Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM)

The Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) degree program is designed to provide a comprehensive professional education in acupuncture and Oriental medicine that prepares graduates to practice in clinical settings. This program is combined with instruction in biomedicine and emphasizes an integrative and holistic approach to healthcare. Graduates of the MSAOM program become eligible to take the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) licensure examination and the California Acupuncture Board (CAB) licensure examination.

Curriculum for MSAOM Program

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) degree is awarded to those who have fulfilled the following requirements:

1. Complete didactic courses and internship hours in the curriculum (or their equivalent) and have completed a minimum of four (4) academic years (12 quarters) of full-time residency as a matriculated student at SBU. The thesis, dissertation, or project is not applicable to this degree program.
2. Achieve a minimum of 2.3 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for all courses taken at SBU.
3. Pass all sections of the Comprehensive Competency Examination II (CCE II).
4. Clear all indebtedness and other obligations to the University.
5. Complete an exit interview conducted by the Finance Officer, if applicable.

Licensure Requirements

The Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). South Baylo University School of Oriental Medicine prepares its students to meet the professional requirements for California Licensure. A graduate of this program is eligible to sit for the Licensure Examination conducted by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB), provided the graduate has met all requirements. For other states, a graduate is recommended to contact the appropriate state licensing agency for specific licensing requirements. MSAOM graduates of SBU are also qualified to sit for the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examinations.

In California, a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is a primary care practitioner who is able to practice independently acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, oriental massage, acupressure, and breathing techniques within the scope of this practice. Licensure is regulated by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB), 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95835, Tel: (916) 525-5200.

Students taking the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam must complete an Exam Application and evidence of completion of Adult/Child CPR and First Aid. Students wanting to obtain licensure must complete a Live Scan Fingerprints. If the student has a criminal history record, the California Department of Justice or the Federal Bureau of Investigation will send the information to the Board. The Board will review the documents on a case-by-case basis to determine if there is any cause to pursue administrative action against the license.

Students taking the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam must complete an Exam Application and evidence of completion of Adult/Child CPR and First Aid. Students wanting to obtain licensure must complete a Live Scan Fingerprints. If the student has a criminal history record, the California Department of Justice or the Federal Bureau of Investigation will send the information to the Board. The Board will review the documents on a case-by-case basis to determine if there is any cause to pursue administrative action against the license.

Other States

Laws regulating acupuncture vary from state to state and are constantly being revised. While the University does its best to keep current on licensure requirements, it does not guarantee that accurate current information is on file. Each student is responsible for obtaining licensure information and for the interpretation of such information.

Other Countries

The University continues to strive towards recognition by the licensing agencies of other countries. For this reason, students and faculty are kept informed as information becomes available.

National Certification Commission for the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) was organized to promote nationally recognized standards of excellence to ensure public safety. There are separate examination and certificate programs for acupuncture and herbology. The NCCAOM certificate testifies that an individual has been recognized by colleagues to have the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective acupuncture and herbology practice. The NCCAOM examinations are used by the majority of state agencies as a part of the licensing requirement.

The program outcomes for the MSAOM degree program are listed as follows:

Graduates apply the knowledge of conventional medicine in the practice of AOM.

• Graduates will be able to understand the basic theories of biomedical science and apply the knowledge of conventional medicine in the practice of AOM.
• Graduates will be able to have diagnostic knowledge and awareness of treatment protocols of conventional medicine.

Graduates demonstrate competency in the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

• Graduates will be able to explain the major concepts and theories of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
• Graduates will be able to perform AOM diagnostic methods and assessment criteria, and formulate, implement, monitor, and adapt treatment plans.
• Graduates will be able to perform Acupuncture treatments.
• Graduates will be able to practice herbal medicine and provide advisement on nutritional and dietary supplements.

Graduates demonstrate competencies in patient care in compliance with ethical, legal, and safety guidelines and communicate effectively in diverse settings.

• Graduates will be able to identify medical emergency situations and conduct standardized procedures, including referrals to other primary healthcare professionals, emergency actions, and compliance with legal regulations.
• Graduates will be able to adapt to multicultural environments and practice in diverse community contexts.

Graduates can develop and implement effective treatment plans, maintain standardized medical records, conduct case reviews, and manage their clinical practice.

• Graduates will be able to develop treatment protocols for individual patients and record patient medical information and treatment according to standardized guidelines.
• Graduates will be able to present case reviews and communicate with other primary healthcare professionals, write medical/legal reports, as well as a bill for services using appropriate codes.

Graduates understand basic research concepts and utilize scientific methods related to the AOM clinical practice.

• Graduates will be able to critically review research data and studies, and relate findings to their clinical practice.
• Graduates will be able to interpret clinical research protocols.

Passers of the national or state licensure examinations are expected to acquire the following job titles: acupuncturists, oriental medicine practitioners (CIP Code: 51.3301, USDOE CIP-to-SOC Crosswalk, Standard Occupational Classification).