FAQ
OUR INSTITUTION AND PROGRAMS
1. Is your institution accredited?
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has granted a certificate of authority to allow the institution to offer a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. The institution is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. In addition, the program is approved by California Acupuncture Board, which allows our students to sit-in their state exams for individuals interested in practicing in California. The institution is also the first and only Oriental medicine institution to be accredited by the American Academy of Pain Management.
2. How long is the program?
Most students finish in between three to four years, although the length will vary according to individual background and between full and part time options.
3. What is the institution's philosophy?
To promote the cooperation between Western and Oriental medicine.
4. Which academic areas are ACAOM's strengths?
The curriculum meets the needs of the current medical community; strong faculty team; unique pain management program; cooperation with healthcare providers and commitment to research.
5. What is the difference between ACAOM and other institutions? Along with a solid academic curriculum, ACAOM's clinical program is one of the top in the nation. The training includes outreach facilities: Methodist Hospital at the Texas Medical Center, San Jacinto, Sugar Land, and Willowbrook, Memorial Hermann/Houston Baptist University Wellness Center, University of Houston Clear Lake Health Center, and Rice University Student and Wellness Center, and Legacy Community Health Center (for HIV & AIDS patients). ACAOM also has partnerships with different hospitals in China, which is currently optional, and it has an optional training in pain management (for ACAOM students only). Academically, clinically, and through research, ACAOM is the only school in the nation with such a unique cooperation. The institution is working with Methodist Hosptial and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
6. Do you have any distance learning (correspondence) courses?
Due to our accreditation, we cannot offer any correspondence courses. All components of our program are onsite.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
7. I have Western medical background. Are my credits transferable?
Any accredited classes that match ours in content and hours are transferable. Check out our Transfer Credit Policy.
8. I don't have any medical background. Can I still enroll in your program?
Yes.
9. I haven't been back in school for a long time, can I still do this?
Absolutely. Many of our students have full time jobs, while others have committed all their time to the education.
SCHEDULE AND TIME COMMITMENTS
10. Are evening classes available?
Yes, most classes begin at 5pm and after.
11. How many hours should I expect to be at school?
It depends on the number of credits you take. In general, the number of credits you take will equal the number of hours per week you are in class. Students should expect to be at school about 2-3 days per week for part time status and about 4 days per week for full time.
FUNDING AND COSTS
12. What is the cost?
Tuition and Fees are listed in our Catalog.
13. Is there financial aid?
Yes, primarily Stafford Loans and Scholarships. There's also other financial aid options that will allow you to borrow more to fund your education.
GRADUATION AND LICENSURE
14. What do most graduates do after graduation?
Most of them are involved with research, teaching, partnering with physicians, partnering with other healthcare providers, or they have opened their own clinic. Other opportunities including cruise lines and medical spas are also looking for acupuncturists.
15. How much can I expect to make as an acupuncturist?
Acupuncturists who open their own practice follow similar earning patterns as physicians who have their own private clinics. It is estimated that acupuncturists can earn anywhere from $40,000 - $150,000 per year (according to explorehealthcareers.org). Many factors will dictate an acupuncturist's earnings. Although recent graduates are expected to spend about 2 years building their patient load, many experienced acupuncturists have been able to earn as much as $10,000 to $20,000 per month.
16. How popular is acupuncture?
With new research results indicating that acupuncture releases endorphins and other pain inhibitors, decreases inflammation, and affects the nervous system, there is now scientific proof for this 3,000 year old medical system. The number of acupuncturists almost tripled within a 10 year period, and recent surveys suggest that over 20 million Americans have tried acupuncture. The Food and Drug Administration also estimates that Americans are spending approximately $500 million per year (during 1990s) on acupuncture services. There are currently about 16,000 acupuncturists in the U.S., and AAOM predicts that the number of acupuncturists will increase by 10% per year. CBS Affiliate KHOU Channel 11 News has also introduced our college to the community, which is also an indication that acupuncture is becoming popular.
17. Do you have financial aid for international students?
There is no Stafford loans or Pell grants, but international students may be able to apply for bank loans. For more information, please contact ACAOM financial aid office.
