The 1st (first) level of internship training consists of 200 hours of observation including 80 hours of Observation Theater, 80 hours of observation rounds, and 40 hours of herbal dispensary practicum.  Interns are introduced to all aspects of the clinical practice of acupuncture and oriental medicine, observing the formulation of diagnoses and treatments performed by clinical faculty.

In observation theater (80 hours), level 1 interns have opportunities to see how oriental medicine theory and practice are combined. In each shift, scheduled patients are interviewed, diagnosed, and treated by clinic faculty while level 1 interns observe. Following each patient’s treatment, discussion of the patient’s case is conducted.

In observation rounds (80 hours), level 1 interns have experience in observing clinic faculty in interviewing, diagnosing, and treating patients, as well as assisting clinic faculty in taking and recording a patient’s history and physical exam. Level 1 interns take the patient’s pulse and observe the patient’s tongue with instruction by clinic faculty to understand the clinic faculty’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

In herbal practicum (40 hours), level 1 interns will have opportunities to identify herbs, learn how to assemble granule and bulk herb formulas, learn how to fill an herbal prescription, and become familiar with the dispensary operations. It is expected that all level 1 interns participate in keeping treatment rooms clean and stocked.

Requirements for Completion of Level 1 Observation and Herbal Practicum:

1. 200 Hours: 80 hours Observation Theater, 80 hours Observation Rounds, 40 hours Herbal Practicum
2. Successful pass of Intern Evaluations by Clinical Faculty
3. Successful completion of treatment for 30 patient visits
4. Successful completion of 1 Case study

Level 2 internship consists of 320 hours of supervised acupuncture and oriental medical practice.  Under the supervision of their clinic supervisors, interns diagnose and treat patients in the OMC and at other off-campus health care sites.  Working individually or in pairs, interns apply their knowledge and skills of oriental and western medical assessments to interview and assess the condition of each new patient, formulating potential diagnoses and treatment plans based on this assessment, including acupuncture and other oriental medical modalities.  Interns then discuss this diagnosis and treatment plan with clinic supervisor and treat the patient under the direct supervision of the clinic supervisor. Interns are expected to demonstrate proficiency in treatment techniques covered in the courses of their didactic studies.  Interns will render possible nutritional and/or lifestyle recommendations and offer them to the patient after consultation with the clinic supervisor. Interns will also incorporate herbal formula derivation and modification into treatment plans.  Interns are expected to inform their patients of the ingredients and proposed effects of the formula, formula preparation/cooking instructions, appropriate dosage guidelines, and possible adverse effects. Interns are responsible for filling the herbal formulas for their patients.

Requirements for Completion of Level 2 Supervised Practice Internship:

1. 320 Hours of supervised practice
2. Successful pass of Intern Evaluations by Clinic Supervisor
3. Successful completion of treatment for 150 patient visits
4. Successful completion of 1 Case study

Level 3 internship consists of 440 hours of independent practice of acupuncture and oriental medicine under the supervision of clinic supervisor. Interns complete a clinical impression and oriental medical diagnosis, as noted in Level II internship, for concurrence by the clinic supervisor. A treatment approach is recommended for concurrence by clinic supervisor, after which acupuncture, or other modalities are employed to treat the condition. The clinic supervisor is not required to observe the actual diagnosis or treatment but must be near the location where the patient is being treated. Interns are required to consult with the assigned clinic supervisor before and after each treatment.

Requirements for Completion of Level 3 Independent Practice Internship:

1. 440 Hours of Independent practice
2. Successful pass of Intern Evaluations by Clinic Supervisor
3. Successful completion of treatment for 200 patient visits
4. Successful completion of 1 Case study