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Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine Curriculum
Students in the Master of Science (Traditional Oriental Medicine) will complete a minimum of 201 units (204 in San Diego) from the courses described below. Students in the Master of Science (Acupuncture) complete a minimum of 172 units. The M.S (Acupuncture) program exempts students from all herbology courses, except Herbology 1, Eastern Nutrition and Nutrition; however, these courses may be taken as non-required electives. While the following course descriptions are comprehensive, they are meant to acquaint you with the academic structure of the program and general content of courses. Some variation and evolution in the course content will certainly occur. Official curriculum and program requirements are offered in Part Two of the college catalog, which is available online and by hardcopy, upon request.
Department of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
After a fascinating introduction to the history and Classical texts of Oriental medicine, the Department of Oriental Medicine systematically presents physiology, etiology, pathomechanisms, pathophysiology and the diagnostic and treatment systems of Chinese medicine. These are integrated with relevant biomedicine, as faculty members reinforce information from the biomedical science department and model the use of biomedicine in the modern Oriental medicine practice.
266 Philosophical and Historical Foundations of Chinese Medicine
This course presents a rich and fascinating history that brings to life the subject of Chinese medicine. Students come to understand that they are a link in the unbroken chain of this healing tradition. They will travel through medical history guided by the classical texts. Students will survey each key concept in the field to acquire an overview of the subject that they will immerse themselves in over the next four years.
267 Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 1
Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine (FCM) 1 begins our comprehensive study of the basic theories of Chinese medicine, including qi, blood, fluids, five phases and viscera-bowel (zang-fu) physiology. This course provides a firm foundation in Chinese medical theory.
366 Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 2
Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 2 builds on the foundation established in FCM I by presenting the etiology and pathomechanisms of disease in Chinese medicine. Once students have a clear grasp of etiology and pathomechanisms, they are ready to advance to the Chinese medical diagnostic paradigms presented in FCM 3 and FCM 4.
466 Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 3
Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 3 begins with general treatment principles in Chinese medicine and proceeds to the four examinations, including tongue and pulse examination. As this latter half of the course is focused on diagnosis, practical exercises for tongue and pulse examination will be a vital part of this course.
477 Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 4
Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 4 presents various systems of diagnosis in Chinese medicine including six evil pattern diagnosis, viscera-bowel pattern diagnosis, six -channel pattern identification and four-aspects diagnosis. Case-based exercises comprise a significant portion of this course so that students have the opportunity to see these diagnostic paradigms in action.
In the Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine series, Pacific College students acquire a deep and applicable understanding of the fundamental theories of Chinese medicine that enable them to develop and apply the advanced concepts presented in Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 1-7. These theories are applicable, not only to acupuncture, but to Chinese herbal medicine, moxa therapy, tui na, qi gong and dietary therapy, as well as other experiential or text-based styles within the larger family of East Asian medicine, such as Japanese meridian therapy. As such, the Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 1-4 comprise the cognitive spine on which students may build a firm and flexible skeleton that will endure throughout their careers in East Asian medicine.
Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine 1-4 relies not only on English language sources, but also applies cutting edge Chinese language textbooks, Chinese medical journals and many classic texts such as The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (huang di nei jing), The Classic of Difficult Issues (nan jing), On Blood Patterns (xue zheng lun), Correction of Errors in Medical Classics (yi lin gai cuo), Jing-Yue's Complete Compendium (jing-yue quan shu), and The Origin and Indicators of Disease (zhu bing yuan hou lun). These texts, and many others like them, form the fundamental textual and historical basis of Chinese medicine. When published English language literature is incomplete or insufficient for the challenge of covering these topics to our satisfaction, faculty members produce their own texts, which are available to the students as course readers.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 1-7
Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease I initiates a seven-course series on the diagnosis and treatment of disease according to the principles of Oriental medicine, together with the integration of Oriental medicine and biomedicine. This state-of-the-art curriculum is the product of nearly four years of development by instructional design specialists and faculty members at all three campuses of Pacific College. The instructional design emphasizes case-based instruction, critical thinking and self-directed learning, while teachers model the integration of useful biomedicine within the paradigms of Oriental medical diagnosis and treatment. This immersion in applied integration makes students confident of their ability in both medical universes. Through cases linked to the course content, students see the relevancy of the material and can place it in context immediately. This is a central tenet of adult learning theory. Critical thinking and self-directed learning are, of course, hallmarks of a professional and are among the most important skills imparted to our graduates. This series requires practice and refinement of both. Prior to each area of specialization the faculty members will present the special needs and concerns of the patient population. The importance of these cannot be overlooked, yet often are. For example, when recommending dietary changes to a geriatric patient, has the practitioner confirmed that the patient has the ability and willingness to cook? Is the patient familiar with the natural foods they've been recommended? There are similar issues that pertain to patient populations within each specialty. The faculty will then present representative diseases within each specialty with an emphasis on integrative case management. Self-directed learning activities and case presentation will link the clinic and classroom experiences.
