Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Acupuncture Certification Information

Due to the hands-on nature of acupuncture training, programs are not offered online. However, there are plenty of accredited on-campus institutions that offer a Master of Science in Acupuncture. After one earns their degree, they may sit for an exam to receive acupuncture certification.

Training Programs for Acupuncture Certification - Overview

Acupuncture certification traditionally begins with earning a Master of Science in Acupuncture from an accredited institution. Requirements to be admitted into a program are at least 90 semester-hours of completed undergraduate college from an accredited institution, specifically having completed at least basic bioscience courses. Unfortunately, due to the experiential aspects of these acupuncture-training programs, they cannot be completed online; rather, they must be completed on-campus.

Master of Science in Acupuncture

These programs are usually comprised of a substantial amount of contact hours covering theory, history and practice of alternative and Western medicine; anatomy, biology and pharmacology studies juxtapose with those focusing on Eastern medicine. Degree candidates gain extensive training in nontraditional medicine techniques, including diagnosis. Hands-on lessons are always overseen by clinical observation from instructors and tutors, along with their assistantship. Students typically complete a yearlong clinical internship to practice what is learned inside the classroom. Graduates of most accredited programs can go on to earn their certification.

Certification of Acupuncture Requirements

According to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), one must have a degree from an institution that was accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM); typically, these are master-level degrees. Candidates have to show proof of their degree and 1,490 hours of practice to qualify. At the same time, a graduate's alma mater must approve him or her to sit on the exam that is administered by the NCCAOM.

The Exam for Certification

The acupuncture certification exam is administered year-round across the United States. It is multiple-choice, with the passing standard at 70 questions answered correctly. One should note that there are no deadline dates to apply for the exam. One may purchase practice exams from the NCCAOM website. Once the application fee has been paid and the exam has been passed, one receives his or her certification in acupuncture.

No comments:

Post a Comment