Graduate Programs in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
The ancient and dynamic healthcare modality known as Oriental medicine is both an art and science. Becoming a competent and confident practitioner is a multifaceted process that involves understanding theoretical concepts, learning by doing, integrating theory with practice, and working closely with seasoned practitioners
NYCC offers two master's degree programs that prepare students for professional practice as licensed acupuncturists'the Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) and the Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSA). Though similar, these programs differ in one key respect: while both programs provide comprehensive training in acupuncture and related modalities, the MSAOM also encompasses the complex practice of Chinese herbal medicine
For qualified students who meet NYCC's 90-credit entrance requirement but lack a bachelor's degree, NYCC also offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies option
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine The MSAOM program provides rigorous training in Oriental medicine with a primary focus on the practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The 163 credit (2,985 contact-hour), nine-trimester program covers the history, theory and philosophy of Oriental medicine, as well as various Oriental medicine modalities including tuina, qigong, moxibustion, Chinese dietary therapy, and acupressure. Students also study Western sciences and biomedicine to develop the skills and understanding necessary for collaborative medical practice within hospitals and health centers, learn how to manage a practice, and gain understanding of scientific research in the field. The program is designed to provide a thorough grounding in classical Chinese medicine theory and practice, including five-element theory and the eight principles,as well as more modern Oriental medicine techniques
A hallmark of the MSAOM program is its extensive clinical training. The training includes practical skills instruction and clinical observation, followed by a year-long clinical internship during which student-interns treat patients in a variety of clinical settings under the guidance of expert practitioners. As students progress through the internship phase, they assume increasing levels of responsibility for patient care, and ultimately learn how to practice as independent healthcare providers
The MSAOM program is ideal for students who are interested in a comprehensive education in the field of Oriental medicine that includes Chinese herbal medicine, or who plan to apply for licensure in a state that requires training in herbal medicine
Master of Science in Acupuncture The 122-credit (2,250 contact-hour), eight-trimester MSA program covers the same subject areas as the MSAOM program, with the exception of Chinese herbal medicine. This program is ideal for healthcare practitioners (such as chiropractors, physicians, nurses, and physical therapists) and others who wish to study Oriental medicine comprehensively and become licensed practitioners, but who are not necessarily interested in becoming herbalists. Also, students who are working or have other major responsibilities apart from school may wish to consider the MSA program, since the MSAOM program requires 41 additional credits (735 contact-hours) - and one additional trimester - to complete. MSA graduates have the option to return to NYCC to complete Chinese herbal medicine training at a later date
Bachelor of Professional Studies with a Major in Life Sciences Students enrolled in the MSA or MSAOM program who lack a bachelor's degree have the option of completing a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a major in Life Sciences (BPS) degree. The BPS option is available to NYCC students who have completed a minimum of 90 college credits at an accredited college or university, 33 of which are in liberal arts and science courses. An Admissions Counselor can provide detailed information on the BPS degree option
Advanced Standing for Healthcare Practitioners Some required science and biomedical coursework for the MSA and MSAOM programs is similar in content to coursework required in other healthcare professions. Depending on a course's content and level, NYCC may grant an applicant advanced standing by awarding transfer credit for coursework previously completed. An Admissions Counselor can provide information on NYCC's requirements for awarding transfer credit |