What are the expectations of class work or participation in-between the on-campus modules?
Several courses are blended, with online as well as in-person instruction. This means engaging with online material in the time between on-campus instruction.

What are the expectations of class work or participation in-between the on-campus modules?
Students are expected to keep up with all reading and class assignments documented in their class syllabi. For some, this may mean approximately 20-30 hours a week. For others, it may be less. Students will also see on average 10 patients per week while incorporating new knowledge and skills gained from the program, with their patients.

What happens if I need to miss an entire or partial part of the on-campus module?
According to our attendance policy, students are expected to attend all of their classes and clinic. Faculty have the discretion to fail a student who misses more than 25 percent of class or clinic time.

What happens if I need to miss an entire or partial part of a module?
According to our attendance policy, DAOM students may be absent for no more than two non-consecutive monthly modules during the 24-month program. If a student does not miss an entire monthly module, but only a portion, the student may miss no more than nine full days of module instruction during the two-year program. This includes missing no more than two clinic internship days, two class sessions of any other clinical course, or two class sessions of any didactic course.

Will extra electives taken in my master's degree count towards transfer credit into the program?
Maybe. An assessment of master's coursework that may qualify for transfer credit will occur as part of the admissions process.

Will extra electives taken in my master's degree count towards transfer credit into the program?
No. All credits transferring into the program would need to be taken from another DAOM accredited program.

Are the faculty members who are teaching in this track the same as the DAcM/MACM or the DAOM program?
Some faculty may be the same if experience and education requirements are met. Please see our catalog or Faculty page for a listing of OCOM's faculty for all programs.

Are the faculty members who are teaching in the DAOM program the same as the DACM/MACM or the DACM completion track?
Some faculty may be the same if experience and education requirements are met. Please see our catalog or Faculty page for a listing of OCOM's faculty for all programs.

How is the new DACM/MACM different and what are the changes? In other words, do I need the extra classes if I already have a master's degree?
The dual degree DACM/MACM is set upon the solid foundation of our current master's program with additional concentration in integrative health and collaborative care (in both didactic and clinical hours). It is a year-round program, four quarters per year - Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The biggest change in Chinese medicine study in the dual program is the introduction of classics courses such as nei jing and shang han lun. Additionally, there are didactic and clinical classes that focus in integrative health, research and collaborative care. It is these new elements that form the curriculum for the DACM completion track. OCOM graduates and master's-level students from other Chinese medicine schools may also have the opportunity to apply for the DAOM program. All students must present documentation in the form of an official academic transcript (stating graduation requirements are met from an accredited master's acupuncture program) prior to the first module.

If I am completing my Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine now, how can I obtain the DAOM degree?
OCOM students enrolled in our current master's program will have the opportunity to apply for and enroll in the DAOM program. OCOM graduates and master's-level students from other Chinese medicine schools may also have the opportunity to apply for the DAOM program. All students must present documentation in the form of an official academic transcript stating graduation requirments are met from an accredited master's acupuncture program prior to the first module. Depending on the student's progress, it may be noted as a condition of their acceptance decision letter that an active license and practice of 10 or more patients per week is met within three months from the start of the program.

If I am completing my Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine now, how can I obtain the DACM degree?
OCOM students enrolled in our current master's program will have the opportunity to apply for and enroll in the DACM degree completion track. OCOM graduates and master's-level students from other Chinese medicine schools may also have the opportunity to apply for the DACM, a one-year track in a modular format.

How does the DACM Completion differ from the current, terminal degree DAOM?
The DACM Completion is the first-level professional doctoral degree. This degree will allow you to sit for state and national certification and licensing exams, and is California-approved. Focus is on basic skills and competencies for licensure. The postgraduate doctoral degree, the DAOM, is a clinical specialty degree, terminal, offering intensive research and clinical education opportunities, usually within specific areas of specialization, such as women’s health and aging adults. While not all states recognize such degrees in our field, the DAOM is an advanced doctoral degree, a clinical doctorate, and the highest form of education available in Chinese medicine in the United States. OCOM was the first school in the United States to develop a doctoral degree, which was first launched in 2003.

