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Private Training Establishment

New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine
New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine logo

Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) major in Acupuncture

This course is available

Online, On-Campus

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Duration

3 years

Next start date

Expected Jul 2023

Campus

New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine

Summary

Our three-year Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) Degree (which is a part of our Bachelor of Health Science – Chinese Medicine Degree) is also approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and recognised nationally and internationally. It follows a full-time 3-year pathway over a period of 108 teaching weeks and comprises a total of 360 credits spread between Levels 5, 6 and 7 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Acupuncture in New Zealand has been recently accepted as a respected and widely used healing modality and the aim of the Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) Degree is to enable students to become highly skilled practitioners of traditional Acupuncture with the highest professional standards. At NZCCM, we endeavour to combine ancient fundamentals and traditional practices with recent refinements in authentic Chinese Medicine and adapt these to Western Medical Models using modern teaching methodologies.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of this qualification:

  • Employ a comprehensive understanding of the theory and application of Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture, and of the traditional and contemporary uses of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Tuina to contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and management of a range of patients and conditions.
  • Provide appropriate care and management to a range of patients, including advice on lifestyle and health maintenance, as effective members within the healthcare community in New Zealand.
  • Practise within the legislative framework that applies to healthcare in New Zealand, ensuring that the rights of patients and their families are respected.
  • Understand and identify contraindications and limitations to the application of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Tuina.
  • Analyse and interpret a range of patient health issues from the perspective of Western Medical Science and where necessary, incorporate this into their care plans or appropriately refer patients to other health practitioners.
  • Employ strong and clear communication skills with patients and their carers, including obtaining informed consent prior to commencing treatment.
  • Make and maintain appropriate patient records.
  • Understand the principles and practice of small business management and of working in or setting up and maintaining a small practice.

Employment Outcomes

On successful completion of either qualification, graduates can:

  • Be self-employed in Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture Clinics
  • Be an Acupuncturist or a Chinese Medicine Practitioner in an established Chinese Medicine Clinic or multi-disciplinary Clinic

Further Study

  • A Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and/or Acupuncture
  • Post Graduate Qualifications in either discipline

Entry criteria

International Students intending to apply for our Degree Programmes must possess the personal and professional qualities required to become competent and ethical healthcare providers. Completion of an interview process will enable us to ensure that there is a match between our learners, their employment and future goals and our programmes. All students will be required to complete a health declaration.

They must also:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have successfully completed the New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 OR
  • Provide evidence of full-time study within a New Zealand School for a period of two years and have completed a minimum of NCEA Level 2 (the UE English requirement) OR
  • Provide evidence of successfully completing two years tertiary study in a New Zealand Degree or Diploma at Level 5 or above.
  • Complete all immigration requirements and have a valid student visa.
  • Submit evidence of appropriate medical and travel insurance.

Special Admission and Mature Entry

Applicants who are over 20 years of age and do not meet all the entry requirements should contact NZCCM to explore their options. Subject to the NZCCM Academic Board’s statutory powers to decline enrolment, a person may enrol for the first year of the Bachelor of Health Science Programme if the Programme Management Committee is of the opinion that the applicant could undertake the programme with reasonable prospects of success and meets the English Language Entry Requirement.

English Language requirement

Show English Language Competency to a minimum of 6.0 overall with no band lower than 5.5 on the IELTS academic test or equivalent (any other NZQA recognised international test) with test results being current, obtained from one test and taken within 2 years of the application date

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