Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course is designed for general practitioners to provide an understanding of medical acupuncture, both historically and philosophically. The knowledge and skills gained from the course, in addition to the practical guidance provided, should enable general practitioners to practice medical acupuncture with confidence with their own patients in appropriate clinical conditions.

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

• understand the history and philosophy of acupuncture, and to see clearly its interlocking role in modern medical care
• understand the mechanisms of action of acupuncture in scientific terms
• take a competent and full medical history, and address those facets of illness which are important in an acupuncture diagnosis
• apply the knowledge gained from the study material, and practical guidance, to begin practicing medical acupuncture with confidence on their own patients, in appropriate clinical conditions
• develop non-pharmacological pain management strategies and promote self appraisal of drug prescribing and referral patterns for patients with pain
• use and appraise validated outcome measurements following acupuncture treatment, following acupuncture treatment, audit results, and develop basic research skills in the field of medical acupuncture.

Assessment

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

This course is accredited with the Joint Consultative Committee on Medical Acupuncture (a tripartite committee with representatives from the Australian Medical Acupuncture College (AMAC), The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

The course consists of four core units.

Students complete:

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

Graduate Certificate in Medical Acupuncture