How does the DACM differ from the DAOM?
The DACM is the first-level professional doctoral degree. This degree will allow you to sit for state and national certification and licensing exams, and is California-approved. Focus is on basic skills and competencies for licensure. The postgraduate doctoral degree, the DAOM, is a clinical specialty degree, terminal, with some focusing on research and teaching. Not all states recognize doctoral degrees in our field.

Will the DACM replace the DAOM program?
Not at this time. The DAOM is the highest-level degree you can obtain in this field. It is a post-doctoral, terminal degree.

Will the DACM replace the DAOM program?
Not at this time. The DAOM is the highest-level degree you can obtain in this field. It is a post-doctoral, terminal degree.

How long is the DAOM program?
OCOM’s doctoral program is a full-time, two-year program presented in a modular format. Students complete 20 modules over the 24-month period.

How long is the program?
The program is approximately one year of study, beginning in September and ending in August with graduation. Students will complete seven on-campus modules, approximately every other month, for four days over a weekend, on average.

What are the program specialties?
OCOM dedicates alternating years to a women's health specialty and one on aging adults. The first of the two specialties you will study depends on the year you enter the program.

Is the DACM Completion track nationally accredited?
The DACM completion track is not yet accredited. Graduates will receive a diploma for licensure. OCOM is seeking accredition through ACAOM, national accreditor. Note: The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (“OCOM”) professional doctorate (PD) program, approved to begin enrolling students, is not yet accredited or pre-accredited by ACAOM. Graduates of this program are not considered to have graduated from an ACAOM-accredited or pre-accredited program and may not rely on ACAOM accreditation or pre-accreditation for professional licensure or other purposes. This program is eligible for ACAOM accreditation and OCOM is currently in the process of seeking ACAOM pre-accreditation/accreditation for the program. However, OCOM can provide no assurance that pre-accreditation or accreditation will be granted by ACAOM.

Is the DACM program nationally accredited?
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine’s master’s-level program in acupuncture (MAc), master’s level program in Oriental medicine (MACM), and advanced practice doctoral program (DAOM) are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Institution/program accreditation history, notes, and dates of review may be viewed at: http://acaom.org/directory-menu/directory

What is the benefit of enrolling in a program (DACM completion track) that is not yet nationally accredited?
We are allowed by our state authorizing agency to award the DACM completion degree even while it is not yet accredited. Given the timelines, we anticipate we will have completed an accreditation site visit and mandatory self study (within 2-3 years) to obtain accredited status, only a short time after our first class graduates.

Will my degree be recognized in California?
Your degree designation will be recognized in California; however, it does not qualify you to sit for the CALE exam. To be eligible for a California license, you must have completed your entry-level education at a California Acupuncture Board (CAB) approved institution.

Will my degree be recognized in California?
OCOM is in the process of obtaining California recognition for the DACM. Our MACM and MAcOM programs are recognized in the state and allow a student to sit for the CALE exam.

Will the DAOM program allow me to practice in any state?
DAOM graduates are eligible to sit for licensing exams in other states. Policies, procedures, and licensing exams are dictated by each state individually. We encourage you to research the states in which you are interested in practicing, and talking directly with the state boards.

If the new DACM is not accredited by the time I graduate from the program, will it alter my ability to become a licensed practitioner? In other words, will I be able to take the national licensing exams if I have a DACM degree?
Yes. OCOM's MAcOM program has been accredited through ACAOM and will meet licensure requirements to sit for the national licensing examination.

What does the ACAOM acreditation standard require for herbal studies?
For applicants to a doctoral program that includes advanced study or specialty concentrations in herbal medicine, who have not completed herbal training in a master’s-level program, the admissions policy must require satisfactory completion of ACAOM’s master's core curriculum requirements for herbal training. Herb certificate training programs for Master of Acupuncture (MAc) students and practitioners will be a minimum of 450 hours of didactic instruction in herbs and 210 hours of herbal clinical training.

