Frequently Asked Questions about the DAOM ProgramWhy a doctoral program in AOM?
The DAOM program at Bastyr University trains qualified practitioners in an integrated clinical approach to oncology and advanced pain management. The rigorous training in advanced concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and biomedical theory emphasizes preparing practitioners to work in collaborative clinical settings. While the fully accredited program is focused on cancer care and pain management, the highly advanced skills that students develop are easily transferable to other areas of medicine.
Students may choose to pursue this training if they are interested in: - A doctoral degree in TCM
- Holistic cancer care and pain management for acute and chronic conditions
- Increasing patient levels of comfort and trust
- Developing skills to conduct clinical research
- Clinical teaching
- Professional leadership in the AOM community
How is the program structured?
The DAOM program consists of approximately 1,400 hours of didactic and clinical work accomplished over seven quarters, offering an average of 14 credits per quarter. While this accredited program is a full-time course of study, students may request consideration for a part-time track. Didactic coursework focuses on the Chinese medical classics, research design and evaluation, and training students in Chinese medical approaches to cancer care and pain management. Additional coursework includes advanced acupuncture, Chinese herbs, research methods and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutics. View complete curriculum. Doctoral students rotate through five different clinical sites. The first rotation, at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, trains students in the basics of clinical supervision. Students then complete internships at Highline Hospital's Cancer Center, Seattle Cancer Treatement and Wellness Center and Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center. Internships in advanced pain management take place in integrated shifts at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. In the final quarter, students have an opportunity to work in advanced clinical settings through sister school affiliations with Chengdu and Shanghai Universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students spend a total of six weeks in clinical rotations in China. What is the title of the degree? Is there a change in scope of practice as an acupuncturist?
The degree title is Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), which is a clinical doctoral degree as opposed to a PhD. Since Bastyr University is a regionally accredited university, the DAOM degree is an accredited doctoral degree. A capstone research project, rather than a thesis, is required. At the present time, there is no change in scope of practice for licensed acupuncturists who are doctoral graduates. What is unique about studying at Bastyr University?
Bastyr University's School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine provides the only DAOM program in the U.S. offered through a regionally accredited university. Our university status allows students to utilize federal financial aid for doctoral studies. This unique program of study is taught by highly experienced faculty representing TCM, basic sciences and Western clinical medicine. The advanced anatomy curriculum includes access to the University's cadaver program. In addition, the University provides outstanding student services including our medical school library, robust scholarship program, limited on-site housing and vegetarian cafeteria. As a multi-degree university with over 1,200 students, the Bastyr student experience includes a wide range of student services. Is my science background adequate?
Doctoral applicants must have a background in basic sciences comparable to Bastyr’s master’s level requirements (refer to the MSA or MSAOM curriculum). Applicants may be required to take competency exams in the basic sciences in order to determine what if any additional coursework may be required. View prerequisites for more information. Is a degree in Chinese herbs required?
If, as an applicant, you have not completed an integrated acupuncture and Chinese herbal program or an herbal certificate program in addition to your master's program, you must complete a certificate program in Chinese herbal medicine (CCHM). The clinical portion of the CCHM at Bastyr can be taken concurrently with the doctorate; however, the didactic portion of the certificate must be completed prior to matriculation into the doctoral program. View curriculum for the CCHM. What is the cost of the program? Is financial aid available?
The cost of the program is approximately $32,000 (tuition and fees). Federal financial aid is available. If you have outstanding loans from a master's level program, we strongly recommend that you schedule an informational meeting with Bastyr's financial aid office to determine eligibility. What if I earned a certificate instead of a master's degree?
Candidates who do not have a master's degree will need to meet specific general education and program requirements. Those with a bachelor's degree will be required to meet AOM program requirements and prerequisites. The admissions office can advise applicants on specific requirements based on prior educational background. Please contact the admissions office at (425) 602-3330 or
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. What professional organizations are involved in promoting the acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession in the U.S.?
There are several organizations that promote the rewarding professions of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and that are helpful to acupuncture practitioners and professionals, including: Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM)
7501 Greenway Center Drive Suite 760
Greenbelt, MD 20770
www.acaom.org American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
PO Box 162340
Sacramento, CA 95816
http://www.aaaomonline.org/ Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
3909 National Drive Suite 125
Burtonsville, MD 20866
http://www.ccaom.org/ Federation of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Regulatory Agencies (FAOMRA)
4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
www.faomra.org National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
76 South Laura Street, Suite 1290
Jacksonville, FL 32202
http://www.nccaom.org/ Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR)
825 South 8th St. Suite 1106
Minneapolis, MN 55404
http://www.acupunctureresearch.org/ What are current trends in acupuncture?
The National Institute of Health reports "There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value." Over 20 million Americans have used acupuncture, spending nearly $500 million per year.
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