567 Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease I: Pulmonology, Gastroenterology
568 Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 2: Liver Disorders, Rheumatology, Neurology
569 Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 3: Psychology, Immunology, Cardiology
570 Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 4: Gynecology
668 Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 5: Pediatrics, Oncology
669 Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 6: Dermatology, Gerontology, Ophtha1mology
670 Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease 7: Endoainology, Nephrology/Urology, Public HeaJth
527 Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders
To meet the growing acceptance of acupuncturists working in industrial medicine (Workers' Compensation) and sports medicine, Pacific has designed a four-course series devoted to these specialties. This course applies the diagnostic skills learned in Orthopedic and Neurological Evaluation 1 and 2 to the treatment of such disorders with acupuncture. Students learn to document their diagnosis and treatment in specific medical-legal format in the final course of the series, Medical Report Writing.
Acupuncture Point Location, Theory, and Application
The study of the anatomy and application of the meridian and acupuncture point system comprises a ten-course series. The first four courses present: I) the interrelationship of the 72 meridians and their effect on the energetic integrity of the human body; 2) the numerous categories of the acupuncture points; 3) the location of the internal and external primary meridians and their associated luo-connecting, divergent, and tendino-muscular, .extraordinary, and cutaneous meridians; 4) the location of all meridian and major non-meridian points; 5) the functions, indications, and contraindications of individual points and categories of points and 6) the use of points in traditional combinations. These four courses provide the foundation for the six technique courses as well as the student's clinical assistantship and internship.
Student Advice: New students are often confronted with the idea that learning a vast number of acupuncture point locations and functions is an impossible task. In reality, a sequential presentation of point locations and functions by Pacific's method reveals a very manageable task when the student applies sufficient time to study and review. The "point” of this advice: Relax.
337 Acupuncture Points I (Meridian and Acupuncture Point Anatomy I)
This first course in the Acupuncture Points series presents the theory and application of the energetic meridian and acupuncture point systems. Students learn the system of proportional measurements used for locating acupuncture points. They will be able to identify the internal and external pathways of the 12 main meridians, their collateral vessels, and the Du and Ren meridians, emphasizing the connection of meridians to each other and the internal organs. Students will be able to locate key points on each meridian and half of the most common non-meridian points. The instructor will introduce point functions to the extent that the class will provide a useful basis for acupressure techniques.
338 Acupuncture Points 2 (Meridian and Acupuncture Point Anatomy 2)
Students complete their study of the location of meridians and acupuncture points. All pathways, including sinew, luo, divergent, internal and external are covered along with channel pathology. In this course, point location is expanded to include average point depth as well as surface location.
437 Acupuncture Points 3 (The Taxonomy of Acupuncture Points)
The focus of this course is on point categories: the five phase/shu, xi-cleft, yuan-source, luo-connecting, hui-meeting, back shu, front mu, confluent, windows of heaven, four and six command, four seas, and ghost points. Representative patterns of disharmony and principles of point combinations for treatment are presented to contextualize the theoretical material. Students study individual point functions and indications, as well. They continue to review the meridian and acupuncture point locations learned in previous courses.
438 Acupuncture Points 4 (Meridian-based Acupuncture)
The pathways, function, and pathology of the main meridians, eight extraordinary meridians, luo, tendino-muscular, and divergent meridians are reviewed. Point combinations are presented for the varying patterns of disharmony of these meridians. Traditional point prescriptions and modifications are presented and the student is challenged to understand the rationale for such combinations. This course completes the study of individual point functions, indications, and contraindications. Practice of meridian and point location continues.
The following nine courses present the important methods and theories of meridian and acupuncture point stimulation. When applied by trained hands, acupuncture is one of the safest medical therapies known. Nonetheless, it is an invasive technique necessitating universal precautions of blood-borne pathogens and what is commonly referred to as Clean Needle Technique (CNT). As importantly, students must be skilled in a wide variety of treatment styles and techniques to meet the differing needs of patients. Thus, non-invasive techniques are presented along with Chinese and Japanese needling methods.
327 Introduction to Acupuncture Techniques
This course is designed to teach students the manual clinical skills necessary for their role as clinical assistants. Students begin with the non-invasive techniques of moxibustion (direct and indirect with ginger, aconite, salt, pepper, etc.). cupping, gua-sha, the use of plasters, and the indications and contraindications for these techniques. Students begin their needling skills development by first understanding and applying Clean Needle Technique (CNT). Cautions and contra indications to needling are presented. Students practice simple needle insertion and stimulation. As Clinical Assistants, students are often responsible for preparing a patient for treatment, therefore patient draping and positioning are practiced.