Will the DACM completion track allow me to practice in any state?
DAOM completion graduates are eligible to sit for licensing exams in other states. Policies, procedures, and licensing exams are dictated by each state individually. We encourage you to research the states in which you are interested in practicing, and talking directly with the state boards.

What career benefits would the DACM afford me professionally? What kind of doors would it open?
Graduates with the DACM Completion degree will have the benefit of having hands-on skills in applied integrative and collaborative health care. For example, you will have had training in advanced case-analysis and recording, applied integrative Western medicine in understanding and interpreting labs, radiology reports, and physical exams. Students will work with integrative medical professionals and have a broader understanding of Western, Naturopathic, and Chinese medicine perspectives.

What career benefits would the DAOM afford me professionally? What kind of doors would it open?
There are specific career paths to the DAOM that the DACM program may not offer. Some career paths will only recognize the terminal doctorate degree (DAOM). For example, hospital-based medical paths, medical research paths, and even teaching paths may only recognize the DAOM terminal degree.

Will I be able to work in hospitals with this degree?
Some hospitals may recognize your training and experience and offer compensation commensurate with doctoral level training opportunities. Others will specifically require the DAOM terminal degree.

Will I be able to work in hospitals with this degree?
Some hospitals may recognize your training and experience and offer opportunities to apply for employment. It has been seen numerous times that students who are completing selective homework, research capstone projects, or other work within our program in hospital settings are often asked to stay on in some capacity.

How do I set up a time to visit the school?
The best way to learn about what OCOM offers is through a personal visit during one of our on-campus modules. You will interact with our faculty, administrators, and current students while learning about our curriculum and admissions processes, and you’ll have the opportunity to take a tour of our beautiful LEED certified facility. Contact the Director of Doctoral Services to arrange your visit.

How do I set up a time to visit the school?
The best way to learn about what OCOM offers is through a personal visit during one of our on-campus modules. We also encourage you to join us for one of our frequent Doctoral Student for a Day events. You will interact with our faculty, administrators, and current students while learning about our curriculum and admissions processes, and you’ll take a tour of our beautiful LEED certified facility. Contact the Director of Doctoral Services to arrange your visit.

Is it possible to sit-in on a class?
Yes. We can arrange for you to sit in one of our on-campus modules. Please contact the Director of Doctoral Services so we can help you arrange your class visit.

Will I be able to work in hospitals with this degree?
Yes. We can arrange for you to sit in one of our on-campus modules. Please contact the Director of Doctoral Services so we can help you arrange your class visit.

What is the average age and background of your students?
Our DACM Completion track begins in Fall 2019, so at this time the demographic is unknown. It is expected to be a mixture similar to the history of our MAcOM and DAOM programs. In the past, OCOM’s average student age in our MAcOM program has been consistent at 31, often ranging from 22 to 72, with our DAOM program's average age being 41. The ratio of female-to-male students has typically been 4:1 in the MAcOM and 2:2 for the DAOM program. Overall, our students hail from diverse educational, professional, and geographic backgrounds.

What is the average age and background of your students?
Our DACM Completion track begins in Fall 2019, so at this time the demographic is unknown. It is expected to be a mixture similar to our previous MAcOM and DAOM programs. In the past, OCOM’s average student age in our MAcOM program has been consistent at 31, often ranging from 22 to 72, with our DAOM program's average age being 41. The ratio of female-to-male students has typically been 4:1 in the MAcOM and 2:2 for the DAOM program. Overall, our students hail from diverse educational, professional, and geographic backgrounds.

