Course Descriptions

The Master of Science in Acupuncture degree program is three years in length (36 months) and is scheduled on a semester basis. The curriculum of this major consists of seven distinct areas:

1. Acupuncture Practice and Techniques: 

   The nine (9) acupuncture courses introduce students to the theoretical and practical information of acupuncture therapy. The student becomes proficient in the clinical applications of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and bleeding techniques. The student learns to identify acupuncture points by anatomical location, palpation, and proportional measurement. The classification, function and indications for each acupuncture point are discussed and demonstrated. In addition to the twelve bilateral channels, two midline vessels and six other extra meridians, forbidden and contraindication of points are discussed. In addition, extra points, auricular points and other categories of acupuncture points are demonstrated and treatment techniques based on these extra meridians and points are discussed and practiced.

2. Oriental Theory, Diagnosis and Application: 

   The thirteen (13) oriental medicine theory and diagnosis courses are designed to provide the student with an understanding of the scope, philosophy, theory and conceptual frame work of oriental medicine and how acupuncture specifically affects the body within the oriental treatment paradigms. Emphasis is placed on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses and effective treatment strategies.

3. Western Biomedicine: 

   The thirteen (13) western biomedical courses are designed to train the student fully about western medical terms, history taking, physical exam and diagnostic skills. The student learns how to make the appropriate referral and consultation, as well as the clinical relevance of laboratory and diagnostic tests and procedures.

4. Herbal Medicine Survey: 

   The six (6) movement and respiration courses are designed to enhance the student’s personal and energetic development. The student will be exposed to a wide variety of Asian movement practices that can be used to maintain their own and their patients’ health care needs. In addition to the movement studies, two courses in soft tissue treatment techniques are offered.

5. Movement and Respiration Studies: 

   The six (6) movement and respiration courses are designed to enhance the student’s personal and energetic development. The student will be exposed to a wide variety of Asian movement practices that can be used to maintain their own and their patients’ health care needs. In addition to the movement studies, two courses in soft tissue treatment techniques are offered.

6. Counseling, communications and practice management:  The two specific courses in this area enhance the students’ clinical skills, both in terms of diagnosing addressing patients’ psychological health and in the area of best business practices. In addition, the two second year seminars, cross referenced in the “Oriental Theory, Diagnosis and Application” (ATD) section help students learn the fundamental skills needed for private practice, ethical and legal considerations in health care and special considerations for practice in integrated care settings.                                                  
7. Clinical Services: 
   The five (5) clinical services courses are designed to allow the student to develop clinical, interpersonal communication and decision-making skills. In addition, students learn professional conduct, efficiency and confidence in dealing with patients on a regular basis. From inception through the end of clinical training, the student has the opportunity to observe and work with other health care professionals. This allows the student to understand how and when to make appropriate referrals. Clinical internships are available in the UBAI on-campus clinic as well as in community and hospital outreach clinical sites. By the end of clinical training, each student will have seen a minimum of 360 patient visits and will have completed 750 hours of clinical training. 

In addition to the required curriculum, the student is required to take a clinical entrance exam at the end of the fourth semester and a comprehensive exit exam after all clinical competencies are achieved.

Acupuncture Practice and Techniques (APT)

APT 511: Point Location I: This course will serve as the foundation of the acupuncture point selection series. Meridian theory using concepts of the Jing Luo system, including main and secondary vessels will be reinforced. This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills to physically locate acupuncture points of the lung, large intestine, stomach and spleen, heart and small intestine, urinary bladder, kidney, and pericardium channels. Students will focus on how to locate points effectively, accurately, and quickly as preparation for clinical application as well as college and national examinations. Corequisite/Prerequisite: ATD 513 Oriental Diagnosis 1, ABS 51 1 Anatomy 1. 1.5   lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 2 semester credits.

APT 523: Point Location II: This is a continuation of the previous course and will focus on the triple warmer, gall bladder, liver, governing vessel, conception vessel and extra points. Additional instruction is given in regional point selection. Prerequisites: ATD 513 Oriental Diagnosis 1, ABS 511 Anatomy 1. 1.5   lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 2 semester credits.

APT 512: Meridian Theory: Meridian Theory: Meridian (a.k.a. Channel) theory is the basis of diagnosis and acupuncture treatment. This course is designed to provide the necessary instruction and training for the student to be familiar with meridian theory including regular, extra and other meridian systems. Corequisite/Prerequisites: ATD 512 Oriental Theory and ATD 513 Oriental Diagnosis 1. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

AWB 521: Clean Needle Technique: This course is designed to teach students the clinical skills necessary for their role as clinicians. Clean Needle Technique and a review of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are presented. In addition, this course prepares the student for emergency situations commonly found in an acupuncture office. CPR certification is achieved. Prerequisite: none. 1.5 lecture hours, 1 lab hour, 2 semester credits.

