Bachelor Of Health Science (Acupuncture) (Health Stream)

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under section 439 of the Education Act 2020, and Acupuncture Associates Limited is accredited to provide it under section 441 of the Act.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Approved & Accredited (PC4462)

Level7
Credits360
Duration3 years full-time study, 6 years part-time study
IntakeFeb
LocationBlock courses, Auckland campus
DeliveryBlended learning, Online learning with four block weeks a year

Programme Content

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Acupuncture
  • Biomedicine
  • Clinical
  • General

The aim of the BHSc (Acupuncture) is to prepare graduates to be competent entry-level acupuncturists eligible for membership of an acupuncture professional body, and able to operate their own clinic or be employed as an acupuncturist in the allied health field.

On completion of the BHSc (Acupuncture), graduates will have acupuncture knowledge and skills within the traditional Chinese Medicine worldview, at the level of a competent acupuncturist able to practise at an entry-level within professional boundaries, together with the ability to learn new skills and keep abreast with new developments.

A BHSc (Acupuncture) (Health Stream) has been introduced to make it easier for health professionals to become registered acupuncturists by studying fewer modules, attending classes online with block courses 4 times a year in Auckland.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of BHSc (Acupuncture) will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theories, principles, and clinical application of acupuncture and TCM in the diagnosis and design of treatments and management of a range of patients and health conditions;
  • Exercise critical thinking in appraising modern and traditional literature, make informed judgments in identifying health problems, planning, and applying acupuncture and appropriate TCM treatments;
  • Critically review, analyze, consolidate, and synthesize relevant acupuncture/TCM knowledge, ethics, and professional standards, and apply in a clinical environment;
  • Deploy knowledge, understanding, skills, and personal qualities with a high level of professional judgment and awareness; and
  • Manage a clinical caseload, including the treatment of patients, making appropriate referrals when required.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our bachelor’s degree trend toward establishing private practices of their own, joining, or establishing multidisciplinary practices, or taking advantage of flexible working hour opportunities as locums in existing practices.

Entry Requirements

  • Hold a current practicing certificate for nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy (or equivalent medical health field) to meet the requirements for clinical practice in New Zealand or Australia; or
  • Have a qualification in nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy (or equivalent medical health field) to meet the requirements for clinical practice in New Zealand or Australia; or
  • Have a qualification or health professional experience deemed appropriate by the Health Profession Coordinator (a new position) and approved by the Academic Committee where the criteria are that it is considered that the applicant has a reasonable chance of succeeding in the qualification;
  • Local students must show proof of NZ citizenship or residency; and
  • International students must have achieved an academic IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5.

Programme Structure

Year 1

Semester OneSemester Two
ACUP-100-5: Acupuncture channel theory & fundamental acupoints
TCMT-100-5: Foundations of TCM
CLIN-100-5: Introduction to clinic & professional practice

ACUP-101-5: Acupuncture: supplementary points & fundamental techniques
TCMT-101-5: Causes of disease within TCM
BIOM-101-5: Surface anatomy of the human body

Year 2

Semester OneSemester Two
ACUP-200-6: Acupuncture: complex & supplementary techniques

TCMT-200-6: Differential diagnosis within TCM

CLIN-200-6: Applied professional practice (1)
ACUP-201-6: Acupuncture therapeutics for musculoskeletal & common biomedical conditions
TCMT-201-6: Application of differential diagnosis within TCM
TUIN-200-6: Foundations of Tuina & Maori bodywork practices
CLIN-201-6: Applied professional practice (2)

Year 3

Semester OneSemester Two
ACUP-300-7: Acupuncture therapeutics for biomedical specialties
TCMT-300-7: TCM differential diagnosis from clinical practice
CLIN-300-7: Applied professional practice (3)
ACUP-301-7: Acupuncture classical techniques & contemporary development
PROF-300-7: Professional issues, ethics & cultural safety for acupuncture/TCM practice
CLIN-301-7: Applied professional practice for entry-level acupuncturists

Inquiries

If you want to learn more about this programme, please contact:

Marketing Officer

Phone: +6427 2019 177

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