| Selecting an Acupuncture College | |
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by Cathy Wong
- What is the focus of the curriculum? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has the longest history and is emphasized in most college curriculums. Japanese acupuncture uses abdominal palpation to diagnose and palpation to locate acupuncture points. Needles stimulation is more gentle. Korean acupuncture focuses on needling of the hands. Medical acupuncture is practiced by physicians and other licensed health practitioners and is based on anatomical structures and physiology to treat Western medical diseases.
- Does the curriculum include classes in anatomy, physiology, and pathology? It is important to understand Western medical pathology so that you can communicate with other health care providers, take necessary precautions when treating complicated disease, and know when to refer to a medical doctor or hospital.
- Is the college accredited? This is very important for certification. Only colleges that are accredited or currently applying for accreditation are listed on the About directory of acupuncture colleges.
- What are the required textbooks? A good program will include both traditional texts translated from Chinese and textbooks written by English-speaking acupuncturists. Many theoretical concepts are more easily understood when explained by a native English speaker. One of the most popular textbooks is written by acupuncturist Giovanni Maciocia.
- Are the instructors able to communicate the material well? Try to meet as many instructors as you can. Even the greatest acupuncture doctor will not improve your ability if you cannot understand him or her. This can sometimes be a concern if the instructor can not speak English well.
- Does the curriculum include adjunct therapies? Moxibustion, cupping, electro acupuncture, and auricular acupuncture are examples of adjunct therapies.
- How extensive is the library's collection? Ask about the college library collection of textbooks, videotapes, audiotapes, and journals.
- What are the standards of hygiene in the college clinic? Confirm that the college uses pre-sterilized, disposable needles.
- Is the college clinic busy? Ask how many patients each student sees in the clinic on average. Remember that you are paying tuition to be in the clinic, so be sure that you will be busy. Some rural colleges may have fewer patients.
- What will your involvement in the clinic be? Will you have a chance to assist with office management and learn practice management skills? How many patients will you be treating and how many will you be observing?
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