426 Needle Techniques
Chinese and Japanese needling techniques are presented. Exercises are practiced to develop and improve needle technique. Cautions and contraindications to needling are reviewed. Students develop hand strength by doing one-handed Chinese technique and proceed from needling inanimate objects to non-acupuncture points to real points. There is also a progression from less to more sensitive points. Methods for redirecting the qi in the channels (supplementing and draining) are presented. The order of needle placement during treatments is discussed. Students must practice Clean Needle Technique (CNT) whenever needling and should be familiar with OSHA and CNT standards presented in Introduction to Acupuncture Techniques prior to the first class meeting.
537 Acupuncture Points 5 (Point Selection)
Distal, adjacent and local point prescriptions for common conditions are presented. Scalp acupuncture points, are covered along with specific systems of acupuncture therapeutics. Students will practice the formulation and needling of point prescriptions with the body placed in clinically realistic positions.
428 Advanced Needle Techniques
In this class, students needle the most sensitive points, practice needle threading, through-and-through needling, and dermal stimulation (including pellets, press needles, etc.). Students learn specialized acupuncture techniques such as electro-acupuncture, and combine needling with moxibustion. Students practice scalp acupuncture needling. More advanced methods for redirecting the qi in the channels (supplementing and draining) are practiced such as generating heat or cold. Emergency procedures are also taught. The use of acupuncture for such specialized procedures as facial rejuvenation, stress reduction, drug detox, and habit control are also practiced.
521 Auricular Acupuncture
There are two major theoretical schools of auricular acupuncture - the French and the Chinese. Both schools and their respective maps of the ear will be compared and contrasted in this class. Clinical applications and treatment formulas are emphasized.
206 Tui Na Hand Techniques
The traditional methods of Oriental physiotherapy, known as Chinese tui na massage, are taught to provide the student with non-invasive methods of treating structural and soft tissue dysfunction. A history of the development of tui na will be presented. Qi gong therapeutic exercises and meditation are also presented as part of the treatment process.
254 Tui Na Structural Techniques
This course focuses on the therapeutic treatment protocols of tui na incorporating acupuncture points and structural and soft tissue manipulation.
147 Qi Gong 1
This course provides the student with an understanding of the principles of qi gong therapeutic exercises and a variety of techniques and applications. The gentle exercises of qi gong encourage the smooth flow of qi through the body. Doing qi gong enhances health and healing. The course presents specific exercises that students can recommend to their patients.
216 Tai Ji
This course presents the first third of the Yang style tai ji and combines tai ji's therapeutic attributes with traditional Chinese philosophy. Mastery of movement is achieved through lectures explaining the relationship between structural dynamics, myology and kinesiology of movement.
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The Department of Herbology
Pacific College believes that herbology represents one of the most powerful healing traditions in use today and that Oriental herbology represents the most organized, consistent, and accessible herbal system available to us. In the Master of Science (Traditional Oriental Medicine), herbology is an equal partner with acupuncture.
The fundamental principles of Chinese herbal medicine along with the individual herbs that constitute formulas are presented in the first academic phase. Second phase courses comprehensively present formulas and their modifications. As Clinical Assistants, students assemble bulk herb formulas prescribed by Clinical Interns under the supervision of licensed supervisors, thus reinforcing their classroom studies. Third phase courses present advanced topics of internal medicine and case studies,
Student Advice: The study of herbology represents a substantial portion of Pacific’s curriculum. To help students assimilate the material required to utilize herbs, pacific recommends the following:
- Study the class material prior to the class lecture. This will allow you to have your questions ready for clarification during class.
- Pay attention in class and use class time to assimilate as much as possible.
- Utilize the memory aids of previous students or create your own mnemonics. Tutors can be helpful; use them.
- Join a study group. The sense of camaraderie will inspire you to stay current with your studies and it adds to the fun, too.
- Use your time in the clinic wisely, .Pay attention to the herbs being prepared and prescribed to reinforce what you have learned in class.
315 Herbology 1
This course is the first of a series that spans nearly the entire program, Just as Foundations of Chinese Medicine brings to life the tradition of acupuncture, Herbology I introduces its equal partner. This course presents the history of Chinese herbal medicine, preparation of medicinals, dosage ranges, relevant combinations, traditional incompatibilities, and a comprehensive overview of the theory of herb categories in the materia medica. Students learn the pin yin and Latin name of all herbs covered; functions and indications; cautions and contraindications; the relevance of entering channels, taste, temperature characteristics of herbs and the dosage range. Physical identification of each herb is also practiced.
