OBJECTIVE

The American Liberty University Department of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers a course of study leading to the M.S. in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (M.S.). The M.S. program is designed to provide the theoretical, clinical and scientific knowledge necessary for scholarly pursuit in oriental medicine. Students are required to show competence in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine by completing theory, clinical and research courses in oriental medicine and related disciplines.

This program is offered to students who have completed their two years college and are looking forward to continuing their academic and professional goals to the licensing in the area of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

The M.S. in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive educational program encompassing Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Western Medical Sciences, therapeutic exercises,

MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPHY

The mission of the American Liberty University School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is to produce Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine specialists and leaders through academic excellence in the integration of teaching, research and practice, and the design of innovative health-care programs, in partnership with the communities we serve.

The mission will be accomplished by: generating and disseminating knowledge relevant to oriental medicine and other disciplines; advancing oriental medicine scholarship; influencing the health-care system to be responsive to a multicultural and global society; and fostering individual development through a commitment to lifelong learning.

American Liberty University’s philosophy and continuing mission is to produce highly trained graduates who embody the finest principles of ethical professionalism.

It is the university’s belief that its graduates will best serve their communities when they possess, in addition to a mastery of their field, a genuine commitment to the highest standards of personal conduct and the healing profession.

This balance between accomplishment, service, and integrity is encouraged through an underlying belief system in which optimal values are achieved on a day-to-day basis. Students will be challenged as to how they may best achieve their goals and ensure their patients’ well being.

The graduate of the M.S. program will:

• Synthesize and critique knowledge in Oriental Medicine and identify future directions for knowledge development;

• Generate Oriental Medicine theory that contributes to medical science;

• Conduct research that contributes to the development of Oriental Medicine science;

• Discovery in patient care and theoretical knowledge

• Integration of sciences, humanities and technology in caring

• Application of theory in teaching, research and practice

• Articulate the ethical, social, legal and moral responsibilities involved in Oriental Medicine;

• Articulate the Oriental Medicine science perspective in interdisciplinary dialogue;

• Collaborate with others to promote the use of Oriental Medicine to improve health care.
  

Method of Study

During the M.S. in Oriental Medicine program at the American Liberty University, students explore content related to theoretical, clinical and research bases for history and philosophy of OM, diagnose and treatment. The M.S. courses include lecture, research, on-line study, group discussion, independent study, and clinical practice. In addition, students participate in professional seminars designed to develop group leadership skills.

Clinical Practice/Curriculum

Students have clinical practice under the guidance of qualified faculty in the ALU’s Clinic. Clinical practice may begin after 4th semester of full-time study or after the 8th semester of the part-time study, Clinical practice is a significant part of each succeeding semester, and culminates in an intense practicum.

To progress through the curriculum, students must pass periodic exams prior to their internship.

Students my spend a minimum of 1110 hours in clinical practice, within the clinical practice students must be seen minimum 60 new patients and 360 treatments must be given.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 12 semester hours of post-baccalaureate academic courses from an accredited school may be transferred and will be credited toward meeting the MSN degree requirements. Selected courses may be challenged at the discretion of course faculty and at a charge of $75 per examination.

Tuition & Fee

Education Requirements

General Education/Prerequisites
These courses may be taken at any accredited university or liberal arts college.

Physical Sciences - 6 courses
1 general (inorganic) chemistry
1 organic chemistry
1 statistics
2 anatomy and physiology (including laboratory)
1 microbiology (including laboratory)

Humanities -- 4 courses
1 English composition
3 electives

Social Sciences -- 4 courses
1 introductory psychology
1 introductory sociology
1 human growth and development
1 history or economics, or political science

Electives to bring the total to 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours)

Note:

1. Applied art and music courses are not transferable; and

2. Anatomy, physiology and biology must have been taken within seven years prior to admission.

Admission Information and Requirements

All applicants are considered on an individual basis. Applications and supporting credentials should be submitted as early as possible in the academic year prior to entrance; however, applications will be reviewed as long as class space is available.

The School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine selects those applicants who are best qualified academically and personally. After all application materials are received, the Admissions Committee reviews the applicant's credentials and makes the decision to accept, defer, or deny admission or to request more data. Final acceptance is contingent upon satisfactory completion of prerequisites. A final transcript must be submitted prior to matriculation.

M.S. applicants must:

1. Complete the Application for Admission and submit it with a non-refundable Check or money order in the amount of $110.00 payable to American Liberty University.

2. Submit official college transcripts. A preference will be given to applicants with a 3.0 or better grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) from all previous college-level work; applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) to be considered for admission. A minimum grade of C is required for all prerequisite general education courses.

3. Three letters of reference affirming the applicant’s potential for scholarly, investigative, and creative endeavors in oriental medicine.

4. Obtain Basic Life Support CPR certification prior to matriculation.

5. Submit proof of immunization or immune status as required for clinical practice.

6. Official transcripts from the previous colleges and/or universities.

7. Proof of malpractice insurance.

8. A statement of educational objectives, oriental medicine program and career goals.

9. Two current color passport size photos.

10. Optional: It is recommended that applicants submit course descriptions of previous courses/classes to assist the Admissions Committee in determining if prerequisites have been met.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of course requirements with grade “C” or higher.

2. Completion of all courses and classes and research projects.

3. Successfully completion of 2123 hours of classroom instruction.

4. Successfully completion of 990 hours of clinical practice.

5. Completion of all clinical and lab courses.

6. Successfully pass Comprehensive Examination.

7. Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA.

8. Completion of course requirements within 6 ½ years of entrance to the program

9. If a candidate does not meet any of the above requirements within the allowed time, his/her candidacy will be terminated and the candidate will not receive a degree from ALU.

Personal interviews may be required by the Dean/Director of Admissions or they may be requested by the applicant.

M.S. Core Curriculum

Oriental Medicine

Acupuncture

Herbal Medicine

Western Sciences

Clinical Practice/Internship

• Didactic classes – one unit equal 15 hours

• Clinical Practice/Internship - one unit equal 30 hours

* Didactic classes

Acupuncture Competency Exam I, II, III