Do you have on-campus housing options?
OCOM is a stand-alone commuter campus located in the heart of Portland’s Old Town Chinatown district, a half block away from the Willamette River waterfront. Students visiting from out of town for our on-campus modules often stay in hotels, air bnb's, with friends and family, or with other students. OCOM consistently works with nearby hotels for institution discounts. 

College Housing Northwest - http://chnw.org
Craigslist - https://portland.craigslist.org/search/hsw
TriMet - https://trimet.org

Do you have on-campus housing options?
OCOM is a stand-alone commuter campus located in the heart of Portland’s Old Town Chinatown district, a half block away from the Willamette River waterfront. Students visiting from out of town for our on-campus modules often stay in hotels, air bnb's, with friends and family, or with other students. OCOM consistently works with nearby hotels for institution discounts. 

College Housing Northwest - http://chnw.org
Craigslist - https://portland.craigslist.org/search/hsw
TriMet - https://trimet.org

If an unforeseen circumstance arises, is a leave of absence possible?
Yes. There are policies and procedures that may come into play in planning when one would migrate back into the program and how long one has to finish the degree. The Director of Student and Alumni Affairs is happy to work with you and help advise you.

If an unforeseen circumstance arises, is a leave of absence possible?
Yes. There are policies and procedures that may come into play in planning when one would migrate back into the program and how long one has to finish the degree. The Dean of Doctoral Studies and Registrar are happy to work with you and help advise you.

Does your school offer financial aid and/or scholarships?
Since it is not currently accredited, federal financial aid is not available for the DACM completion track. Students in the DACM degree completion track are eligible to apply for private student loans to fund their direct and/or indirect costs. 

National financial aid databases to explore:

Guide to online graduate programs - gograd.org/financial-aid/scholarships

Scholarships for first-year graduate students - fastweb.com

Does your school offer financial aid and/or scholarships?
OCOM students are eligible to apply for Direct Unsubsidized and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Students must fill out a FAFSA each year (https://fafsa.ed.gov). More information about the federal loan programs can be found at www.studentaid.gov. Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA, you should also visit OCOM’s Scholarships page.

Other national financial aid databases to explore:

Guide to online graduate programs - gograd.org/financial-aid/scholarships

Scholarship search on fastweb.com

Do students that have jobs thrive well with the program?
While no exact statistics are kept on how many students work while in the program, we know that there are a number of students who do work, on and off campus. The consistent feedback we get from students is that our modular format allows students to continue growing their practice while attending the program. At the end of the day, know yourself and your capabilities. If you plan to work, our best advice is to find a flexible position that allows you to attend our on-campus modules.

Do students that see 10 or more patients a week thrive well within the program?
While no exact statistics are kept on exactly how many hours students work while in the program, we know that an average, they are seeing 10 patients a week. Generally speaking, feedback is good, that students are practicing what they are learning and thriving within the program. It is important to take into consideration those who travel to Portland for our modules, who have time change differences, who have very busy practices and may need to close the door on practice days or hire extra help, who work additional jobs, who have unforeseen health conditions, who have personal life situations, etc. In all of the above, the consensus is yes, students seeing 10 or more patients a week absolutely have the opportunity to thrive within our program.

What will the cost be for the DACM degree completion track? Will it be covered by Federal Financial Aid?
Tuition for the degree completion track will be announced in January 2019. Federal Finanical Aid will not be available; however, other sources of funding will. Please contact the Director of Financial Aid at 503-253-3443 x108 for more information.

What will the cost be for the DAOM program? Will it be covered by Federal Financial Aid?
Tuition for the two-year DAOM program is $39,500. Tuition for each academic year is $19,750. DAOM students at OCOM are eligible to apply for Federal Student Loans. Students will be required to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year they are enrolled. OCOM's school code is B07625. For more information about the types of loans and how to apply, visit ocom.edu/admissions/financial-aid, or contract the Director of Financial Aid at 503-253-3443 x108 for more information.

How do I learn about and apply for scholarship opportunities?
Visit our scholarship page at ocom.edu/scholarships for the most current information on how to apply for scholarship offerings. Contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have additional questions.

