Lic. Ac. Licentiate in the Professional Practice of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Lectures, Tutorials, Workshops, Practical training, Clinics, E Learning and Online Module support.

This Professional Training programme is conducted as continuing education and practical training, over a minimum of three years. The programme is structured for working mature students with modular training sessions taking place on weekends. Weekend sessions are supported by an extensive and unique E Learning programme, through a dedidated student website. Each student is given an individual web account, with access to course teaching and materials on a 24 hour basis.

Professional Accreditation.

The course is professionally accredited by the Acupuncture Professional Association (AFPA), with many professional membership benefits, including practitioner insurance, healthcare provider cover for treatments, national professional registration. Graduates are recognised by VHI, BUPA/QUINN, HSA and other state and corporate healthcare providers for their professional treatments, as part of professional membership of this organisation.

Additionally the Foundation holds accreditation and approved college status from TCMCI in Ireland, and has undergone a Post Accreditation external review, inspection and approval. (June 07). In house records confirm all professional accreditation status.

Similarly the programme underwent accreditation inspections with the Association of TCM (ATCM) in the UK and Pan European Federation of TCM Societies (PEFOTS) in Europe allowing full professional practice in these jurisdictions.

Northern Ireland, the NIATCM (Northern Ireland Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine) approve the training programme.

Post Graduate Support and Guidance.

Graduates can take part in a mentored and supported first practice year with full password protected online guidance and support, ensuring confident professional practice.

Lic.Ac. Professional Acupuncture Training Programme Outline:Applications are invited from Irish and International applicants.

Programme Outline

FIRST YEAR: The early parts of the course introduce the student to the history and fundamental theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first year of training is a balance of theory and practical. Role play, experiential learning, practical diagnostic sessions , introduction to practice skills, and class patients are all used as part of training. Practical meridian and acupoint location sessions are a continuous element of the first year of training. Clinical techniques are introduced early in first year. Module objectives and learning outcomes, form the basis of learning and assessment, throughout the programme.

SECOND YEAR: In second year the student is taught the TCM management of all common pathologies, using the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The practical skills of the TCM practitioner and acupuncturist are continuously practiced in the second year of training. Needling, Cupping, Moxabustion, electro acupuncture are demonstrated and practiced. Theoretical clinics, case histories, class patients are an important element of the second year of the programme.

THIRD YEAR: Third year is primarily a practical clinical year. Using the knowledge gained in the two previous years, students take part in ongoing supervised clinical training in addition to observation in the student clinic. At this stage students can carry out a TCM assessment, diagnose, design a treatment strategy and treat patients under close tutorial supervision, according to professional guidance, and best practice.

MEDICAL/CLINICAL SCIENCES: We comply with World Health Organisation training recommendations for acupuncturists, and include western clinical sciences. Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical management of common pathologies and pharmacology are included in the programme.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: and evidence based practice is also taught within the programme.

Participation in Low Cost clinics.

Teacher/Student class ratio 1 - 7 Practicals; 1- 3 Clinics.

DIET AND NUTRITION: This module provides useful knowledge and competencies for the complementary practitioner. Living food, food as medicine, human nutrition are all studied in this module.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT, PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND BEST PRACTICE are taught to prepare students for professional practice. Professional codes of ethics and best practice are adhered to. Practice management and building a professional practice are taught.

There is ongoing student support and mentoring, which continues into the first practice year.

TCM NUTRITION AND FOOD THERAPY

TCM Nutrition is introduced and taught within the Licentiate programme, as part of the holistic management of common conditions.

Graduate testimonial . Valerie Browne BSc, Dip Ac, Lic Ac
"I trained with the Acupuncture Foundation between 2000 - 2003, and concluded the course with 5 weeks work experience with the Acupuncture Foundation Clinical Placement Programme in Nanjing, China. The tutors each year were excellent, most of which were Chinese and experts in their fields. I found the staff and mentors within the Acupuncture Foundation very hepful throughout the course, and afterwards, giving me the confidence to set up as a practitioner."

Entry Requirements. The following qualifications are considered acceptable for admission:

• Holders of an Irish Leaving Certificate which show passes in five approved subjects at the higher level to include four passes achieved at grade C or above . These must include mathematics and English.
  
• Holders of the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
• Holders of the European Baccalaureate.
• UK: Holders of a General Certificate of Education with two passes at Advanced Level.
• BTEC National: merit or above
• Mature students over 23 who can demonstrate the capability and motivation to succeed on the course will be encouraged.
  
• For overseas students, evidence of an appropriate knowledge of English (both written and spoken) will be required. Irish student visa can be arranged,
  

Enquiries, Course Information pack; Email us at acufound@eircom.net or Tel Locall 1850 577 405.

Tel 353 1 8574040 Fax 353 1 8574050