APT 614: Acupuncture Techniques I: This course covers the basic principles of acupuncture treatment for diseases involved with different pathogenic factors, tissues and organs. Special point selection based on Root-Branch, Origin-End, Path of Qi, Five Element and Eight Parameter diagnoses are covered. Indications and contraindications of moxibustion, scalp acupuncture and electrical acupuncture stimulation are covered. Prerequisites: APT 511 and APT 523: Point Location I and II. 2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 3 semester credits.

APT 625: Acupuncture Techniques II: This course covers functions, indications and needling methods of the Well, Spring, Stream, River, Sea, Source, Luo, Xicleft, Back Shu, Front Mu and Lower He-Sea, Eight Influential, Eight Confluent and important crossing points. Continuing practice in needling, moxibustion and cupping techniques is included. In addition, the prevention and treatment of acupuncture complications is covered. Prerequisite: APT 614 Techniques I. 2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 3 semester credits.

APT 626: Auricular & Scalp Acupuncture: This course introduces the student to various forms of microsystem acupuncture, focusing on auricular and scalp systems. The student learns the respective maps of the scalp and ear, clinical applications and treatment strategies. Corequisite/Prerequisite: APT 614 Acupuncture Techniques I, 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

APT 618: Pediatric Acupuncture: The special diagnostic and treatment skills required for the treatment of patients less than 12 years of age are discussed. The balance of safety for the patient and treatment efficacy is emphasized. Prerequisite: APT 625 Acupuncture Techniques II. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

APT 637: Japanese Acupuncture Techniques: This course covers the unique treatment strategies and protocols developed by Japanese acupuncture masters. Prerequisite: APT 614 Acupuncture Techniques I. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

Oriental Theory, Diagnosis and Application (ADT)

ADT 511: Oriental History and Philosophy: The student studies the different eras of Chinese history and the effects on Oriental Medicine theories. This course includes the study of the development of Naturalism, Philosophical and Religious Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. For each philosophy, the course examines how the philosophy views the human relationship to nature, and the human relationship to the universe. In addition, the impact of philosophy and religion on the oriental medical paradigm is explored. Prerequisite: none. 1 lecture hour, 0 laboratory hours, 1 semester credit.

ATD 512: Oriental Medical Theory: This course includes the classic theories of yin and yang and the Five phases that are fundamental to understanding the Oriental medical relationship between humans and the universe. Normal physiology is studied through the fundamental substances (Qi, Blood, Essence, Spirit and bodily fluids), and organs. The basic theory of illness and diagnosis using four examinations (sight, listening and smelling, palpation, and asking) and Eight parameters are covered. Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ADT 513: Oriental Diagnosis I: The basic theory and characteristics of the pathogenesis and pathogenic factors are covered including the seven emotions, disharmony of Yin and Yang, abnormalities in Qi, Blood, Spirit, Essence and Bodily fluids, and organ disharmonies are covered. Techniques in inquiry, palpation, tongue and pulse diagnosis are covered. Diagnoses incorporating the eight parameters as well as root and stem concepts are covered for each of the twelve zang-fu. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: ADT 512 Oriental Medical Theory. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ADT 524: Oriental Diagnosis II: This course continues to elucidate diagnostic patterns including multi-organ disharmonies, six channel patterns, patterns of acute illness and EPIs. Extra meridian diagnosis and treatments are covered. In addition, the student will learn how time of day and time of year can be used both for diagnosis and treatment. Western medical diagnoses will be analyzed and differentiated to reframe the diagnosis and treatment planning is discussed. Prerequisite: ADT 513 Oriental Diagnosis I. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ADT 711: East-West Pathology: This course compares and contrasts diagnosis and treatment between Western and Oriental diagnoses. Western medical diagnosis of these diseases is incorporated so that the student is able to collaborate with western physicians. Major and common categories of diseases including respiratory tract, infectious, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and musculoskeletal diseases are covered. Prerequisite: ADT 513 Oriental Diagnosis I. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ADT 715: Oriental Internal Medicine: This course focuses on the diagnosis and oriental treatment of major illness. Treatment planning includes acupuncture, qi gong, and massage. Diagnoses covers respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecological, and psychological illnesses. Root-stem and 5 Element treatments are included. Prerequisite: ADT 513 Oriental Diagnosis I. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ADT 717: Advanced Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis: This course is designed to increase the diagnostic skills and clinical applications of these uniquely oriental diagnostic parameters. The student studies healthy and diseased tongues and pulses and discusses how findings in these areas change the treatment principles and strategies. Case studies from the clinical internship are used to increase both depth and breadth of skill. Prerequisite: ADT 524: Oriental Diagnosis II. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

