Admissions
Introductory Series
Introduction to Chinese Medicine Series
Winter classes begin Jan. 4th! Submit your registration materials by December 30th.
Designed for people who are interested in learning the fundamentals of Chinese medicine without committing to a four year graduate program, this series introduces the basic concepts, theories, and methods that underlie the practices of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
We offer two unique sequences, one for medical professionals with a background in anatomy and physiology and one for non-medical professionals. Both sequences begin with Foundations of Chinese Medicine, covering the Dao, yin/yang, the five elements, and the organ systems, and then progress through Chinese Medical Diagnostics, including tongue, pulse, and differential diagnosis. Both sequences also include an introduction to Chinese herbal medicine and a course called Clinical Theater, in which students observe one of AOMA’s faculty members integrating fundamental theories into acupuncture and herbal treatments.
The sequence for non-medical professionals continues with courses in Medical Qigong, which explore the more spiritual aspects of Chinese medicine and energy flow within the body.
The sequence for medical professionals continues with three courses each in acupuncture point location and meridian and point energetics, which detail the anatomical locations and physiological functions of the acupuncture points on/within the human body.
While not enrolled in the degree program, students in the introductory series take courses along-side our master’s degree students, have access to the same high-quality education, and are held to the same classroom standards. Students in the introductory series can receive credit for the courses they complete and, if they wish at a future date, may apply for conversion to the full degree program. See below for information regarding the cost of the program and the process of converting from non-degree seeking to degree seeking student.
Course Sequences
Students are able to take up to two courses simultaneously and must follow all co-requiste and pre-requisite requirements detailed in the course descriptions. Course offerings and class times vary from term to term. It may be possible to finish the entire sequence for medical professionals within seven terms (1 year and 9 months) and the entire sequence for non-medical professionals within five terms (1 year and 3 months). Contact the admissions office for information about future course offerings (512-492-3071 or email)
Sequence 1: For Non-Medical Professionals (Actual sequence may vary depending on number of courses taken per term and term of initiation. Introductory series students who have not perviously completed anatomy & physiology, but are interested in completing courses which require A&P as a prerequisite, may take A&P at AOMA.)
Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
Clinic Theater 1
Foundations of Chinese Medicine 2
Introduction to Chinese Herbs
Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 1
Chinese Medical Qigong 1
Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 2
Chinese Medical Qigong 2
Chinese Medical Qigong 3
Sequence 2: For Medical Professionals (Actual sequence may vary depending on number of courses taken per term and term of initiation. Introductory series students who have not perviously completed anatomy & physiology, but are interested in completing courses which require A&P as a prerequisite, may take A&P at AOMA.)
Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
Clinic Theater 1
Foundations of Chinese Medicine 2
Introduction to Chinese Herbs
Point Location & Meridian Theory 1
Meridian and Point Energetics 1
Point Location & Meridian Theory 2
Meridian and Point Energetics 2
Point Location & Meridian Theory 3
Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 1
Meridian and Point Energetics 3
Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 2
Dates, Times, and Course Offerings
Course offerings for winter term are listed below. Registration for winter term must be completed by December 30th. Offerings and class times vary from term to term. It may be possible to finish the entire sequence for medical professionals within seven terms (1.75 years) and the entire sequence for non-medical professionals within five terms (1.25 years). Contact the admissions office for information about future course offerings (512-492-3071 or email)
Winter Term: January 4th - April 3rd
| Course name | Meeting Times |
| Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 | Monday 2pm - 5pm |
| Clinical Theater 1 | Thursday 2pm - 5pm |
| Foundations of Chinese Medicine 2 |
Wednesday 2pm - 5pm |
| Introduction to Chinese Herbs | Friday 9:30am - 12:30pm |
| Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 1 | Wednesday 2pm - 5pm |
| Chinese Medical Qigong 1 | Wednesday 9:30am - 12:30pm |
| Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 2 | Not offered winter term |
| Chinese Medical Qigong 2 | Thursday 9:30am - 12:30pm |
| Chinese Medical Qigong 3 | Tuesday 9:30am - 12:30pm |