316 Herbology 2
This course continues the presentation of the Chinese materia medica and reviews relevant theory, As above, students learn the pin yin and Latin name of all herbs covered; entering channels, taste, temperature, functions and indications; cautions and contraindications and dosage range for each herb; and physical identification,
416 Herbology 3
This course completes the presentation of the Chinese materia medica and reviews relevant theory.
518 Herbology 4
This course comprehensively presents traditional Chinese herbal formulas and modifications within the framework of their traditional therapeutic functions. Students learn 1) the theories of the seven relations (mutual enhancement, etc.). 2) representative combinations, 3) theory of formula construction, 4) hierarchy of ingredients, 5) forms of administration (decoction, powders, pills, etc.), 6) Chinese and English names for each formula, 7) each ingredient and function in the formula, 8) the historical context and source texts discussed for each formula, 9) pattern and disease (TCM) treated by each formula, 10) basic modifications for each formula, II) methodology for understanding the construction and use of formulas the student has not encountered before (self-directed learning). 12) recognizing common traditional combinations present in many formulas, 13) modular understanding of formulas and "familial" relationships between formulas, and 14) application to case studies.
519 Herbology 5
This course continues the presentation of traditional Chinese herbal formulas and modifications within the framework of their traditional therapeutic functions.
520 Herbology 6
This course continues the presentation of traditional Chinese herbal formulas and modifications within the framework of their traditional therapeutic functions. By using their knowledge of individual herbs, the student is able to modify base formulas to create hundreds of new formulas. With this skill, the student is prepared to begin prescribing herbs in Clinical Internship. Pacific's busy clinic has a complete herbal pharmacy with raw herbs as well as prepared "patent" formulas.
632, 633,634 Chinese Herbs and Internal Medicine
Chinese Herbs and Internal Medicine is a year-long sequence during which students master formula construction and modifications. Case studies from medical specialties are used for direct relevance and to reinforce students' knowledge in these specialties. Contemporary literature on pharmacognosy, toxicology and pharmacology will be presented to maximize therapeutic effects, and minimize side-effects of concurrent use of herbal medicine and pharmaceuticals. Students will learn to use 1) standard base formulas, 2) typical modifications, i.e., dui yao and small formulas; and 3) novel formulas for complex cases. Students will acquire the ability to explain the relevant classical as well as modern theories used in the formulation process and will be able to explain the relationship between the pathomechanisms of symptoms and selection of specific herbs and formulas.
Chinese Herbs and Internal Medicine I presents common respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, stroke, headache, multiple sclerosis, and others.
Chinese Herbs and Internal Medicine 2 covers disorders from the specialties of mental health and obstetrics and gynecology.
Chinese Herbs and Internal Medicine 3 presents disorders from dermatology, cardiology. It also addresses diabetes.
625 Shang Han Lun/Wen Bing (Survey of the Classics)
This course is designed for the advanced student who is at the Internship level. It is designed to present specific protocols for the diagnosis and treatment for externally contracted cold damage disorders and warm diseases. Approximately one half of the course (seven weeks) will be devoted to each school of thought. The first half will be based on readings from the Shang Han Lun with discussion, commentary, and relevant prescriptions. The second half of the course will be based on Dr. Liu's Warm Disease: A Clinical Guide, with commentary and case histories from such Warm Disease School physicians as Ye l1anshi and Wu Jutong. Students will learn how to modify prescriptions based on disease progression and transmutation of disease patterns. In addition, there will a further survey of diagnostic methods of pulse, abdominal palpation, teeth and skin mentioned in these texts. Acupuncture point prescriptions developed from the texts and later authors will also be discussed.
417 Eastern Nutrition
This course introduces Oriental and macrobiotic nutritional systems, along with methods of prescribing both Eastern and Western style diets. Medicinal recipes utilizing Chinese herbs are presented and may be prepared in class.
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The Department of Basic and Biomedical Sciences
To responsibly and confidently practice Oriental medicine in the United States, a practitioner must understand the principles and procedures of modern science and medicine. For the health and safety of the patient, an acupuncturist must know the strengths and weaknesses of both modem and traditional systems. As stated in its educational philosophy, Pacific College believes that to create a successful practice and to positively represent Oriental medicine in today's modem medical culture, the practitioner must have the ability to communicate in a knowledgeable and professional manner with all health care practitioners. Additionally, students must be able to recognize emergency conditions requiring referral and ominous signs indicating therapies outside Chinese medicine. Students who fully appreciate this department will see the many ways in which biomedicine can be used to more effectively administer Chinese medicine, modem orthopedic exams and blood tests being only two of many examples. It is toward these important goals that the Department of Basic and Biomedical Sciences presents the following courses.