ATD 728: Acute Case Studies: The student is exposed to the diagnosis and treatment of acute cases utilizing acupuncture strategies. The student studies the use of acupuncture and moxibustion to promote rapid change in the symptomatology of acutely ill patients. Prerequisite: ADT 524: Oriental Diagnosis II. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

ATD 729: Acupuncture Gynecology: This course is designed to familiarize the student with oriental diagnosis and acupuncture treatments of common gynecologic conditions. Special emphasis is placed on understanding those points forbidden to needle or moxa in cases where the patient's pregnancy status is unknown. Prerequisite: ADT 524: Oriental Diagnosis II. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

Western Biomedicine (AWB)

AWB 621: Ethics: This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the ethical issues surrounding licensed practice in the field of acupuncture. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to identify concepts of medical and professional ethics as they apply to the practice of health care. Time is devoted to the study of the laws and regulations (including OSHA, HIPAA and ADA) which affect the practice of oriental medicine. Prerequisite: none. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

ABS 511: Anatomy 1: This course provides an in-depth study of the macroscopic human anatomy and covers the structure of the trunk and neck regions. Clinical aspects of the vascular and neurological relationships of these regions are emphasized. Instruction includes lectures and interactive media software. Prerequisite: none. 4 lecture hours, 4 semester credits.

ABS 522: Anatomy 2: This course is a continuation of Anatomy 1 and covers the structure of the head and extremities. Clinical aspects of the neurological and vascular relationships of these regions is emphasized. Prerequisite: ABS 511 Anatomy 1. 4 lecture hours, 4 semester credits.

ABS 515: Physiology 1: This course emphasizes the function of cellular structures which regulate homeostasis as well as their role in cell division and genetic control of protein synthesis. Emphasis is placed on the role of the cell membrane in the control of cellular events. The effects of physiology on hormones, their role in homeostasis, and the functional changes associated with homeostasis are considered. Prerequisite: none. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ABS 525: Physiology 2: This course is a study of physiology at the organ and systems level. Included is the study of the circulatory, respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and urogenital systems. Also included is the study of the endocrine system and its interrelationships with various organs and systems. There is an integration of normal physiology with pathophysiology and clinical concepts. Prerequisite: ABS 515. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

AWB 523 Pharmacology: This course examines the most commonly used pharmacologic agents to be encountered in the clinical setting. The general principles of pharmacology (pharmcodynamics and pharmacokinetics) are covered. Uses and side effects of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, hormones and cardiac drugs are surveyed. Drug-nutrient and drug-herb interactions are discussed. Prerequisite: none. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

AWB 522:  Research Methodology: The basic principles of clinical and laboratory research are examined with a special emphasis on the applications of acupuncture and oriental techniques in the research setting. Prerequisite: none. 1 lecture hour, 1 semester credit.

ACS 611: Pathology 1: This course is a study of the pathophysiological process and how this process alters the gross, microscopic and clinical manifestations of disease. Basic pathological processes of inflammation, repair, degeneration, necrosis, immunology and neoplasia are presented. Prerequisite: ABS 525 Physiology 2. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ACS 624: Pathology 2: This course is the continuation of the pathological processes of various diseases. This course emphasizes the basis of systemic diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, endocrine, hepatobiliary, renal and pancreatic systems. Prerequisite: ACS 611 Pathology 1. 4 lecture hours, 4 semester credits.

ACS 612: Clinical Diagnosis 1: This course covers the techniques used for physical examination for various systems of the body. Skills taught develop an appreciation for normal variations and abnormalities associated with disease states. The student is taught to recognize the signs and symptoms of common diseases. Prerequisites: ABS 511, ABS 521, ABS 515, ABS 252. 3 Lecture hours, 2 lab hours, 4 semester credits.

ACS 623: Clinical Diagnosis 2: This course is a continuation of Clinical Diagnosis 1. Prerequisite: ACS 612. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours, 4 semester credits.

ACS 724: Public Health: This course covers current environmental and public health concerns and issues. The course integrates health with diet, water and air pollutants, noise and substance abuse. Recognition of major communicable diseases is included. Prerequisite: ABS 525 Pathology 2. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ACS 613: Lab Diagnosis. This course introduces the student to the appropriate use and interpretation of laboratory tests. Prerequisites: ABS 521 and ABS 525. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

ANT 521: Nutrition: This course provides the foundation for therapeutic nutrition. It explores the biochemistry of macronutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies, toxicities, therapeutic uses and appropriate doses are examined. An assessment of dietary needs and the application of therapeutic nutrition in treating individual diseases and syndromes are also taught. Prerequisites: none. 3 lecture hours, 3 semester credits.

APM 621: Palpation/Massage: In this course students integrate the knowledge of anatomy with the skills of palpation. Emphasis is placed on the muscular system. Basic soft tissue technique is taught as a way to understand muscular relationships. Students work to assess soft tissues and practice techniques. Prerequisite: ABS 522 Anatomy 2. 1 lecture hour, 2 laboratory hours, 2 semester credits.

