The educational process at the Texas College is as complete as it is fascinating. In the first year, we offer an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine through a fundamental integration of all aspects of natural healing as well as some western approaches. The year begins with the basics of Oriental medicine theory, acupuncture point location, anatomy, physiology, diagnoses, and Qi Gong exercise.
With this approach, each topic complements and reinforces the other. The student will learn how both Oriental and Western systems view disease, and that herbology is an equal partner to acupuncture. Students also sharpen mental and physical perceptions as well as diagnostic skills. Tai Qi and Qi Gong will benefit health and sensitivity. Students later learn powerful, non-invasive adjunct techniques, such as moxibustion and treatment modalities. This is an invaluable educational tool, as it provides students with the opportunity to learn the healing arts through first hand experience.
The first year studies prepare students to enter the clinic as an observer during the second semester, and as an intern in the second year. As a clinical intern, the student works as part of a team which includes other assistants, interns, and licensed acupuncturists. In our clinic, the student receives hands-on experience helping people using holistic and Oriental methods of treatment.
The first year classroom experience leads to a more in-depth understanding of TCM, including needling techniques. The second year classroom and clinical experience prepares the student for the responsibility of accepting patients as an intern in the fourth semester.
The College places great emphasis on the study of TCM classics. This is not only to gain an understanding of herbology and acupuncture, but also to learn the foundations on which Chinese medicine is based: the treatment principle for both the herbal remedy and the acupuncture technique are the same.
With this in mind, our goal is not simply to train a technician of TCM, but to prepare an individual for a fulfilling career in TCM. Confucius said, "One who likes to know it (knowledge) is not as good as one who loves to know it, and one who loves to know it is not as good as one who indulges in it." Knowledge is the key to understanding, and passion is its drive.
The third year is very exciting. Much classroom time is spent discussing individual clinical cases. The students' understanding deepens as they begin to assimilate and apply their health care knowledge rather than simply memorizing concepts and terms. Students begin to master the principles of Chinese herbal and acupuncture treatment, and learn how to give solid nutritional advice and teach therapeutic exercise to patients. Students will know when to refer patients to other specialists and when other specialists should refer patients to him/her. In other words, students are shown how to become a valuable member of the health care system.
The school year is made up of three 15 week semesters, a total of 45 weeks. Breaks include a winter holiday of nine days, and two weeks off between semesters. Class time varies from semester to semester, but generally students will spend an average of 22 hours per week in the classroom and/or the clinic. In addition, a Summer semester is offered to allow students the option of accelerating their program. Students have the option of attending classes on a day program or an evening and weekend program schedule. Our goal is to serve students who are employed elsewhere during the week, by making program schedules as convenient as possible.
Exams are cumulative and occur at the end of each course. Some courses will feature a mid-term examination, and some require an outside project. Evaluation in the clinic is performed on a practical basis by the Clinic Director, and successful completion of this practical evaluation is necessary to advance in clinic studies.
The program runs 9 to 10 semesters, 22 course hours per week. Classes are usually held four to five days a week. According to ACAOM criterion 8.1: "The program must require a minimum of 120 instructional weeks, to be completed in not less than 36 calendar months."
New students are accepted three times a year, and can begin their studies during the fall, spring or summer semesters. This enrollment schedule allows students to take a leave of absence during any semester without jeopardizing the structure of their program. Part-time study is allowed, but the entire program must be completed within eight years.
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