OCOM seeks doctoral students who show the potential to become leaders in the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine and who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and maturity necessary to undertake the challenges of the doctoral program. In order to make this assessment, the admissions committee reviews each applicant in a variety of areas, including their academic record and professional and life experiences.

Prerequisites

All applicants must be able to document a master’s level training in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (or its equivalent) to be eligible for consideration for the OCOM doctoral program. Formal training in herbal medicine is essential. Original transcripts are required in all cases. For most potential U.S.-based applicants trained within the last 15 years, this basic admissions requirement means that applicants must possess a master’s degree (or diploma) in Oriental medicine, usually from a school or college accredited by ACAOM.

Prospective applicants whose prior training falls short of the formal academic criteria may still be eligible for consideration for admission to the program. In such cases, the full admissions committee will undertake a formalized credentials and competencies review prior to considering the application. This review will take into account not only an applicant’s formal training and academic transcript, but also factors such as clinical experience. The review may require an initial phone interview with the applicant by the full committee to verify levels of knowledge and competency in areas such as TCM diagnosis, Chinese herbal medicine and/or biomedicine. The committee may also require the applicant to pass formal written challenge examinations or complete master’s level course work if deficiencies in specific areas are identified. Successful completion of these challenge exams and/or course work will be required in order to be eligible for admission.

The Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) degree program is a clinical doctorate, and students are required to present cases from their practice in the classroom as well as writing case study reports. It is also expected that students will apply the knowledge and skills learned in the program to patients in their own practices. For these reasons, applicants to the DAOM program should be currently licensed practitioners with an active practice (generally, this means treating at least ten patients per week with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine). Applicants in the process of obtaining licensure and establishing an active practice will be considered.

If you have questions about admissions requirements, please contact Anna Lewis, MEd, LMT, Director of Admissions.