Doctor of Acupuncture Completion Course Descriptions
DA7301 Doctoral Advanced Seminar 1 – Credits 2.0
This course of study focuses on evidence-based acupuncture, and the scientific evidence that exists, providing validity toward acupuncture as a mainstream medical modality. Based on meta-analysis, double-blind studies, and clinical trials, the overall evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture is growing exponentially. Mechanisms of how the body responds to acupuncture and how it works will also be investigated. There will be an in-depth look at the biochemical and signaling pathways and their direct role on how acupuncture achieves its clinical effects. Connective tissues and their properties will be researched as the pathways for where meridians exist. The meridians provide the conduits for bio-electrical responses and communications throughout the body. We will also explore the biomechanical effects on the musculoskeletal system. The Doctoral Candidate will be introduced to the clinical data of acupuncture regarding its mechanism of effectiveness on the care and treatment of many medical conditions through continued research.
Prerequisites or Co-requisites: OM6451
DA7302 Doctoral Advanced Seminar 2 – Credits 2.0
The content of this course will consist of and focus on the evidence-based outcomes in acupuncture as a treatment modality. The mechanism of acupuncture’s therapeutic effects on each specific condition will be researched. The Doctoral Candidate will investigate and research up-to-date acupuncture treatments in the care and treatment of specific conditions such as pain, chronic low back pain, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, postoperative pain, anxiety, PTSD, menopausal symptomology, and other such conditions. The biochemical, hormonal, and neurological effects from acupuncture treatments will also be explored in treating the aforementioned conditions. This is core subject material that the Doctoral Candidate will utilize in future clinical settings.
Prerequisites or Co-requisites: OM6451
DA7402 Research Methodology and Biostatistics – Credits 4.0
This course will increase the knowledge regarding critical appraisal of research articles including accessing articles, assessing the research methods and results, and determining potential biases. Emphasis will be placed on preparing students to identify pertinent research findings that may enhance clinical outcomes. The student will learn to write succinct critiques and discuss research articles in a scientific manner.
Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: None
DA7403 Biomedical Diagnostics: Imaging Studies and Laboratory Values – Credits 3.0
The purpose of this course is to study utility and limitations of the various diagnostic imaging modalities, including conventional radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging. The student will also improve their interpretation of diagnostic imaging reports, define effective imaging strategies in specific clinic scenarios, approach an imaging study with greater confidence, and determine referral decisions and prognostic indicators.
Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: None
DA7501/BU6221 Patient Communication and Marketing – Credits 2.0
Effective communication through written, verbal and electronic means is essential for the success of a health care practice. Ethical marketing is the hallmark for the success of any business, especially healthcare practice.
Prerequisites or Co-requisites: None
DA7502/BU6309 Starting a Practice – Credits 2.0
Students after graduation aspire to open their own health care practice but many times do not know how to accomplish this. This course takes what was learned in the previous business classes and incorporates new material to give the student the knowledge and strategic plan to start their own practice within various practice settings.
Prerequisite: None
DA7503/MSACP631 Advanced Clinical Applications in Special Populations – Credits 3.0
This course offers an overview of subgroups that have been identified as special populations, such as pediatric and geriatric populations. The main focus will be on common medical concerns in terms of pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and effective integrative treatment strategies.
Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: None
DA7504/DH5411 Public Health – Credits 2.0
The focus of this course is to introduce the student to the concepts of public health, health promotion, and disease prevention. Individual, environmental, and sociodemographic factors affecting the population’s health will be discussed, along with organization of the public health system, health surveys, health policies, and health screening. Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: None
DA7601 Integrating with Your Medical Community – Credits 3.0
(Includes 1 didactic credit for 15 hours and 2 clinical credits for 60 hours- total 75 hours)
This course creates the opportunity for the student to learn solid collaboration, communication, and cooperation skills that promote collegiality with Western medical professionals.
Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: None
DA7602 Independent Research – Credits 4.0
This course, as a capstone project, reinforces exploration in critical appraisal of published research and discussion of journal articles in a scientific manner. Students will be expected to choose a topic of interest from previously presented material in relation to a selected clinical case in order to write a case report for publication.
Pre-requisite: DA7402