Academics
Acupuncture Studies Program
The Acupuncture Studies program leads to a Master of Acupuncture (M. Ac.) degree. The purpose of the Acupuncture Studies program is to prepare professional acupuncture healthcare practitioners who are trained in a broader approach to healing that includes an understanding of mindfulness for both the practitioner and the patient, and that allows the practitioner to focus on the whole-person: body, mind, and spirit. The program incorporates the best of several acupuncture modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element, Traditional Korean Medicine, etc. to better serve the patient.
The 123-credit program is designed to be complete in three years and must be completed within 4.5 years. Students who appear to be having difficulty in completing the program within the allotted time frame will be evaluated to determine if they should continue the program.
The mission of the Acupuncture Studies Program is reflected in Goal 4 of the Institute: To educate students to become qualified acupuncture practitioners who are grounded in a holistic model of healing that includes the ability to diagnose and treat patients using diverse acupuncture techniques and traditions, integrated with compassion, spiritual awareness, and an understanding of meditation techniques.
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Program Goals:
Train effective practitioners of acupuncture who are able to provide for the safety and well-being of themselves and their patients.
Provide the philosophical basis and practical means for the integration of compassion, spirituality and meditation into acupuncture practice and into one’s life.
Teach the underlying theory and philosophy of Oriental medicine according to diverse traditions.
Teach the diagnostic and treatment skills necessary for treating patients according to diverse acupuncture techniques and styles.
Teach the integration of Eastern and Western biomedical theories.
Teach students when and how to make informed and appropriate referrals to physicians and/or to other practitioners.
Teach the scope of acupuncture practice and how to make informed decisions that are in the patient’s best interest.
Teach students when and how to make informed and appropriate referrals to physicians and/or to other practitioners.
Teach the scope of acupuncture practice and how to make informed decisions that are in the patient's best interest.
Teach effective practice management and business skills needed to create the conditions for a successful acupuncture practice.
Teach the specific skills of meditation such as self-awareness, listening ability, focus, clarity and equanimity in order to expand the effectiveness of the acupuncture practitioner.
Educational Objectives
Graduates will be able to:
Practice acupuncture effectively, providing for the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their patients.
Comprehend the philosophical basis and practical means necessary for the integration of compassion, spirituality and meditation into one's acupuncture practice and into one's life.
Demonstrate increased compentency in utilizing the specific skills of meditation such as self-awareness, listening ability, focus, clarity and equanimity as an acupuncture practitioner.
Integrate compassion and spirituality in acupuncture practice and in one’s life.
Comprehend the underlying theory and philosophy of Oriental medicine according to diverse traditions.
Diagnose and treat patients according to diverse acupuncture techniques and styles.
Integrate Eastern and Western biomedical theories.
Make informed and appropriate referrals to physicians and/or to other practitioners.
Comprehend the scope of acupuncture practice and make informed decisions that are in the patient’s best interest.
Utilize meditation as a tool to expand self-awareness in order to become a more effective practitioner.
Pass the national certification examination in acupuncture and qualify for licensure in Pennsylvania.