How do I learn about and apply for scholarship opportunities?
Visit our scholarship page at ocom.edu/scholarships for the most current information on how to apply for scholarship offerings. Contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have additional questions.

Does one need to have studied Chinese herbs in their master's program? If so, to what extent?
Yes. Many accredited master's programs have herbs combined within their degree program. If yours does not, according to ACAOM, you must take an herb certificate training program with a minimum of 450 hours of didactic instruction in herbs and 210 hours of herbal clinical training.

Does one need to have studied Chinese herbs in their master's program? If so, to what extent?
Yes. Many accredited master's programs have herbs combined within their degree program. If yours does not, according to ACAOM, you must take an herb certificate training program with a minimum of 450 hours of didactic instruction in herbs and 210 hours of herbal clinical training.

Is it required to be licensed in acupuncture and have an active practice?
No. It is not required to be licensed in acupuncture to apply to the DACM degree completion track. It is recommended that you would work toward obtaining your license if you have not yet received it. It is a requirement for the DAOM program and will give students more opportunity to practice what they are learning in the program.

Is it required to be licensed in acupuncture and have an active practice?
Yes. If an applicant is just graduating, it may be noted as a condition on their decision letter to have their license and see, on average, three patients per week within three months of beginning the program. Having your license provides you with more opportunity to practice what you will be learning in the program.

All candidates to the DACM degree completion track must meet the following application and admission requirements:

• Notification of Application for Admission form;
• Documentation of receiving a master's degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine on an official transcript from an accredited institution;
• Must possess a minimum credit count of 135 quarter or 90 semester credits, at the 100 level or above, attained at an accredited college or university (equivalent to three years transferable to a baccalaureate degree);
• Prerequisite courses: One general human biology, one general physics, one general chemistry, and one introductory psychology — with a “C” grade or above for each;
• One recent photograph (head shot);
• Two personal essays;
• Two references — one professional and one academic — from individuals who can comment on your ability to succeed in the DACM degree completion track and your potential as a health care provider;
• Official transcripts from each post-secondary school or college previously attended (whether or not a degree was attained);
• Current resume or curriculum vitae;
• Completion of a short case analysis if a graduate of more than five years;
• Possibility of challenge exams if a graduate of more than seven years;
• Applicant General Information form;
• Financial planning information;
• Description of prior post-secondary education;
• Documentation of TOEFL score, if applicable;
• A non-refundable application fee of $75.

The Admissions Committee will review applications only when all of the above materials have been received. An in-person, on-campus interview will be scheduled for qualified applicants (exceptions to this interview may be considered in extenuating circumstances). Admission decisions are confirmed within seven business days of the admission interview. Once accepted into the program, the student will be required to make a tuition deposit of $250 to secure a place in the entering class. This deposit is requested within seven business days of acceptance ($50 of this deposit is nonrefundable).

All candidates to the DAOM program must meet the following application and admission requirements:

• Notification of Application for Admission form;
• Documentation of receiving a master's degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine on an official transcript from an accredited institution;
• Copy of current acupuncture and Chinese medicine license;
• Applicant General Information form;
• One recent photograph (head shot);
• Two personal essays;
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals (at least one shoud be from an instructor) able to judge the applicant's ability to undertake doctoral work (must be submitted using online form);
• Official transcripts from each post-secondary school or college previously attended (whether or not a degree was attained);
• Current resume or curriculum vitae;
• Completion of a short case analysis;
• Description of current clinical practice;
• Financial planning information;
• Description of prior post-secondary education;
• Documentation of TOEFL score, if applicable;
• A non-refundable application fee of $75.

The Admissions Committee will review applications only when all of the above materials have been received. An in-person, on-campus interview will be scheduled for qualified applicants (exceptions to this interview may be considered in extenuating circumstances). Admission decisions are confirmed within seven business days of the admission interview. Once accepted into the program, the student will be required to make a tuition deposit of $250 to secure a place in the entering class. This deposit is requested within seven business days of acceptance ($50 of this deposit is nonrefundable).