Student Advice: Some students have the misconception that. because they are studying Oriental medicine, they don't need to learn and understand Western medicine (biomedicine). However, listen to what licensed practitioners~. When they are surveyed to see what topics they would like to see more of in continuing education programs, they often ~ "More biomedicine!" Pacific has one of the most comprehensive biomedical departments for this reason. Don't wait until you are licensed to realize how important the Department of Basic and Biomedical Sciences is. One of the mottos at Pacific is, “We are not studying just Oriental medicine or just biomedicine; we are studying Medicine."
Try to assimilate the biomedical material as you go along through the program. Trying to cram this material for the comprehensive or licensure exams is a difficult task. Study the class material prior to the class lecture. This will allow for greater assimilation during class. Pay attention in class; you will be glad you did.
165 Biology
Biology introduces the basic concepts of biology, which, like biochemistry, helps students understand the biological basis of anatomy, physiology and nutrition.
238 Survey of Biochemical Principles
The basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry are introduced with their applications to physiological functions.
259 Biological Aspects of Physics
This course analyzes the principles of mechanics, hydrodynamics, electricity, and thermodynamics applied to biology, with emphasis on their relationships in human physiology. Attention is called to the connection between biophysical phenomena and human health and medicine.
Student advice: We have observed that students who avoided the biosciences in their undergraduate training occasionally view the above courses with trepidation. Fortunately, we have good news for you. Our students find these courses to be accessible, vel}' interesting, and often among their favorite subjects.
201 Medical Terminology
This course is designed to teach the construction of medical terminology used to describe the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the body. This class will increase the student's ability to access a broad range of medical literature and to communicate with health care professionals.
205 Anatomy 1
Anatomy I comprehensively presents the human muscular-skeletal system. While the entire system is covered, particular emphasis is placed on internal areas to avoid when needling and external landmarks that guide the location of acupuncture points. This course provides the most important foundation for all subsequent acupuncture point location courses, orthopedic and neurological evaluation and treatment courses, needling courses and more. As such, it is uncommon for students to earn transfer credit for this course by taking common, undergraduate anatomy courses, although some credit may be applicable to Anatomy 2.
307 Anatomy 2
Anatomy 2 presents the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, as well as human embryonic development.
308 Anatomy 3
Anatomy 3 is a presentation of the development, structure, and function of the human nervous and endocrine system.
409 Human Physiology
This course will introduce the students of Oriental medicine to a comprehensive overview of the human physiology. The course is designed to emphasize broad concepts and principles in medical physiology. The student will understand how each organ in the body functions individually and also the physiological relationships between different organs of the human body. Although this course emphasizes normal human physiology, some basic pathological processes will be discussed. This course forms an important bridge between human anatomy and pathophysiology.
The content of 165, 205, 307, 308, 310, 409 are presented in Chicago in the following courses: B310 Introduction to the Chemistry of Life, BI65 Biology, and B205, B307, B409, B308 Anatomy and Physiology 1-4.
Most work-related injuries are musculoskeletal in nature. Acupuncture treats these problems very effectively. To function in a responsible manner in a Workers' Compensation case, an acupuncturist must be able to perform or order an orthopedic and
neurological evaluation of the patient. To do so, an acupuncturist must have a working knowledge of standard orthopedic and neurological exams. An acupuncturist must also know how and when to refer a patient for X-rays and other examinations. The acupuncturists who will be successful in the field of Workers' Compensation will have the ability to communicate their diagnosis and treatment in the form of a medical-legal report. Pacific College offers a four-course series in these skills. A description of the three courses offered through this department (423, 523, 611) follows. The fourth course, the Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders (527). is presented by the Department of Oriental Medicine.
423 Orthopedic Neurological Evaluation I
This course has two parts: neurological examination and the study the biomechanics of the human body. Students will learn how to test the neurological systems including dermatome testing, muscle testing, deep tendon reflexes, etc. Biomechanics is the study of the body in terms of mechanical structure and analysis of body motion and posture. This part of the course will teach the student to understand normal mechanics of the joints of the human body in order to better understand injury and/or disease of the joints, which will be taught in Orthopedic Neurological Evaluation 2.
523 Orthopedic Neurological Evaluation 2
In this course, students will learn to perform orthopedic examinations of the major joint systems of the human body. Students will learn how to conduct an examination of the joint, including palpation, range of motion studies, muscle testing, and orthopedic testing of the joints. The examination process will help the student to determine if a lesion is present, the location of the lesion, and along with the history, will then help the student arrive at a diagnostic interpretation of the joint dysfunction.
611 Medical-Legal Report Writing
This course develops the important skill of communicating in written form with medical-legal colleagues.