| Point Location & Meridian Theory 1 | Wednesday 2pm - 5pm |
| Meridian and Point Energetics 1 | Tuesday 9:30am - 12:30pm |
| Point Location & Meridian Theory 2 | Thursday 9:30am - 12:30pm OR Tuesday 9:30am - 12:30pm |
| Meridian and Point Energetics 2 | Wednesday 9:30am - 12:30pm |
| Point Location & Meridian Theory 3 | Not offered winter term |
| Meridian and Point Energetics 3 | Not offered winter term |
Course Descriptions
Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
3 didactic credits
No co/pre-requisites
This introductory level course provides in-depth study of the philosophy and theories fundamental to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including the essential principles of yin and yang, Dao, five elements, and zangfu organ systems. The course also covers Chinese medical history as it relates to the various traditions in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, as well as historical and professional trends in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Foundations of Chinese Medicine 2
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisite: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
This course builds upon FCM 1 with an emphasis on the production and function of body substances (energy, blood, body fluid, essence, spirit) and the related internal organ systems, as well as etiology and pathology, sources of pathogens, and mechanisms of illness, with an introduction to the channel system.
Clinical Theater 1
1.5 clinical credits
Co/pre-requisite: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
This course exposes students to the diagnostic methods of TCM and to the techniques and application of acupuncture and herbology through observation of professional treatments by a member of the AOMA faculty. Each class includes dialogue about patient intake and treatment administration, with an emphasis on patient communication and ethics.
Introduction to Chinese Herbs
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisite: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
Co/pre-requisite: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 2
This course provides an overview of the fundamental theories of Chinese herbal therapy, including the properties of herbs, the preparation of decoctions, basic Pinyin spelling and meaning of herbal names, categories of single herbs, and select Chinese patent medicines.
Chinese Medical Qigong 1
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisite: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
Chinese medical qigong is one of the oldest branches of Chinese medicine, predating acupuncture by thousands of years. It is a therapeutic method for improving health and well-being, regaining and maintaining mind/body balance, preserving health, and enhancing longevity through the training of the mind, the breath, and the physiological processes of the body.“Qi” refers to the energy that animates life, while “gong” means skills acquired through practice.
The medical qiogong series presents a comprehensive study of Chinese medical qigong and includes the philosophy of qigong as well as exercises and movements which focus on cultivating internal energy. A series of traditional and modern qigong exercises is taught throughout these courses, including meditation (static qigong) and daoyin (dynamic qigong), for the purpose of training and refining inner energy. Focus of this first course is on the mechanisms of qigong and the relationship between the three treasures of the human being, essence, energy, and spirit. The course also focuses on commonly used points and qigong safety theory and methods. Attention will be paid to the areas of combining Chinese medical qigong with zangfu, yin/yang, and meridian theories to improve students’ understanding of Oriental medicine and to integrate qigong methods with
Chinese Medical Qigong 2
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 & Chinese Medical Qigong 1
The second course in this series covers the sensation of qi, a foundation of internal qi, and guidance of qi throughout the body. Additionally, the origin and distribution of the twelve regular meridians and location of major acupressure points will be studied.The course focuses on the proper recommendation of exercises for improving well-being and relieving symptoms of chronic disorders, particularly tendino-muscular problems. Also, the selection of different qigong exercises according to body constitutions and various syndromes will be presented.
Chinese Medical Qigong 3
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 & Chinese Medical Qigong 2
The third course in this series focuses on the directing and renewing of qi. This is achieved by exploring the major principles that govern the universal and environmental energy structures, as well as their influence on the human body, mind, spirit, and emotions. A series of qigong exercises and techniques, tongue inspection and pulse evaluation, touching and non-touching techniques, color and temperature observation, and healing sounds are practiced for a better understanding of this specialized system.
