Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

About

The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) aims to produce graduates who have the ability to practise acupuncture in a safe, competent, ethical and professional manner.The program structure will provide learning experiences for you to acquire and apply sound knowledge of Chinese medicine theories and concepts across various clinical conditions.

The program emphasises skills to address real patients in clinical settings.This combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, clinical experience and recognised qualifications prepares you for a career in Acupuncture which may involve independent practice, employment in a multi- discipline health care clinic, teaching and/or research.The program is workshop-based (4 days, 4 times per year face-to-face residential program at RMIT).

We also utilise the RMIT online learning management system to support blended learning.

You are expected to complete independent study prior to attending the workshops and conduct further clinical observation/supervised clinical practice while off-campus.COTH2115 Supervised Clinical Practice 3 is a one-semester capstone course that involves consultation and treatment of clinical patients by students under the close supervision of a registered clinician.

In this clinical context you will integrate and apply knowledge and skills gained from all earlier courses in your program.The clinic experience will develop your capability to formulate diagnoses, prescribe appropriate Chinese herbal medicine treatments and perform herbal dispensing.

Your clinical practice will be underpinned by an evidence-based approach.

You will gain an insight into the rewards and challenges of independent practice in Chinese medicine and identify strategies for your on-going professional development

Structure

Year One of Program

Complete the following Four (4) Courses:

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Chinese Medicine Theory 1 12 COTH2187 Bundoora Campus
Chinese Medicine Theory 2 12 COTH2189 Bundoora Campus
Acupuncture Theory and Practice 1 12 COTH2188 Bundoora Campus
Acupuncture Theory and Practice 2 12 COTH2190 Bundoora Campus
AND

Year Two of Program

Complete the following Four (4) Courses:

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Acupuncture Neurophysiology and Techniques 12 COTH2110 Bundoora Campus
Clinical Chinese Medicine 1 12 COTH2111 Bundoora Campus
Classic Literature in Chinese Medicine and Clinical Conference (Acupuncture) 12 COTH2112 Bundoora Campus
Professional Issues and Australian Health Care System 12 COTH2185 Bundoora Campus
AND

Year Three of Program

Complete the following Four (4) Courses:

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Clinical Chinese Medicine 2 12 COTH2113 Bundoora Campus
Clinical Chinese Medicine 3 12 COTH2191 Bundoora Campus
Supervised Clinical Practice 3 12 COTH2115 Bundoora Campus
Research Project 12 COTH2131 Bundoora Campus

Entry requirements

To meet the entry requirements for this program you must hold an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, naturopathy, clinical science or health sciences that satisfies the following pre-requisites or equivalent:

- Cell biology (bioscience)

- Human physiology

- Human anatomy (full body)

- Pathology

- Immunology

- Microbiology

- Clinical Practice

- Diagnosis in Western medicine

International qualifications are assessed according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

English Language Requirements

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.

Credit Transfer and Recognised Prior Learning

Some applicants may be eligible for credit. Please refer to the Articulation and Pathways section for further information.

Learning outcomes

The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) aims to produce graduates with knowledge, skills and graduate outcomes required for registration as specified by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMRB) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in its standards for Program Approval. This program is designed in accordance with the requirements of the CMRB.

Upon successful completion of this program you should be able to :

PLO 1: Apply knowledge of Chinese medicine principles and methods in the diagnosis and management of a range of health disorders

PLO 2: Plan and perform treatments using Chinese herbal medicine or acupuncture and moxibustion for a range of disorders in a safe and professional manner

PLO 3: Critically analyse the literature in the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion and incorporate this information into your professional evidence-based practice

PLO 4: Communicate effectively with patients, other health professionals, regulatory bodies, and the general public

PLO 5: Operate and manage a responsible and sustainable health care practice in compliance with legal and ethical requirements

PLO 6: Reflect on and improve upon your professional practice and build problem-solving skills and abilities through lifelong learning

Institution