Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dongguk University Los Angeles Accredited?

The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) granted Dongguk University of Los Angeles and its Master of Oriental Medicine programs (in English, Chinese, and Korean) continuing accreditation for a period of seven (7) years, effective 12 August 2017. Accreditation status and notes may be viewed at: http://acaom.org/directory-menu/directory/.

ACAOM is the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. ACAOM is located at 8941 Aztec Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347; phone 952/212-2434; fax 952/657-7068; www.acaom.org

Dongguk University’s Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program has been granted Pre-Accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (“ACAOM”) and is in the process of seeking accreditation for this program.

Is Dongguk University Los Angeles Approved in California?

Both the Master’s and Doctoral programs are approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Graduates who have successfully completed all graduation requirements are eligible to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE), which is offered year round and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examination, which is offered year round.

DULA is approved by the California Department of Education under the U. S. Code for Veterans’ education.

Several states, including California, have a governmental agency that governs, supervises and controls the licensure and practice of acupuncture. In California, the Acupuncture Board is responsible for such duties. If you desire to practice in another state, it is recommended that you contact that state’s medical board or other appropriate agency, for licensure requirements. The NCCAOM’s website provides information regarding the various degree and other certification requirements for all fifty states.

The DULA Master of Science in Oriental Medicine program is approved by the California Acupuncture Board. Graduates who have successfully completed all graduation requirements are eligible to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE).

Graduates of DULA are eligible to sit for the NCCAOM exam. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM®) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization established in 1982. The NCCAOM is the only national organization that validates entry-level competency in the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) through professional certification. NCCAOM certification or a passing score on the NCCAOM certification examinations are documentation of competency for licensure as an acupuncturist by 43 states plus the District of Columbia which represents 98% of the states that regulate acupuncture.

All NCCAOM certification programs are currently accredited by the National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA). In order for the NCCAOM certification programs in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Oriental Medicine, and Asian Bodywork Therapy to remain accredited by the NCCA, the NCCAOM must adhere to strict national standards for examination development.

DULA is approved by the US Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) for attendance by nonimmigrant foreign students. The University will evaluate the student’s admissions application and, if the student meets all admissions criteria, DULA will issue the USCIS/SEVIS Form I20. In April 2002, the USCIS began the process of changing many of its rules relating to the average international applicant for admission. The most significant change that has gone into effect concerns the need to obtain USCIS approval before starting school. This requirement does not affect the student applying for student visas from other countries, as students in such situations have always had to obtain approval from a U.S. Consulate before coming to the United States, and such approval will continue to be sufficient in those situations.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

Physical Address: 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818

(888) 370-7589 (T), (916) 431-6959 (T), (916) 263-1897 (F)

www.bppe.ca.gov

California Acupuncture Board

1747 N. Market Blvd, Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95834

Tel (916) 515-5200, Fax (916) 928-2204

www.acupuncture.ca.gov

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

2025 M Street NW, Suite 800
Washington DC, 20036

Phone: (888) 381-1140 (toll-free number), (202) 381-1140 (direct phone number)