Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Part-time 3 years
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Location
Bundoora
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Fees
AU$12,000 (2018 annual)
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Next intake
February
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Not applicable
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Location
Not applicable
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Fees
Not applicable
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Next intake
Not applicable
Program brochure
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.
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 Chinese medicine.
Extensive clinical observation and practice is part of the program, with students having access to RMIT’s Health Sciences Clinic.
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 program, designed for practising professionals who want to study part-time.
The program consists of four workshops each year. Each workshop runs for five 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 Registration Agency (AHPRA). Regulation 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 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
Entry requirements
Working With Children Check: Students must hold a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Record 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.
Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing patient notes and analysing data
- vision and hearing to accurately gain information and treat patients
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent patient care
- time-based problem-solving when working with patients
View the full list of the Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture) inherent requirements
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, 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
What support is available?
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or the Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to 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 ELS.
Pathways
Fees
The indicative annual tuition fee for full-fee places in 2018 is AU$12,000.
This program is usually run on a part-time basis. The 2018 fee quoted is based on a total annual load of 48 credit points.
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.
Fees shown above apply to 2018 only and are based on an annual full-time study load of 96 credit points unless otherwise noted. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load. Tuition fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.
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 the Department of Human Services 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 2018 is $298.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.