graduation you will be prepared to work either as an independent private practitioner, or as part of an integrative medicine team. Many graduates choose the flexibility of independent private practice, while others work in doctors' offices, physio and osteopathic therapy practices, and interdisciplinary group practices. Our graduates are also ideal candidates for the emerging acupuncture positions in hospitals and health centers we are collaborating with on research basis. Some of our graduates have also obtained positions on international cruise ships.

 

Top