Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)

Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)

POSTGRADUATE

Get ready for your career in acupuncture.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Part-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$14,880 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Established more than 20 years ago, RMIT’s Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) was the first and now still the only accredited master’s degree in acupuncture in Australia. It’s structured specifically for health professionals who want to incorporate acupuncture into their treatment approach.

The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) incorporates Western medicine diagnosis with Chinese medicine theory. A strong focus on evidence-based medicine is combined with the philosophical and cultural aspects of tradtional Chinese medicine.

Extensive clinical observation and practice is part of the degree, with students having access to RMIT’s Health Sciences Clinic and Chinese medicine hospitals overseas.

The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) qualifies you for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Please note that this degree is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas. You may consider studying the undergraduate Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (BP278).

Details

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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.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

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 knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

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

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)
Program code: MC024
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)
Bundoora Campus
3 years part time
MC024
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
3 years part time
Plan code
MC024
CRICOS
View plan

Career

The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, clinical experience and recognised qualifications prepares you for a career in acupuncture, which may involve independent practice, employment in a multi-discipline health care clinic, teaching and/or research.

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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:

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, naturopathy, clinical science or health sciences that satisfies the following prerequisites or equivalent:

  • cell biology (biosciences)
  • human physiology
  • human anatomy (full body)
  • pathology
  • immunology
  • microbiology
  • clinical practice
  • diagnosis in Western medicine

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Additional information

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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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

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

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

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 placement settings.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Some applicants may be eligible for credit.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$14,880*

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum. This program is usually run on a part-time basis. The 2023 tuition fee quoted is based on a total annual load of 48 credit points.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

Deda Scholarship

For postgraduate by coursework students enrolled full-time in a health-related discipline who can demonstrate disadvantage; worth up to $5,000.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information