The Clinic Program is designed and overseen by the Clinic Director with the assistance of the Academic Dean for administrative support and the Clinic Supervisors for instruction. Clinic work occurs each Trimester of the school year, and is designed so that the Student Intern builds his or her skills, confidence, and comfort level one step at a time.

The AAAOM Clinic Internship consists of three Stages:

1. Clinic Observation – four Trimesters.

2. Supervised Group Practice – three Trimesters.

3. Supervised Independent Practice – three Trimesters.

Required Clinic Courses

TOP

Clinic Observation Stage

Course Codes: 1108, 1208, 1305, 2106, 2206, 2305 Clinic Observation

Student Interns must take four Trimesters of Clinic Observation during the first two years (six Trimesters) of study – any four of the above course codes.

First Two Trimesters of Clinic Observation Stage

Student Interns become familiar with all Clinic rules and the basic techniques used for treatment while accompanying a Clinic Supervisor during new case analysis, initial examination and treatment. The Clinic Supervisor discusses diagnosis and treatment methods with Student Interns in privacy after treatment has been completed – not in the presence of the patient. Student Interns assist in all non-treatment aspects of Clinic activities, such as preparation of herbal formulas and housekeeping tasks as assigned by the Clinic Supervisor. Student Interns view a series of videotaped lectures on the Meridians and Points (Zhenjiuology tapes).

Each Student Intern practices the initial steps of patient record keeping by creating and maintaining a Clinic Notebook in which the Student Observation Notes and Patient Follow-Up forms for each patient are kept, as well as the Student Observation/Treatment Log. The Patient Chart which is annotated by the Clinic Supervisor is always available for Student Interns to review.

Second Two Trimesters of Clinic Observation Stage

In addition to the practices described above, Student Interns now begin training in the correct method of holding, inserting and removing needles, using practice material, and clean needle practices are introduced.

Student Interns begin to practice assessing using TCM diagnostic principles and discuss these diagnoses with the Clinic Supervisor in the post-treatment case-review session. Student Interns begin to develop herb recognition skills under the direction and guidance of the Clinic Supervisor and begin to be able to identify the name, function and location of the various acupoints treated.

Student Interns must complete 240 hours of Clinic Observation, pass Point Location and Clean Needle Technique examinations and receive a satisfactory evaluation by the Clinic Supervisor before entering the Group Practice Stage.

TOP

Group Practice Stage

Course Codes: 3105, 3205, 3305 Group Practice

After the first two years of study and the four trimesters of the Clinic Observation Stage, Student Interns are ready to practice acupuncture safely and effectively in a supervised Clinic setting. The Group Practice stage allows Student Interns to develop and apply their new knowledge and skills as a professional medical care provider.

Student Interns work in teams of two to four individuals under the supervision of a Clinic Supervisor. Student Interns are responsible for all aspects of Clinic organization and operation, patient diagnosis and treatment using acupuncture, herbs and other TCM healing modalities. Teams remain together throughout this stage, and all members of a team are responsible for safe and appropriate patient treatment, from the initial patient visit through diagnosis, record keeping and case management. One team member is responsible for application of treatment, while the other team members act as assistants and are present throughout the treatment. All team members are responsible for maintaining the appropriate level of professional medical care at all times.

Student Interns in the Group and Independent Practice stages must complete the Treatment Approval and Herbal prescription forms and have these checked by the Clinic Supervisor prior to proceeding with treatment.

Student Interns must complete 240 hours of Group Practice, successfully pass the Preclinical Examination and receive a satisfactory evaluation by the Clinic Supervisor before entering the Independent Practice Stage.

TOP

Independent Practice Stage

Course Codes: 4105, 4205, 4305 Independent Practice

The Student Intern is now considered a full-fledged acupuncture and herbology intern and works individually with patients under minimal supervision by a Clinic Supervisor.

Under supervision of a Clinic Supervisor, Student Interns, working alone, handle all phases of clinic organization and operation and diagnose and treat patients with acupuncture and herbs. The Student Intern is responsible for the safe and appropriate provision of acupuncture, which includes all aspects of the case from the initial patient visit, diagnosis, record keeping and case management.

Student Interns in the Independent Practice Stage may be assigned first or second year assistants to work with them, as assigned by the Clinic Supervisor.

Student Interns must complete 360 hours of Independent Practice, meet the patient treatment requirements, successfully pass the Comprehensive Examination and receive a satisfactory evaluation by the Clinic Supervisor before being qualified for graduation.

After completion of the 840 hours of clinic training, the AAAOM Student Intern is competent to independently handle diagnosis, treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, herbs, and additional TCM therapy techniques, office management, referrals, business management and development.

TOP