The Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Programs

ClassroomThe College's programs combine rigorous academic course work with broad clinical experiences, leading to either a Masters level Acupuncture certificate or a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine combined with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition.

Education focuses on the "Zang Fu" system of physiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment strategy. This is the style taught today at Universities of Chinese Medicine and practiced in their affiliated teaching hospitals .

In addition to acupuncture, students in the Oriental Medicine program study traditional herbs and formulas, as well as, nutrition and Chinese food therapy. They are introduced to new clinical protocols, based firmly upon the principles of TCM, that combine nutraceutical supplements with herbal formulas. Students also learn which foods to recommend and which to avoid based upon the TCM pattern and presenting complaint.

Classroom Minimum completion time for the Acupuncture program is 30 months (3 academic years) and the Oriental Medicine program is 36 months (4 academic years). To complete in the minimum time frame, students must attend classes on Saturday and a minimum of two evenings per week. The maximum time to complete the Acupuncture program is 45 months and the Oriental Medicine program is 54 months. Students meet with an advisor if their rate of completion falls below these standards.

Classroom The Midwest College's student clinics provide the opportunity to rotate through a variety of unique clinical settings where interns experience the approach of many different practitioners. Interns at the Midwest College treat a wide range of medical conditions and gain thorough, hands-on experience in acupuncture and the other physical modalities of Oriental healing, such as, tuina massage, moxibustion, and cupping. They also gain clinical experience making healthy eating recommendations and suggesting specific healing foods based upon their energetic characteristics. Internship is designed to build knowledge and skills and to fine-tune patient/healer sensitivities. After completing the program, graduates will be confident in their ability as Oriental Medical Practitioners to address the full spectrum of conditions seen in practice.

Classroom The total hours in the Acupuncture program are 2,088 and the total hours in the Oriental Medicine program are 2,826. Additional internship hours, that may be needed for licensure in some states, may be gained by enrolling in extra clinic sessions.

Graduates of the Midwest College's Acupuncture program receive Master's level certification. They are qualified to sit for the Acupuncture examination given by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and meet the requirements for a license in Illinois, Wisconsin and many other states.

Upon completion of the Oriental Medicine Program, graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition granted simultaneously with the Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine. Graduates are qualified to sit for both the Acupuncture and Herb examinations given by the NCCAOM, and meet the requirements for a license in Illinois, Wisconsin and many other states.

Post-Graduate: Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)

While the Masters Degree or "masters level" is entry to licensed practice, some practitioners want to earn the highest degree in the field; the Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

The College's DAOM program advances a licensed practitioners knowledge of TCM theory by exploring its classical roots. By combining scholarship, with an appreciation of evidence-based medicine, it offers new resources to the community as a partner in health promotion and disease prevention.

The DAOM program is an engagement in scholarly and clinical activities that lead to a specialty in TCM Preventive Care.. It advances the careers of graduates; preparing them to assume leadership positions in teaching, clinical supervision and research.

Call to request a DAOM catalog for more information on the program and its accreditation status.