Blended learning incorporates face to face workshops and online teaching.

Workshops are run to provide you with a firm theoretical basis, and clinical practice is incorporated to enhance skills and learning. Online materials support students’ self-directed learning at your own pace and in your own space. The program emphasises skills to address real patients in clinical settings.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

RMIT has strong links with Chinese medicine professional bodies in Australia and internationally, and has national and international teaching and research partners.

This is an intensive workshop-based three-year part-time program, designed for practising professionals who want to advance their studies part-time.

The program consists of four workshops each year. Each workshop runs for four days.

As a graduate of the Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture), you will have a mastery of knowledge and practical skills necessary to diagnose and manage a range of health disorders, including the ability to plan and safely perform perform treatments using Chinese herbal medicine or acupuncture and moxibustion. As part of your continuous professional development, you will be able to critically analyse emerging literature, and incorporate this information into your professional evidence-based practice.

You will communicate with patients, other health professionals, regulatory bodies and the general public using various tools and emerging technologies, and manage a responsible and sustainable health care practice that complies with legal and ethical requirements.

The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) consists of 12 courses and incorporates Chinese medicine philosophy in the first year and clinical studies in the final two years.

Clinical studies focus on using acupuncture and acupuncture-related modalities, including cupping, moxibustion, tuina, electroacupuncture, scalp acupuncture and ear acupuncture for a variety of clinical conditions and specialty areas such as:

• internal medicine
• paediatrics
• gynaecology
• traumatology/musculoskeletal
• dermatology
• ENT/ophthalmology
• external conditions

The Australian healthcare system, professional issues, research and acupuncture neurophysiology are also covered.

You'll need to complete clinical requirement and clinical capabilities from second year clinical courses. Although the program does not specify the number hours you are required to complete, it is recommended you set aside 4-8 hours each week from year 2 to complete your clinical requirements.

Prior to commencing clinical practice, you must pass the clinical entrance exam.

You must be supervised by an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with a minimum of five years’ experience for supervised clinical practice.

If you're based in Melbourne you can access RMIT's Health Sciences Clinic for observation or practice.

Interstate students can choose a AHPRA-registered practitioner to supervise clinical practice. A list of previous practitioners who have supervised students throughout Australia is available.

The following is an example of courses offered:

• Acupuncture Neurophysiology and Techniques
• Acupuncture Theory and Practice
• Chinese Medicine Theory
• Classic Literature in Chinese Medicine and Clinical Conference (Acupuncture)
• Clinical Chinese Medicine
• Supervised Clinical Practice
• Professional Issues and Australian Health Care System
• Research Project

Immunisation requirements will depend on the placement organisation. Students will need to check the immunisation requirements of the placement organisation before commencing their placements.

A full course of immunisation requirements can take up to 7 months. It is essential to confirm these requirements with the School as soon as possible.

• Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
• Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check: Students must present evidence of a successful Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your Program). Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
• First Aid: Students will be required to undertake First Aid training prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
• COVID19 Vaccination*: Covid Vaccinations:  *Whilst it is no longer a requirement for students to have Covid-19 vaccinations to undertake placements in the RMIT Health Clinic, students who have had these vaccinations are encouraged to provide evidence. Students who have not had the vaccinations are required to acknowledge via an 'External Placement Declaration' that there may be limitations on the placements they will undertake without these. 
• Other requirements as advised on commencement of program.

For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please contact RMIT Connect – Work and Study Opportunities where your enquiry will be dealt with accordingly.