410, 411 Pathophysiology 1 and 2
Pathophysiology concepts build on previous principles learned in human anatomy and physiology. These courses focus on presenting aberrations in normal physiology that ultimately lead to a disease state affecting one or more organ, systems. Diagnostic tests, including, but not limited to laboratory testing will be discussed as they relate to specific pathological conditions. The courses present the description, etiology, pathologic process, signs, symptoms, and complications of many common diseases.
509, 609 Clinical Science 1 and 2
These two courses in internal medicine cover the biomedical diagnostic methods pertaining to diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. Allergies, occupational medicine, and dermatology are also covered. The course also presents a survey of the various health professions.
510 Physical Exam
Students will practice diagnosis of common medical conditions through biomedical history taking and physical exam. The students become familiar with these methods for their own professional use and to know when to refer patients to other health care professionals.
507 Pharmacology
This course provides the student with an overview of basic pharmacological principles, terminology and the use of drug references. These concepts are applied to help the student understand drugs and their application to the treatment process. At the end of the course, students understand the mechanisms and uses of the most common prescription drug classes that their patients may be taking.
231 Clinical Counseling 1: The Student
The clinical counseling program at Pacific is based on the understanding that Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes the unity of the body, mind and spirit. We also believe that the journey of healing is a journey shared by patient and practitioner. Recent studies indicate that a positive, caring patient/practitioner relationship encourages healing. To be effective in this relationship requires that the student first understand him/herself. That is a primary goal of Clinical Counseling I. The course provides students with a variety of tools for self-evaluation. It increases the student's understanding of the philosophy of Oriental medicine and its application to communication and self-growth. The course introduces basic and advanced skills for effective communication, thus enhancing the student's interviewing ability. This course is highly experiential. It engenders the student's sense of our healing community and provides a supportive environment for self-discovery. It is highly recommended even for students who qualify for transfer credit.
531 Clinical Counseling 2: The Patient
This second course in the Clinical counseling series presents specific counseling skills applying the principles of humanistic psychology. It also continues the student's development of the characteristics that benefit the patient/practitioner relationship.
631 Clinical Counseling 3: The Professional
This unique course sponsors and models the peer support groups common in medicine. Students have an opportunity to share cases that are challenging from a patient counseling perspective or cases that challenge the student's confidence, belief systems, or ability to practice at an optimal level. This course supports students in their growth process and allows them to understand that they are experiencing issues shared by most, if not all, healers. Most importantly, it gives them a method and medium for dealing with these issues. It is required of all students regardless of previous training.
209 Nutrition
The principles of nutrition and the uses of vitamins, minerals, and other supplements as therapeutic modalities are presented.
600 Clinical Research Design and Statistics
This course presents the principles of experimental research design and statistics. It is a course designed to give acupuncturists an understanding of valid research and an appreciation of its importance to our profession. Pacific wants all of its students to experience the issues of acupuncture research regardless of their previous research in other fields. Only those students who have prepared a research proposal in an Oriental medicine area will be granted transfer for this course.
104 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.)/First Aid
Students are taught how to effectively assess and respond to injuries and life threatening situations. Skills taught include the ABC's of life saving, CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, bandaging, splinting and wound care. This is an approved course taught by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
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The Department of Clinical Practice
The students and staff of Pacific College take so much pride in their clinical services that they have created their own mission statement:
'We, the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Clinic, a nationally recognized educational facility. provide: .
- Exemplary clinical training for our students
- Supportive services for our staff
- Personalized Oriental medical treatments for our patients... so that each experience a high degree of satisfaction."
The Department of Clinical Practice provides instruction in and 'confirmation of practical and theoretical skills in approximately I,000 hours of clinical experience and case evaluation. The curriculum at Pacific College is designed to maximize the student's enthusiasm and curiosity. During the first phase when all aspects of Oriental medicine are new and exciting, academic fundamentals are emphasized. Students enter the clinic in the second semester. Students who like to learn by doing find this early entrance to clinical training to be an advantage.
By the beginning of the second phase of the program, students are ready to be Associate Interns. Associate Interns team with senior Interns to provide all the services expected at an Oriental medicine clinic. By the end of the second phase, students will have practiced non-invasive and needling techniques of Oriental medicine. They will have conducted numerous TCM and orthopedic evaluations of patients. Students should also have taken advantage of the numerous specialty clinics available to them at our affiliated hospitals and off-site clinics.
Students are now ready to enter Senior Internship in the third phase of the program. In this year, clinic and classroom experience and research combine as powerful teaching tools. These intern-acupuncturists will know when to refer to other specialists and when other specialists should refer to them. They will become more and more practiced at the art of healing with a wide range of medical tools. In short, they are now a valuable part of society's health care system.