What if my prerequisites were taken more than 10 years ago?
OCOM will accept all prerequisites taken at any time so long as they satisfy credit, grade, and institution accreditation requirements.

What if my prerequisites were taken more than 10 years ago?
OCOM will accept all prerequisites taken at any time so long as they satisfy credit, grade, and institution accreditation requirements.

Do you accept credits from a community college?Credits from a community college will absolutely be accepted, so long as the college is accredited. If you are unsure of accreditation, contact OCOM's Admissions team.

Do you accept credits from a community college?
Credits from a community college will absolutely be accepted, so long as the college is accredited. If you are unsure of accreditation, contact OCOM's Admissions team.

Is there a GPA requirement?
We expect students to have shown exceptional academic promise. It is required that all applicants provide official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. The four required prerequisite courses — general biology, general chemistry, general physics, and introduction to psychology — must have earned a “C” grade or above.

Is there a GPA requirement?
We expect students to have shown exceptional academic promise. It is required that all applicants provide official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.

Do you accept credits from a massage school?
Most massage schools are not accredited as a degree-seeking program through the Department of Education so, generally, the answer is no. Accreditation through the field of massage is different. If a massage school is accredited through the Department of Education as part of a degree seeking program, the answer is yes, we will accept credits from that school. Contact the Office of Admissions if you have questions about a massage school you attended.

Do you have specialty tracks?
No. All students in the degree completion track take the same courses with an emphasis on collaborative care, classics, and integrative clinical skills.

Do you have specialty tracks?
Yes. The DAOM program dedicates alternating years to its specialties, one on women's health and one on aging adults. The first of the two specialties you will study depends on the year you enter the program.

Do you accept transfer credits?
Yes, we do accept transfer credits from other accredited Chinese medicine schools. The Assistant Dean of Master’s Studies completes a formal evaluation after receiving official transcripts and a $150 evaluation fee. For more information about the process, direct your question to the Director of Doctoral Studies at http://www.ocom.edu/contact-admissions

Do you accept transfer credits?
Yes, we do accept transfer credits from other accredited Chinese medicine DAOM programs. Transfer credit will only be awarded for courses that are essentially similar in description, content, level, and credit hours to OCOM's doctoral coursework. The Dean of Postgraduate Studies completes a formal evaluation after receiving official transcripts, course descriptions, syllabi, and a $150 evaluation fee. For more information about the process, please direct your question to the Director of Doctoral Studies at http://www.ocom.edu/contact-admissions

What if my coursework took place outside of the United States or was not accredited by ACAOM?
The Dean of Doctoral Studies will review the situation and make a determination as to the applicability of any transfer credit. Students from such instituions must have their transcripts evaluated by an international educational service.

Are there certain times of the year when you accept transfer students? Who should I contact to learn more about the transfer evaluation process?
Most often, transfer students will enter in the Fall quarter. While rare, the transfer evaluation sometimes dictates a mid-year entry. Contact the Director of Doctoral Services at 503-253-3443 x201 about any transfer related questions.

Are there certain times of the year when you accept transfer students? Who should I contact to learn more about the transfer evaluation process?
Most often, transfer students will enter in the Fall quarter. While rare, the transfer evaluation sometimes dictates a mid-year entry. Contact the Director of Doctoral Services at 503-253-3443 x201 about any transfer related questions.

What is the cost to have transcripts evaluated? How long does it take?
The transfer evaluation process fee is $150. After receiving all required documentation, the process is generally completed in two weeks, on average.

What is the cost to have transcripts evaluated? How long does it take?
The transfer evaluation process fee is $150. After receiving all required documentation, the process is generally completed in two weeks, on average.

