Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Part-time 3 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
AU$13,440 (2021 annual)
Next intake
FebruaryEntry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicableLocation
Not applicableFees
Not applicable
Next intake
Not applicable
Overview
If you're a healthcare practitioner, this program offers you a unique opportunity for clinical education that integrates Chinese acupuncture with modern neurophysiology and evidence-based medicine. This program also qualifies you for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA).
Developed more than 20 years ago, RMIT’s Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) program 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 program 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 program, with students having access to RMIT’s Health Sciences Clinic and Chinese medicine hospitals overseas.
Details
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 study part-time.
The program consists of four workshops each year. Each workshop runs for four days.
The Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) consists of 144 credit points.
The program 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 468 hours of clinical practice as part of the program - 234 hours are spread over three clinical courses, and 234 additional hours of supervised practice are required.
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 to supervise 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 Research 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
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) | Bundoora Campus |
3 years part time
|
MC024 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC024
Career
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
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).
Entry requirements
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.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please email SHBS.wil@rmit.edu.au.
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.
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 settings.
Pathways
Fees
2021 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$13,440.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
This program is usually run on a part-time basis. The 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
Payments and 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.
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.
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.
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 2021 is $313.
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.