Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) major in Acupuncture

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