What documents are needed for a transfer evaluation and who completes it?
OCOM’s Assistant Dean of Master’s Studies will require the following documents to complete the evaluation:

• Official transcripts of all colleges from which you are seeking transfer credit;
• Course descriptions for all courses for which you are seeking transfer credit;
• At the discretion of the evaluator, syllabi from specific courses for which you are seeking transfer credit;
• Proof of payment of $150 evaluation fee provided by OCOM’s Business Office;
• California Acupuncture Board (CAB) Transfer Credit Notification form (if you are transferring courses from a non-approved California school and requesting 100% transfer credits for approved courses).

What documents are needed for a transfer evaluation and who completes it?
OCOM’s Dean of Doctoral Studies will require the following documents to complete the evaluation:

• Official transcripts of all colleges from which you are seeking transfer credit;
• Course descriptions for all courses for which you are seeking transfer credit;
• Syllabi from all courses for which you are seeking transfer credit;
• Proof of payment of $150 evaluation fee provided by OCOM’s Business Office

I’m a veteran. Who at OCOM can I contact to talk about using veteran’s benefits to help finance my education?
Our Registrar is the contact person for veterans who have current benefits. Students eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits will provide their Certificate of Eligibility form, which details their entitlement for benefits. The Registrar will then input the VA information into the government’s online VA ONCE system for verifying enrollment information.

Students with VA Vocational Rehabilitation benefits will provide the Registrar with the appropriate caseworker information and paperwork. The Registrar will submit spreadsheets and invoices (signed and dated by the student; including tuition, fees, books and supplies) to the caseworker for payment. This process occurs each quarter the student is enrolled.

For more information on VA benefits, visit their website.

 I’m a veteran. Who at OCOM can I contact to talk about using veteran’s benefits to help finance my education?
Our Registrar is the contact person for veterans who have current benefits. Students eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits will provide their Certificate of Eligibility form, which details their entitlement for benefits. The Registrar will then input the VA information into the government’s online VA ONCE system for verifying enrollment information.

Students with VA Vocational Rehabilitation benefits will provide the Registrar with the appropriate caseworker information and paperwork. The Registrar will submit spreadsheets and invoices (signed and dated by the student; including tuition, fees, books and supplies) to the caseworker for payment. This process occurs each quarter the student is enrolled.

For more information on VA benefits, visit their website.

Do you accept international students to your programs?
OCOM is approved by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization to grant admission to full-time students. Students who are not educated in the United States must meet the same admissions requirements as U.S.-educated applicants and are encouraged to apply to our programs.

What are the application and admissions requirements?
OCOM welcomes international students to apply for admission to the DACM completion track. In addition to all the standard application information and documentation, international students must also meet and submit additional documentation requirements.

Official copies of all academic transcripts from secondary schools. International institutions’ transcripts must be submitted with the appropriate translation and equivalency analysis from a recognized agency such as World Education Services. Visit www.wes.org

English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program. This may be satisfied by:

— Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet based test (iBT), scoring 61 or above, achieving a minimum speaking exam score of 26 and a minimum listening exam score of 22. Visit www.ets.org/toefl

— International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result of Band Score of 6 (Competent User). Visit www.ielts.org

Show sufficient financial resources to fund educational and living expenses with the following documentation:

— Certificate of Finance

— Official bank verification of funds (English translation) with Current Exchange rate

— Official bank verification of funds (English translation) with Current Exchange rate

Additional $20,000 per year for each dependent (spouse, child)

Copy of passport (front and back, with signature of bearer) for all non-U.S. citizens

Copy of photo page of passport showing picture image, correct spelling of legal name, and date of birth

Copy of visa for all non-U.S. citizens

You may obtain more information about the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Visit www.ice.gov/sevis

What are the application and admissions requirements?OCOM welcomes international students to apply for admission to the DAOM program. In addition to all the standard application information and documentation, international students must also meet and submit additional documentation requirements.

