Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)

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.

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

The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) is approved by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration is subject to meeting mandatory requirements including English language standards. With registration, graduates can begin practising in Australia.

The program is also recognised by:

• Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
• Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
• Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies of Australia (FCMA)

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.

Compliance requirements

• Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Records Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your Program). National Police records check 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.
• 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.
• First Aid: Students must have a first aid certificate prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
• Hand Hygiene Certificate:  Students will be required to undertake Hand Hygiene prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.  Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
• NDIS Worker Screening Check*:  You may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

COVID19 Vaccination*:  You will be required to undertake COVID19 Vaccination as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.

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.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

• understand more about the program
• determine if you may need support during your studies
• make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience settings.