KEY POINTS:
The Qualification
What: Diploma in Acupuncture, level 7 (incorporates National Diploma of Acupuncture)
Where: New Zealand School of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Phone: (09) 3611161
Email: admin@acupuncture.co.nz
Website: www.acupuncture.co.nz
Course Costs: $5750 per year with fourth year costing $5761
Starting Income: $30-$40 per patient. Well organised practice could stagger treatment of two
or three patients per hour
Demand for acupuncturists is increasing due to a growing acceptance of complementary medicines in New Zealand and legislative changes that allow acupuncturists to treat patients under ACC funding.
The New Zealand School of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of four providers of acupuncture training in New Zealand.
The four-year diploma in acupuncture study starts with a core curriculum outlining traditional Chinese medicine history, philosophy and theory along with a grounding in western medical science, including common New Zealand medical conditions. This develops an appreciation of both traditional Chinese and Western medical perspectives on health, illness and disease. Acupuncture specialist theory and clinical experience follows.
The first two years of study are more theoretical than practical.
In the third and fourth years the practical component increases to around 80 per cent with students having to complete 500 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Graduates that have done 500 hours of proven supervised clinical practice, and submitted 30 case reports showing clear diagnosis and treatment, are eligible to apply to the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists (NZRA).
Once registered with NZRA, they are eligible to register with ACC as they meet all the requirements to be ACC treatment providers.
Domestic applicants must be 18 years or older and have proof of New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
All students will be interviewed and any special learning needs will be identified during the interview process. Two character references are required for both domestic and international students.
International students must also have a minimum level six academic IELTS or TOEFL 560 or have studied full time within a New Zealand high school for two years, completing NCEA level 2 or higher.
THE GRADUATE
Neil Banning
Acupuncturist
Auckland Acupuncture Centre
Graduated end of 2006
I was previously an automotive technician. Around six years ago I had trouble with an old injury and decided to try acupuncture and had really positive results.
I found acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) fascinating and became friends with the acupuncturist who treated me. He suggested I learn acupuncture and TCM. I decided it would be a great experience and started in 2003.
We learned about fundamental theories, such as yin and yang, the history of acupuncture, the meridian pathways and the points on the pathways where you put the needles.
The points are categorised according to different functions. But we also learned a lot, especially in the first year about western [conventional] bio-medicine, such as physiology, pathology, because acupuncturists need to understand modern diseases.
We diagnose differently but have to understand how it works and how it affects the body. The work load was very demanding but equally rewarding. The standard required to pass is high also but it has to be because you're doing invasive treatments - inserting needles into the body.
The tutors' high level of knowledge and motivation inspired me and enabled me to get through many late nights studying and writing case reports.
There were even numbers of New Zealand-born and Asian-born tutors, but most of our textbooks were written by western acupuncturists.
I graduated last year well prepared to run a clinic and deal with even the most difficult cases. This is due in part to the 500 hours of supervised clinical practice required and the high level of theory and safety aspects of the course.
There is also a business management section in the course.
The job has many rewards. It is very satisfying to get a good result with a person. To help people as well as earn a living is a bonus.
THE EMPLOYER
Gordon Guoqiang Yu
Owner
Auckland Acupuncture Centre
I was looking for some one to work in the clinic because I spend a lot of time overseas. I was fortunate enough to have Neil recommended by one of his colleagues.
I have full confidence in Neil's ability to run the clinic and keep up the high standards I require.
There has been a lot of positive feedback from his patients which proves to me the level of education he received was of the highest standard and I would be happy to employ any student that graduated from New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.