Point Location & Meridian Theory 1
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 and an approved course in Anatomy and Physiology
First of three courses on the distribution and functions of the network of channels and collaterals, categories of special points, body landmarks, point locating methods, and basic needling methods. Includes practice of physical point location. First course covers points on the lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, and heart channels.
Point Location & Meridian Theory 2
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 and 2, Point Location & Meridian Theory 1, and an approved course in Anatomy and Physiology
Second course in the series covering the points and channels of small intestine, urinary bladder, kidney, pericardium, sanjiao, and gall bladder.
Point Location & Meridian Theory 3
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 and 2, Point Location & Meridian Theory 1 and 2, and an approved course in Anatomy and Physiology
Final course in series covering the points and channels of gall bladder (continued), liver, du/governing, ren/conception, and the other extraordinary channels, commonly used extra points, and point location comparisons.
Meridian and Point Energetics 1
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1
Co/pre-requisite: Point Location & Meridian Theory 1
First of three courses introducing fundamental theories and usage of acupuncture therapy, including meridian theory, special energetics, and individual acupuncture point energetics. First course covers the lung, large intestine, and stomach meridians, and the theory and usage of acupuncture points, including the shu-points, five element points, luo-connecting points, yuan source points, and xi-cleft points.
Meridian and Point Energetics 2
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 and Meridian and Point Energetics 1
Co/pre-requisite: Point Location & Meridian Theory 2
Second course in series of three courses, the focus is on the spleen, heart, small intestine, kidney, and urinary bladder meridians, and how to select basic acupuncture points in order to therapeutically affect corresponding patterns of disease.
Meridian and Point Energetics 3
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisites: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 and Meridian and Point Energetics 1 and 2
Co/pre-requisite: Point Location & Meridian Theory 3
The final course in the series focusing on the urinary bladder (continued), pericardium, sanjiao, gall bladder, liver, ren, and du meridians, and how to select basic acupuncture points in order to therapeutically affect corresponding patterns of disease.
Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 1
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisite: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 and 2
This is the first of two courses providing in-depth study and practical application of the four diagnoses with an emphasis on tongue and pulse evaluation, diagnosis, and basic pattern differentiation.
Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 2
3 didactic credits
Pre-requisite: Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 and 2 and Diagnostic Skills of Chinese Medicine 1
Second course emphasizing full differential diagnosis of syndromes, including zangfu, eight principles, six stages, four levels, san jiao, and microsystems, with focus on case studies.
Registration and Requirements
Registration for courses in the winter 2010 introductory series opens November 16th, 2009 and must be completed by December 30th, 2009. Please contact the admissions office (512-492-3017 or email) with any questions.
In order to enroll in the introductory series, students must meet all of AOMA’s admissions requirements, complete an online application form (please select the "non-degree seeking" option), and submit the to the admissions office transcripts sufficient to demonstrate meeting AOMA's admissions requirements
Registration fee of $25
*Matriculation into the graduate program is possible, at any point in the introductory series; however, students must submit to the admissions office an additional application fee of $50, a letter of intent descriping the applicant's interest in and aptitude for Oriental medical studies, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. All applicants for conversion will interview with the admissions committee and are subject to the approval of the Provost and the Admissions Committee.
Please contact the admissions office for more information (512-492-3017 or email).
Series Cost
$189/didactic credit
$312/clinical credit
$35 facility fee/term
$75 practicum insurance (for Clinical Theater 1)
other fees may apply (add/drop, returned check, etc.)
Students pay course by course; therefore, costs may vary from term to term. Advance registration/payment is not possible. Students in the introductory series are non-degree seeking students and are therefore not eligible for federal financial aid or AOMA scholarships.
Example of course costs, Winter Term 2010:
Foundations of Chinese Medicine 1 = 3 didactic credits x $189/credit = $567
Clinical Theater 1 = 1.5 clinical credits x $312/credit = $468
Facility fee = $35
Practicum Insurance = $75
Total Cost = $1145