Official copies of all academic transcripts from secondary schools. International institutions’ transcripts must be submitted with the appropriate translation and equivalency analysis from a recognized agency such as World Education Services. Visit www.wes.org

English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program. This may be satisfied by:

— Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet based test (iBT), scoring 61 or above, achieving a minimum speaking exam score of 26 and a minimum listening exam score of 22. Visit www.ets.org/toefl

— International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result of Band Score of 6 (Competent User). Visit www.ielts.org

Show sufficient financial resources to fund educational and living expenses with the following documentation:

— Certificate of Finance

— Official bank verification of funds (English translation) with Current Exchange rate

Minimum of $40,000 for the first year of the two-year program. Each year, an international student needs to show proof of funds for the continuing year before the beginning of each new school year.

Additional $20,000 per year for each dependent (spouse, child)

Copy of passport (front and back, with signature of bearer) for all non-U.S. citizens

Copy of photo page of passport showing picture image, correct spelling of legal name, and date of birth

Copy of visa for all non-U.S. citizens

You may obtain more information about the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Visit www.ice.gov/sevis

How long will it take to receive my I-20?
Once admitted, OCOM’s Registrar (our designated school official, or DSO) will work with you and ensure all documentation requirements are met. The DSO will then issue the I-20, sending it directly to your mailing address by international post. The student visa cannot be issued more than 120 days prior to the start date of the program (which is entered on the I-20 document).

How long will it take to receive my I-20?
Once admitted, OCOM’s Registrar (our designated school official, or DSO) will work with you and ensure all documentation requirements are met. The DSO will then issue the I-20, sending it directly to your mailing address by international post. The student visa cannot be issued more than 120 days prior to the start date of the program (which is entered on the I-20 document).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships to international students?
International students are not eligible for U.S. Federal or state-funded aid programs. You may be eligible, however, to apply for private loans so long as the co-signer is a U.S. citizen. You may also be eligible to apply for OCOM's scholarships. Please visit our scholarship page at ocom.edu for more information.

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships to international students?
International students are not eligible for U.S. Federal or state-funded aid programs. You may be eligible, however, to apply for private loans so long as the co-signer is a U.S. citizen. You may also be eligible to apply for OCOM's scholarships. Please visit our scholarship page at ocom.edu for more information.

I have a spouse and a child that I will be bringing into the U.S. with me. What do I need to do to get them visas?
SEVIS Policy: When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to resi de with you in the United States while you study, they must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee. Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 fee.

Fee information: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/student.html

Regulations for students and schools: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/schools/reg#2141

Links to SEVIS fact sheets: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheets

I have a spouse and a child that I will be bringing into the U.S. with me. What do I need to do to get them visas?
SEVIS Policy: When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to resi de with you in the United States while you study, they must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee. Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 fee.

Fee information: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/student.html

Regulations for students and schools: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/schools/reg#2141

Links to SEVIS fact sheets: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheets

I have a partner that will be living with me while I attend OCOM. Can my partner be issued an F-2 dependent visa?
Only legal dependents (e.g. spouse or child) may be issued an F-2 visa.

I have a partner that will be living with me while I attend OCOM. Can my partner be issued an F-2 dependent visa?
Only legal dependents (e.g. spouse or child) may be issued an F-2 visa.

As an international student, am I allowed to work while going to your school?
OCOM only offers on-campus federal work-study positions available to students. International students are not eligible for such federal funding.

If you are seeking off-campus employment, there are specific rules and procedures for the F-1 visa that must be followed. Students must make an appointment with OCOM’s designated school official (DSO) to determine whether you are eligible for employment. In general, an international student must show adequate financing to cover all expenses — tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses — before the F-1 is issued.

If you are seeking off-campus employment, there are specific rules and procedures for the F-1 visa that must be followed. Students must make an appointment with OCOM’s designated school official (DSO) to determine whether you are eligible for employment. In general, an international student must show adequate financing to cover all expenses — tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses — before the F-1 is issued.