Daoist Traditions offers a four-year Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The program includes comprehensive training in both the ancient traditions and modern TCM teachings. Our curriculum provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the principles and techniques of Oriental Medicine and a fundamental understanding of Western medical theory and practice.
While the program at Daoist Traditions is challenging and demanding, our supportive academic environment is structured to assure the success of our students. One new entering class is accepted each year and class size is limited. This allows for a comfortable classroom atmosphere and more personalized attention. Dialogue between instructors and students is encouraged, so that students learn quickly and easily.
ACCREDITATION
The Oriental Medicine program at Daoist Traditions is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is the recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. ACAOM is located at 14502 Greenview Drive, Suite 300B, Laurel MD 20708; (301) 313-0855; fax (301) 313-0912.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The Daoist Traditions program is designed as a track system and students follow the sequence of courses for the duration of the program. The College operates on a semester system with a fall semester (August – December) and spring semester (January – May). The fall semester of the first year consists of sixteen (16) instructional weeks with a mid-semester break. All subsequent semesters consist of fifteen (15) instructional weeks with mid-semester breaks. In some semesters, one class is required during the summer break. Clinical internship runs throughout the year. Summer courses and clinic sessions are considered part of the fall semester’s curriculum. Summer living expenses (non-institutional charges) cannot be included in the cost of attendance due to federal regulations. See Financial Aid.
Completion of the full-time program takes 4 years. The program must be completed within 6 years and cannot be completed in less than 3 calendar years. Daoist Traditions reserves the right to adjust and change the curriculum, academic calendar, and operating schedule if necessary.
TIME COMMITMENT
Didactic classes are scheduled three days per week. In addition to weekly classes, students have a 2-4 day session with Jeffrey Yuen each semester. Students also have one additional weekend class (Saturday and Sunday) during most semesters. Students complete Clinical Observation or Clinical Internship sessions each semester, requiring additional days per week. During Clinical Internship, students complete sessions of 40-42 weeks per year and have shorter breaks between semesters.
Students are expected to devote significant time to completing reading assignments, class assignments, and projects outside of class. Our most successful students are independent learners who are able to self-direct in order to learn beyond what can be covered in classes. Throughout the program, students are required to maintain a cultivation journal, allowing students to document their progression in their personal growth throughout the program.
The program is designed for full-time study and requires substantial study outside the classroom. During the Clinical Internship, students dedicate up to 5 days per week for the program’s didactic and clinical training. For students who do not live within a reasonable commuting distance, it is recommended that they relocate to the area or find local living arrangements for the duration of the Clinical Internship.
THE FOUR YEARS
Years One and Two:
The first year of study begins with an Introductory Week (Monday - Friday) held in early August. Students have a break before the fall semester. Fall courses are held 3-4 days per week. Students complete Clinical Observation and Herbal Dispensary hours outside of their didactic studies. Students are required to participate in the care of the herbal gardens for three (3) hours each semester during the first two years. First and second year students are also required to receive 12 acupuncture treatments per year.
Introductory Week |
Class Hours |
Intro to CM & Qi Gong
|
15 |
Medical Chinese |
7.5 |
Intro to Herb Cultivation |
15 |
Year One Hours |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Weekly Classes |
17 |
18 |
Jeffrey Yuen Classes |
30 |
15 |
Other Weekend Class |
15 |
15 |
Clinical Observation |
20 |
20 |
Herbal Dispensary |
15 |
15 |
Garden Care |
3 |
3 |
Year Two Hours |
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
Weekly Classes |
17 |
17 |
Jeffrey Yuen Classes |
30 |
15 |
Other Weekend Class |
15 |
15 |
Clinical Observation |
20 |
30 |
Herbal Dispensary |
15 |
15 |
Garden Care |
3 |
3 |
Years Three & Four:
Prior to beginning Year Three, students must receive CPR & First Aid certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and maintain current certification throughout the Clinical Internship.Students continue internship sessions for 40-42 weeks per year and have shorter breaks between semesters. For students who do not live within a reasonable commuting distance, it is recommended that they relocate to the area for the duration of the Clinical Internship. Students dedicate 5 days per week to classes and clinic.
Year Three Hours |
Semester 5 |
Semester 6 |
Weekly Classes |
18 |
16 |
Jeffrey Yuen Classes |
37.5 |
22.5 |
Other Weekend Class |
15 |
0 |
Clinical Internship |
160 (2 shifts/week) |
100 (two shifts/week) |
Clinical Case Review |
15 |
15 |
Year Four Hours |
Semester 7 |
Semester 8 |
Weekly Classes |
14 |
12 |
Jeffrey Yuen Classes |
37.5 |
22.5 |
Other Weekend Class |
0 |
0 |
Clinical Internship |
300 (3 shifts/week)
|
240 (4 shifts/week)
|
Clinical Case Review |
15 |
15 |
