Frequently Asked Questions which will help you to clarify the options available in training and practice.
How is Acupuncture regulated in Ireland?
The Irish
Acupuncture Steering Group was established around two years ago bringing
together all of the major interests in education, training and
practice. The Steering Group will work towards developing a self-regulated code of practice leading to the Ferderation. This is
particularly desired by the Irish Department of Education and Science
and the Irish Department of Health as well as other Government
agencies. They want the sector to bring forward proposals for
regulation and a code of professional practice. In addtion, they also want the
sector to speak with a single authoritative voice. Shanghai Acupuncture
College welcomes this development and is represented in the Steering
Group.
How can I be recognised professionally for clinical practice?
At
the moment recognition comes from having a quality Certificate or
Diploma provided by a quality College in Ireland or abroad. Our
graduates enjoy this recognition. We anticipate that the work of the
Steering Group will in the future include the formal recognition of
such quality schools and the establishment of a National Register in
Ireland.
What programmes and awards are available in Ireland?
There
appears to be a very wide variety of colleges and courses offering
training in the field of acupuncture. Some of these providers offer
‘Diploma’ education but the definition of a Diploma varies widely.
Those who wish to achieve professional status should carefully consider
the duration and content of any courses, such as the number of teaching hours
offered, the nature of the award and who has accredited it and the
qualifications and experience of the teaching faculty. Where has the
Faculty themselves been trained? Shanghai Acupuncture College Ireland
can deliver on the credibility of what we promise in our programmes –
we have considered and incorporated all of the aforementioned factors.
Are there Degree awards in Ireland?
We
are the first educational body to offer a Degree Programme in Ireland.
Shanghai Acupuncture College Ireland offers a Degree in Acupuncture on
a full and part-time basis commenced in September 2009. This is an Ordinary
Degree equivalent to level 7 of the National Qualifications Framework
of Ireland.
What is involved in the clinical practice module in China?
Clinical
demonstration is an intrinsic part of the programme and will befeatured
throughout the programme. In addition, students will be from time to
time exposed to actual clinical practice in our Dublin clinics. The
final year module in Shanghai will be an intensive three week exposure
to clinical practice in a leading edge environment. This is a mandatory
requirement for the degree award. By arrangement, students may extend
this practice or may continue their studies in China for a further two
years.
Who will be awarding the Degree?
The
Degree will be awarded by Shanghai Acupuncture College Ireland in
association with Shanghai Sixth Medical College of TCM affiliated with
Jiao Tong University with which you will be registered with accordingly.
What is the duration of full-time study?
Successful
applicants are invited onto an initial two years full-time study across
four semesters. At the end of the initial two years students are
awarded a Diploma (again from Shanghai Sixth Medical College of TCM).
Successful graduates of the Diploma Programme will then proceed to one
further year of full-time study. In all, three years of full-time study
at full credit weight must be completed to satisfy the requirements for
the award of the Degree.
I have already achieved a Diploma. Can I gain access to the Degree?
Diplomas
vary in their duration and content. We have very strict criteria in
relation to admission to the Degree stage as we must satisfy the
requirements of our partner College and Teaching Hospital. There is
also a requirement in relation to the number of teaching hours which
your previous course provided. We have independent expertise available
to evaluate Prior Learning (APL) and experience. We also provide from
time-to-time intensive bridging programmes enabling you to achieve the
credits for entry to the Degree level if you have not taken our own
Diploma.
What is the duration of part-time study?
The
Diploma programme is taught on a part-time basis over three years (six
semesters) and the Degree programme is available to Diploma holders
over a further two years of part-time study (four semesters). Clinical
practice in mandatory and part-time students must make vacation and
family arrangements to enable them to travel to China in the third
year.
I am interested in Sports Injury Therapies. Can acupuncture help?
A
number of our graduates practice in the area of Sports Injury Therapy
where acupuncture can make a major contribution. We customise a Diploma
programme for those wishing to practice in this area. Specialist
knowledge and skill regarding sports injury is embedded in the general
context of knowledge of acupuncture. Please contact us to discuss your
needs.
My main interest is in Chinese Tuina and Herb Medicine, does your College offer training in this area?
A
study of Tuina is an integral part of the acupuncture Diploma and
Degree but we also offer a specialist Diploma in Tuina on a part-time
basis delivered by outstanding professors from China. Please contact us
to discuss your needs.
What are the admission criteria?
The standard minimum admission criteria for a Degree programme which
is normally six Irish Leaving Certificate subjects at pass level or
higher and a minimum of two honours level subjects at minimum C grade.
We have established ways of evaluating other qualifications and
procedures for mature student entry in line with Irish education
policy. Please contact us to discuss your educational and training
background and experience. Applicants with a clinical background (e.g.
physiotherapy or state registered nurse) may be exempted from certain
modules such as anatomy and physiology.
How do I make an application?
Please
click the Application link to download the application form on this
site and submit as hard copy. We are happy to discuss your individual
situation so please click on the Contact link on this site if wish to
have a one- to- one discussion. We also periodically hold small group
open evenings to brief prospective students. If you wish to be kept
informed by email of these opportunities please forward your contact
information to:acupuncture@ireland.com
When does the first term commence?
Semester
1 commences in late September (full-time and part-time) and Semester 2
commences at end of January (full-time and part-time). Sessional exams
take place in early June.
I am an International Student. Is your programme recognised for Visa purposes?
We
reserve a small number of places for International students. The Full
time Diploma programme is recognised for Irish visa purposes by the
International Register . We are finalising arrangements for the Degree
programme level with the Department.
How are students assessed?
Students are assessed by Coursework and end of Semester examinations. At the end of
Semesters 2, 4 and 6 they will have a major sessional examination.
Because of the clinical nature of our study we seek a balance between
formative assessment (assessment which helps you to learn and gives you
feedback) and terminal assessment (which tests knowledge acquisition in
examination conditions). We also score participation and practice
sessions on a continuous basis and there are formal feedback sessions
for Degree students and group study sessions for Diploma students.
Do you have provision for Mature students?
As
indicated above we welcome Mature students in line with national
policy. In fact, maturity and life experience are a huge asset in terms
of developing the practice side of the learning. Mature students are
also well suited to establishing individual or group practice following
graduation.