311 Introduction to Clinical Observation
This course is a presentation and discussion of academic and clinical issues designed to maximize the value of a new clinical student's clinical observation and assistantship shifts.
511 Introduction to Associate Internship
This course is a presentation and discussion of academic and clinical issues designed to maximize the value of a new clinical intern's Associate Internship shifts.
513 Associate Internship Grand Rounds
This course is a presentation and discussion of clinical cases at a level appropriate to the Associate Intern.
312,412,413 Clinical Observation and Assistantship
The Clinical Observation and Assistantship program is composed of three, two-clinical unit modules beginning in Semester 2. These courses offer the student the opportunity to assist in, and become familiar with, all aspects of an Oriental medical clinic.
Students become a valuable part of the college's clinical team. They assist interns and private practitioners by charting, assembling herb formulas (students in M.S.T.O.M.), and performing moxibustion, cupping, massage, other non-invasive acupuncture techniques, as well as closely supervised needling. Assistants observe diagnosis and treatment procedures with experienced acupuncturists and begin to formulate their own assessment. They describe and evaluate treatment rationales and keep a record of their activities for review and discussion. These courses and their instructional activities are closely coordinated with the Oriental Medicine courses to ensure a valuable clinical experience.
512,514,517 Associate Internship
Associate Internship is the perfect transition from the role of assistant to primary care provider. Associate Interns perform all the acupuncture activities of a Senior Intern, i.e., assessment and treatment of a patient, but as a partner with a Senior Intern. This provides continued instruction from licensed supervisors as well as the Senior Intern. Associate Interns receive credit for patients co-treated with Senior Interns.
617,618,619,622,623,624,627,628,629 Senior Internship
Over two years of study and practice are challenged and refined by treating real patients in Senior Internship. Over the course of three semesters, students are guided to develop and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility for patients until such standards become habits. The development of these positive character traits will ensure the acupuncturist's acceptance in today's culture. From close supervision at the beginning of Senior Internship until gradual, relative independence, the Senior Intern at Pacific always has the finest licensed practitioners available for supervision or consultation. While closely guided in the first few months of Internship, Senior Interns are always expected to think for themselves and to present diagnoses and treatment plans for review and critique. Senior Internship is not the beginning of learning at Pacific; it is the culmination. It is a time when textbook cases become living, breathing human beings with needs, pains, and concerns. It is a time to apply the compassion produced by an abundance of knowledge, confidence, and self-esteem developed in the classroom. Senior Intern activities include the formulation of diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis, and the implementation of treatment for a wide variety of individual patients. Referral is never ignored as a possibility. While functioning under the auspices of the college, the Senior Intern assumes, in spirit, responsibility for individual patients under his or her care. Interns must utilize the appropriate forms of treatment, which may include acupuncture, herbs, massage, nutrition, exercises, and lifestyle modifications. While in the clinic, the Interns should effectively utilize their support staff, which includes Clinical Assistants, Associate Interns, massage therapists, administrative staff, and, of course, the licensed supervisors and outside referral options.
Because the college is often approached to provide information to the public, Interns, usually accompanied by a school representative, may have the opportunity for public speaking. Interns may participate in such public services as the Great American Smoke
Out or off-site internship opportunities at, for example. San Diego Hospice. the Seniors Clinic, Yonkers Hospital, UCSD Free Clinic Project, UCSD Sports Training Facility. Hospital for Joint Diseases. Fortune Society, AIDSCare, St. Joseph's Hospital and others.
Student advice: Internship patients are easily acquired in Pacific’s busy clinic by any student who adopts a professional attitude toward their patients and the clinical experience and demonstrates a willingness to promote the benefits of Oriental medicine. This means always showing up for your clinic shift, dressing neatly and cIean, checking up on your patients between visits to see how they are responding to treatment, and telling friends and acquaintances about your clinical practice. It is not surprising that when Interns follow this advice, the patients they see during their Internship form the foundation of their private practice when they become licensed acupuncturists. Take care of your patients and they will take care of you.
612 Practice Management and Ethics
Pacific recognizes and respects that students should realize a return on the time, money. and energy invested in their education. For any service to persist, medicine included, there must be mutual benefit for the parties involved. In most cases, patients must receive health and well-being from their relationship with the practitioner. In addition to the satisfaction of a job well done, in most cases the practitioner must receive money. Money is the most common medium for the exchange of our values and energy, thus the student must practice good business and. more importantly, ethical behavior.
