Graduate Certificate in Medical Acupuncture

Course code: 2678 + Course abbreviation: GradCertMedAcup + Total credit points required: 24 + 2 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Clayton – P/T only)

Course description

This course, offered by the Department of General Practice, is intended for general practitioners. It aims to provide an understanding of medical acupuncture, both historically and philosophically, to clarify its interlocking role with modern medical care. The course also aims to provide the necessary tools for general practitioners to develop non-pharmacological pain management strategies and to promote self-appraisal of drug prescribing and referral patterns for patients with pain. The knowledge and skills gained from the course, in addition to the practical guidance provided, should equip general practitioners to begin practising medical acupuncture with confidence on their own patients in appropriate clinical conditions.

Course objectives

On completion of the course, students should be able to: 1. Understand the history and philosophy of acupuncture, and to see clearly its interlocking role in modern medical care; 2. Understand the mechanisms of action of acupuncture in scientific terms; 3. Take a competent and full medical history, and address those facets of illness which are important in an acupuncture diagnosis; 4. Apply the knowledge gained from the study material, and practical guidance, to begin practicing medical acupuncture with confidence on patients, in appropriate clinical conditions; 5. Develop non-pharmacological pain management strategies and promote self appraisal of drug prescribing and referral patterns for patients with pain; and 6. Use and appraise validated outcome measurements following acupuncture treatment, audit results, and develop basic research skills in the field of medical acupuncture.

Course structure

Students are required to complete the following four core units:

Core units

CMA1001 History and philosophy: channels and points
CMA1002 Modern physiology: physiology and assessment of pain
CMA1003 Acupuncture techniques and therapeutics
CMA1004 Clinical practice

Assessment

Assessment is by coursework participation, assignments, formal examination and clinical supervision including attendance at two compulsory weekend workshops.

Contact details

Postgraduate administrative officer: telephone: +61 3 8575 2217; email: gen.prac@med.monash.edu.au or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/general-practice/teaching/pgrad.html

Course coordinator

Dr Danny Traum

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