Herbal Medicine Survey (AHM)

ABM 521: Botanical Medicine 1: This course comprises a survey of plant and plant preparations most commonly used in Western traditions. The actions of the plant and plant products, as well as drug-herb interactions are considered. Prerequisites: ABS 515, ACS 611. 3 lecture hours, 3 semester credits.

AHM 613: Oriental Dietetics: This class introduces the student to the eastern understanding of how food influences human health. Foods and food products are surveyed according to Asian categorization. Food groups are categorized by nature, temperature, taste, element, indications and contraindications. Treatment of the major categories of organ (zang-fu) disorders using foods and food combinations are covered. Prerequisite: ADT 513 Oriental Diagnosis I. 2 lecture hours, 2 semester credits.

AHM 612: Introduction to Chinese Herbal Remedies: This survey course introduces the student to the diagnostic and treatment strategies specific to oriental herbal therapies. The student is introduced to major herbs and formulas of China, their uses, contraindications and drug-herb interaction. Patient safety issues are also addressed. Prerequisite: ATD 513 Oriental Diagnosis 1. 1 lecture hours, 1 semester credit.

Movement and Respiration Studies (AMR)

AMR 511: Tai Ji Chuan: This introductory course in energetic medicine teaches the awareness of energy pathways and flow by experiencing one’s own body through movement and breathing. Prerequisite: none. 0 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours, 1 semester credit.

AMR 522: Tai Ji Chuan: This is a continuation of the first class. Prerequisite: AMR 511 Tai Ji Chuan 1. 0 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours, 1 semester credit.

AMR 613: Qi Gong 1: This course teaches the awareness of energy pathways and flow through continued work with the forms of Qi Gong. Prerequisite: none. 0 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours, 1 semester credit.

AMR 624: Qi Gong 2: This course is a continuation of Qi Gong 1, teaching the awareness of energy pathways and flow through continued work with the forms of Qi Gong. Prerequisite: AMR 613 Qi Gong 1. 0 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours, 1 semester credit.

AMR 715: Oriental Massage I: The student learns Tui Na soft tissue manipulation technique as well as its history, theory, application, and indications. Treatment of childhood illness is the main focus. In addition, therapeutic techniques for the shoulder, neck, abdomen, back pain and headaches are covered. Prerequisite: ATD 513 Oriental Diagnosis 1. 1 lecture hour, 2 laboratory hours, 2 semester credits.

AMR 726: Oriental Massage II: Shiatzu, deep tissue massage and other forms of Oriental massage are covered. Treatment plans for major musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal diagnoses are covered. Prerequisite: AMR 715 Oriental Massage I. 1 lecture hour, 2 laboratory hours, 2 semester credits.

Clinical Services (ACS)

ACS 711: Preceptorship I: The students observe and administer care in established acupuncture facilities under the supervision of licensed physicians and acupuncturists. This exposure to a variety of clinical settings helps prepare the student for both private practice and integrative patient care. Prerequisite: Completion of all first year courses. 0 lecture hours, 4 laboratory, 2 semester credits, 60 hours tottal.

ACS 722: Preceptorship II: This is a continuation of ACS 671. Students increase their clinical skills working under a variety of health care professionals, all of whom must have the appropriate credentials to practice in the field of acupuncture. Prerequisite: ACS 671. 0 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours, 2 semester credits, 60 hours total.

ACS 631 Clinical Internship I: Under the supervision of licensed faculty members, the interns start by observing patients for 30 clinic hours, then move into the area of direct patient care. All patient diagnoses and management plans are reviewed and approved by a clinic faculty member prior to the initiation of patient care. The student will begin to practice clean needle technique, removal and disposal of needles. The student will acquire proficiency in tongue and pulse diagnosis. Prerequisite: Pass Clinical Entrance Exam. 0 lecture hours, 12 laboratory hours, 8 semester credits, 230 total hours  

ACS 712 Clinical Internship II: Students continue to administer care to patients under the supervision of licensed faculty. Students are monitored as to their progress toward completing the qualitative and quantitative requirements necessary for the successful completion of the program. Eligibility for the internship is successful completion of the previous clinical internship. Prerequisite: ACS 631 Clinical Internship 1. 0 lecture hours, 12 laboratory hours, 8 semester credits, 200 total hours.

ACS 773 Clinical Internship III: Students continue to administer care to patients under the supervision of licensed faculty. Students are monitored as to their progress toward completing the qualitative and quantitative requirements necessary for the successful completion of the program. Eligibility for the internship is successful completion of the previous clinical internship. Prerequisite: ACS 712 Clinical Internship 2. 0 lecture hours, 12 laboratory hours, 8 semester credits, 200 total hours.