Daoist Traditions offers a four-year Master’s level Oriental Medicine diploma program. The program includes comprehensive training in both the ancient traditions and modern TCM teachings. Our curriculum provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the principles and techniques of Oriental Medicine and a fundamental understanding of Western medical theory and practice.
While the program at Daoist Traditions is challenging and demanding, our supportive academic environment is structured to assure the success of our students. One new entering class is accepted each year and is limited to 22 students. This allows for a comfortable classroom atmosphere and more personalized attention. Dialogue between instructors and students is encouraged, so that students learn quickly and easily.
ACCREDITATION
The Oriental Medicine program at Daoist Traditions is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is the recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. ACAOM is located at Maryland Trade Center #3, 7501 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 760, Greenbelt, MD 20770; (301) 313-0855; fax (301) 313-0912.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The college operates on a semester system with a fall semester (August to December) and a spring semester (January to May) both with mid-semester breaks. First year students complete an introductory week of classes in early August. Students in Clinical Internship complete clinic sessions 40-42 weeks per year and have shorter breaks. See below for details.
Completion of the full-time program takes 4 years. The program must be completed within 6 years and cannot be completed in less than 3 calendar years. Daoist Traditions reserves the right to adjust and change the curriculum, academic calendar, and operating schedule if necessary.
Download the Spring 2010 Class Schedule and Booklists
TIME COMMITMENT
Didactic classes are scheduled three days per week. Each semester, three additional class sessions are held: one four-day session (Friday through Monday) with Jeffrey Yuen and two two-day classes (Saturday and Sunday). Students also complete Clinical Observation or Clinical Internship sessions each semester.
The unique structure of our program enables students to travel from a distance or maintain part-time work schedules during the first two academic years of study. The program is designed for full-time study and requires substantial study outside the classroom. As students progress in the program, additional days per week are required, particularly for the clinical portion of the program.
During the Clinical Internship, students dedicate up to 5 days per week for the program’s didactic and clinical training. For students who do not live within a reasonable commuting distance, it is recommended that they relocate to the area or find local living arrangements for the duration of the Clinical Internship.
THE FOUR YEARS
Year 1:
The first year of study begins with a full week of classes held in early August. This introductory week includes the History of Chinese Medicine, Introduction to Herb Cultivation, Medical Chinese, and Herbal Dispensary I. This is followed by a break before the fall semester begins. Starting in the fall semester, didactic classes are held three days per week. Three weekend class sessions are held each semester as stated above. Additional Clinical Observation hours are scheduled by the student with an average of 30 hours per semester.
In this year of study, students spend an average of 20 hours per week on studying new terminology, herbs, acupoints, and basic theory.
Year 2:
Didactic classes are held three days per week. Three weekend class sessions are held each semester as stated above. Additional Clinical Observation hours are scheduled by the student with an average of 30 hours per semester. Students report studying an average of 20 hours per week during Year 2.
Year 3 &4:
Didactic classes are held three days per week. Three weekend class sessions are held each semester as stated above. Clinical Internship training takes place additional days per week. In addition to didactic classes, students complete Clinical Internship hours as follows:
Year 3/Semester 1 Two shifts per week (160 hours per session)
Year 3/Semester 2 Two shifts per week (100 hours per session)
Year 4/Semester 1 Three shifts per week (310 hours per session)
Year 4/Semester 2 Four shifts per week (230 hours per session)
The clinical sessions occur May through November and December through April. Students continue Clinical Internship sessions for 40-42 weeks per year and have shorter breaks between semesters.
For more information on courses and time commitment, please see our 2010 catalog.
