BECOME THE MEDICINE

Acupuncture schools in North America offer professional training programs in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. These programs vary in length and intensity, ranging from certificate programs to master's degrees. The curriculum usually covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, Chinese medical theory, diagnostic techniques, and acupuncture treatment techniques.

In the United States, acupuncture schools are typically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Graduate acupuncturists are licensed by the California Acupuncture Board and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). These organizations are responsible for accrediting acupuncture schools and certifying practitioners.

Some well-known acupuncture schools in North America include:

Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine: This school is based in Los Angeles, California and offers four degree programs in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine: a master's degree, an entry-level doctorate , a doctoral completion program for master's graduates, and an Advanced Practice Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a specialty focus in reproductive medicine as well as longevity and healthy aging.

American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine: This school is based in San Francisco and offers a master's degree in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as certificate programs in acupuncture.

Maryland University of Integrative Health: This school offers master's degrees in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as doctoral programs in the field.

Southwest Acupuncture College: This school has campuses in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and offers master's degrees in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as certificate programs in acupuncture.

AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine: This school is based in Austin, Texas and offers a master's degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: This school has multiple campuses in the US, including New York, San Diego, and Chicago. It offers programs in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, including a master's degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

In Canada, acupuncture schools are typically affiliated with the Canadian Register of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CROAM). This organization is responsible for accrediting acupuncture schools and certifying practitioners.

Some well-known acupuncture schools in Canada include:

Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: This school is based in Victoria, British Columbia and offers a four-year program in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

Institute of Traditional Medicine: This school is based in Toronto and offers a three-year program in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as certificate programs in various aspects of the field.

Choosing an acupuncture school for a master's degree in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is a big decision and requires careful research. Here are the steps to help you make an informed choice:

1. Determine your goals and objectives: Decide what you hope to achieve from your education and what kind of practitioner you want to become.
2. Accreditation: Look for schools that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or a similar accrediting body. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain standards for quality and curriculum.
3. Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum offered by the schools you are considering. Look for a program that covers all aspects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, including both theory and practical application.
4. Faculty: Consider the credentials and experience of the faculty members. Are they licensed acupuncturists and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine? Do they have experience in teaching and clinical practice?
5. Clinical experience: Look for schools that provide hands-on training in a clinical setting, as well as opportunities for supervised patient treatment.
6. Location: Consider the location of the school and whether it is convenient for you. You may also want to think about the surrounding community and the availability of resources such as libraries, hospitals, and clinics.
7. Cost: Research the cost of tuition and fees, as well as any additional expenses such as books, supplies, and housing. Determine whether financial aid or scholarships are available.
8. Reputation: Read reviews and speak with alumni and current students to gain insight into the school's reputation and the quality of its programs.

By considering these factors, you can choose an acupuncture school that meets your needs and provides a solid foundation for your career in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Master's Degree Curriculum
A Master's degree in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and eligible to be licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) will generally include the following curriculum:

1. Basic Sciences: Courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and biomedicine provide the foundation for understanding the human body and how acupuncture and Chinese medicine work.
2. Acupuncture Theory: This includes the study of Chinese medical theories such as Yin-Yang, Five Elements, and Zang-Fu organ theory, as well as the principles and techniques of acupuncture, including needling, moxibustion, and cupping. Four authoritative texts are studied: Huang Di Nei Jing, Shanghan Lun, Jin Gui Yao Lue, and Wen Bing Xue
3. Chinese Herbal Medicine: This covers the study of Chinese herbal formulas, including their indications, contraindications, and interactions. Students will also learn about the sources, preparation, and administration of herbal medicines.
4. Diagnostic Techniques: Courses in pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, and other traditional diagnostic methods are included in the curriculum to provide students with the tools to evaluate patients and make informed treatment decisions.
5. Clinical Training: This is a hands-on component of the program that provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a supervised clinical setting. Students will work with patients under the supervision of licensed practitioners and develop their clinical competencies.
6. Ethics and Professional Practice: This includes courses in ethical principles, business practices, and professional responsibilities, as well as training in the laws and regulations that govern the practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
7. Electives: Some programs may offer electives in specialized areas of study such as qigong, fertility and gynecology, or pain management, among others.

The curriculum for a Master's degree in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine should be comprehensive and balanced, preparing students for a successful career in this field. Graduates who have completed an accredited program are eligible to sit for the NCCAOM certification exams as well as the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam which is required to practice acupuncture in California.

By following these steps, you can obtain an acupuncture license in California and practice as a licensed acupuncturist.

1. Education: Complete a master's degree program in acupuncture that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or a similar accrediting body. The program should be four academic years in length and consist of a minimum of 3,000 hours of classroom and clinical instruction (although most programs in California require over 3,300 hours).
2. Passing the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam is a requirement for obtaining an acupuncture license in California, and is an important step in establishing a successful and ethical practice. The California Acupuncture Licensing Exam is a state-specific exam required for obtaining an acupuncture license in California. This exam tests your knowledge and understanding of California acupuncture laws and regulations, as well as ethical and professional standards. The exam is administered by the California Acupuncture Board and is designed to ensure that all acupuncturists practicing in the state have a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical requirements of the profession.
3. Background Check: Complete a fingerprint and background check. The California Acupuncture Board will conduct a criminal background check to ensure that you have not been convicted of any crimes that would disqualify you from practicing acupuncture.
4. Insurance: Obtain liability insurance to protect you against any potential lawsuits.
5. Continuing Education: Complete continuing education courses to maintain your license. California requires licensees to complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education to renew their license every two years.
   

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