This hands-on class gives students a comprehensive view of the various office management, record keeping, insurance billing and bookkeeping systems related to an Oriental medicine practice. Time is devoted to the study of the laws and regulations of acupuncture in California, New York and/or Illinois, as well as the professional and ethical responsibilities of being a primary care provider. Practice building techniques are introduced in this class and students design a business plan to give themselves a head start in creating a successful practice. In addition to this course, Pacific College staff and guests regularly present workshops on issues related to building a successful career.
700 CALE Preparation Class (Required in San Diego)
This course is designed to highlight subjects and methods that lead to success on the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination.
Specialty Electives
Students are afforded the opportunity to expand and refine their areas of interest in elective coursework. The following are courses that have recently been offered or courses from the Department of Asian Holistic Health and Massage that qualify as specialty elective courses to fulfill the specialty elective requirement.
244 Medical Chinese I
In this elective, basic Chinese character writing and Mandarin pronunciation are studied within the vocabulary of traditional Chinese medicine concepts and terminology.
245 Medical Chinese 2
A continuation of Medical Chinese 1, Students continue to learn basic Mandarin Chinese accompanied by vocabulary used in Chinese Medicine. Students begin using a dictionary and doing simple translations.
637, 638 The Egoscue Method I & 2
These courses are designed to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of posture analysis and corrective exercise techniques. Students will learn to analyze posture misalignments. gross musculoskeletal dysfunction, and relate findings to commonly presented symptoms, including the pathomechanics of injury and chronic pain syndromes. In addition to lectures. students will apply practical skills through posture assessments and exercise implementation. The exercises and sequences are based on the principles of The Egoscue Method and founder, Pete Egoscue.
532, 533 Japanese Acupuncture I and 2
This is a two-course series in Japanese acupuncture designed to explore diagnostic skills and evaluation techniques, including pulse, abdominal and channel palpation, five elemental theory, etc. Additionally, students learn to organize clinical data obtained through meticulous palpatory examination to refine diagnostic evaluation into coherent patterns of treatment approaches.
613 Treatment of Infertility
This class will systematically present a thorough overview of the treatment of infertility with Chinese Medicine. Female reproduction physiology, fertilization physiology. and differential diagnosis and treatment of both female and male infertility will be presented. While the diagnostic tools and categories of Western reproductive endocrinology will also be covered in some detail, the course's primary perspective will be from the point of view of TCM. as practiced in an integrative clinical setting. Students will discuss interpretation of biomedical tests, herbal strategies and acupuncture protocols, and complementary treatment for patients receiving Assisted Reproductive Technology procedures. The class will present a diagnostic approach that combines bian bing, the identification of disease categories, and bian zheng, pattern differentiation.
614 Oncology
This course will allow students to gain understanding of the process used to diagnose and treat cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
524 Electro-acupuncture
This class presents the various forms of the electro-acupuncture.
268 I-Ching
This class will provide an in-depth presentation of the Chinese classic, I Ching. Students win become acquainted with essential Taoist principles governing change in human experience. Students will apply this knowledge to increase self-awareness and enhance personal skill in meeting challenges.
Study Abroad in China
Pacific College students may elect to do additional internship training in China in the semester following completion of their nine required Senior Internship courses. Students may participate in a program guided by Alex Tiberi, in which students study with specialist TCM physicians in China. Or, they may elect to participate in a number of approved trips guided by other Pacific College faculty. Contact the administration for details on upcoming China training programs.
Massage courses eligible as specialty electives for Master's students:
235 Jin Shin
236 Seitai Shiatsu
247 Thai Massage I
249 Thai Massage 2
256 Shiatsu I
257 Shiatsu 2
309 External Herbal Applications
326 Pediatric Tui Na
332 Sports Tui Na and Traumatology
346 Tui Na Treatment of Internal Disharmonies: Male/Female Reproductive Disorders
347 Tui Na Treatment of Internal Disharmonies: Respiratorv and Digestive Disorders
348 Tui Na Treatment of Internal Disharmonies: Geriatric, Chemotherapy and Post-Surgical Disorders
349 Tui Na Treatment of Advanced Musculoskeletal Disorders and Disharmonies
See descriptions of the above courses in the Department of Asian Holistic Health and Massage section of the catalog.
Non-required Electives
Pacific offers a variety of non-required electives at each of its campuses based on its unique faculty resources. Master's students may also take any course from the Department of Asian Holistic Health and Massage. This is highly recommended as we observe that practitioners who are expert in bodywork therapy build their practices quicker. However, students should note that non-required electives and courses from the Department of Asian Holistic Health and Massage are not accredited by ACAOM and therefore such courses are not covered by financial aid unless they are being used to fulfill the specialty Elective requirement described above. See the Registrar for qualifying courses.
For answers to questions about the schedule of classes, for a tour of the campus, or for a career counseling appointment, please call the college and ask to speak with our Admissions Counselor.
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