Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Program Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes

Program Goals

The goals of the acupuncture and Chinese medicine program are to:

1. Build and maintain a team of experts skilled in their fields and capable of transmitting that skill to learners.

2. Provide accredited programs that meet national educational standards and reflect the programs’ unique character as part of a multi-disciplinary university of health sciences.

3. Recruit a student body with the academic skills, maturity, and personal commitment that will help them develop into competent and caring practitioners.

4. Maintain a learning environment and academic standards that will ensure that students acquire the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for the practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in contemporary healthcare environments.

5. Provide clinical training in diverse environments that enables students to gain experience in the practical application of their knowledge and skills.

6. Support the ongoing educational needs of the acupuncture and Chinese medical community through continuing education and advanced programs.

7. Increase public awareness of acupuncture and Chinese medicine by providing community outreach programs and community-based clinical services.

8. Increase the utilization of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in integrative care environments and provide leadership in the advancement of public health and safety.

Program Learning Objectives

Master of Acupuncture
Our students will be able to:

1. Compile all necessary diagnostic data through accurate employment of the Four Examinations and other appropriate examinations.

2. Using the theories of Chinese medicine, develop a diagnosis that is accurate and appropriate for the delivery of acupuncture and/or accessory techniques.

3. Based on the diagnostic findings, develop an effective treatment plan using acupuncture and/or other accessory techniques.

4. Skillfully and safely execute a plan to treat or prevent illness using acupuncture and accessory techniques while complying with current best practices.

5. Assess the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment plan and modify as needed.

6. Apply contemporary professional, ethical and legal standards in care delivery.

7. Recognize emergency situations or situations for which biomedical care or follow-up is needed, and take appropriate action.

8. Demonstrate professional communication skills that are appropriate to all parties involved in the continuum of care.

9. Apply the basic principles of evidence-informed medicine in clinical internships.

10. Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary business models and the ability to establish a clinical practice in a private, integrative or community healthcare setting.

Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (D.Ac)

In addition to Learning Objectives #1-10 above, our D.Ac students will be able to:

11. Using Chinese medical theory and the Four Examinations, develop a diagnosis that has the detail and sophistication necessary to treat or prevent illness with Chinese herbal medicine and dietary therapy.

12. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the properties, functions, dosages, indications, and contraindications of a core list of Chinese herbs and food items.

13. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of combination and formulation of Chinese herbs, focusing on a core list of formulas.

14. Plan and execute a Chinese herbal treatment through the selection of strategy, assignment of formula and diet, and modification of treatment according to the diagnosis and response of the patient.

15. Apply contemporary ethical, legal, quality, and safety practices related to Chinese herbs.