DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Course Descriptions of PDFAC 101 Acupuncture Principles......4 Units.................. Prerequisite: None
This course introduces basic concepts of channels, collaterals, and acupuncture points. This course also covers acupuncture history, classification, systems of nomenclature, knowledge of standards of the WHO, distribution, and functions of the channels and collaterals.
AC 201 Acupuncture A......4 Units ................................Prerequisite: AC 101
This course is an introduction to Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Urinary Bladder and Kidney channels. It includes a detailed study of the pathways and pathogens of each channel as well as location, action, and indication of each acupuncture point for acupressure, needling, bodyworks, and other treatment modalities.
AC 301 Acupuncture B...... 4 Units..................................Prerequisite: AC 101
The course is a continuation of the introduction of basic ideas as presented in course AC 101. It covers other primary channels, namely the small Intestine, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, pericardium, sanjiao, and gall bladder channels. It includes a detailed study of the pathways and pathogens of each channel as well as location, action, and indication of each acupuncture point for acupressure, needling, bodyworks, and other treatment modalities.
AC 401 Acupuncture C......4 Units......................................................................................Prerequisite: AC 301
This course is a detailed introduction to the theory of channel systems covering the Eight Extraordinary Channels, Twelve Divergent Channels, Fifteen Collaterals, Twelve Muscular Regions, and Twelve Cutaneous Regions.
AC 501 Special Acupuncture Modalities...3 Units.............................................Prerequisite: AC 401
This course covers the application of the Special acupuncture points and introduce the special acupuncture modality such as Auricular, Scalp, Face and Nose, Hand and Foot, Cutaneous, Pressure, Intradermal, Three-edged Needle, Warm needle, and Electro Acupuncture. The course also introduces the method of Moxibustion and Cupping, as well as management of possible accidents in acupuncture treatment.
PD 102 Acupressure / Tui Na I ......3 Units....................................................................Prerequisite: None
This course includes the principles, theory, techniques utilizing manual therapy and mechanical devices and practice of basic Acupressure and Tui Na (Oriental Massage).
AC 601 Acupuncture Theory Therapy A...4 Units .................Prerequisite: Upper Division Standing
This course covers a study of the principles of Acupuncture prescription and treatment from Nei Jing to modern acupuncture and oriental medicine literature. The course includes a detailed study of clinical acupuncture treatment procedures for different specialties including emergency care, family medicine, internal medicine such as Respiratory, Digestive, Urogenital, and Psychologic diseases.
BIO103 Medical Terminology 3 units .........................................................Prerequisite: None
This course covers Western medical terms used for various diseases, surgical procedures, medical procedures and body parts. Such terminology is technically exact vocabulary used by professionals consisting of Greek and Latin roots, combined forms, prefixes, and suffixes. The course also includes Western medical abbreviations, and the formation of singular and plurals.
BIO 105 General Biology. 3 units.........................................................................................Prerequisite: None
This course covers earth’s diversity of biological organisms and systems. The processes of life from the most basic unicellular to highly complex mammalian organisms will be presented, along with interconnections between living systems and how life evolved in greater complexity from simple beginnings. Topics covered include cell structure and function, basic reproduction and genetics (mitosis & meiosis), plant and animal structures, basic life processes (digestion, respiration, excretion, secretion & reproduction), ecology and the biosphere. Also this course includes introduction to immunology and microbiology ( viruses, bacteria, and other medical related microorganism)as the basis of clinical science.
BIO 102 Chemistry 3 units...........................................................................................................Prerequisite: None
This course will examine basic principles of organic and biochemistry. Fundamentals of organic and cellular chemistry will be presented, focusing on chemical interactions within living cells are the foundation of all life processes. The structures, properties, metabolism, functions as well as practical and clinical aspects of the following groups of bio-compounds will be studied: amino acids, proteins, enzyme co-factors, lipids, and nucleic acids.
BIO 106 General Physics 3 units ............................................................................................Prerequisite: None
This course will present classical and Quantum Physics including Newtonian Physics. Thermodynamics, and Relativity. The laws governing bodies in motion and at rest (inertia), mass, temperature and pressure changes and the effect on mass, will be presented in a Newtonian context. The course also includes application of Physics in clinical medicine as well as a general survey of bio Physics.
BIO 101 General Psychology 3 units................................................................................... Prerequisite: None
This course will present a history of the development of psychological theory from Freud to the present, encompassing Pavlovian and Skinnerian theories of behavior, and the sorts of maladies which might be termed “psychosomatic.” Modern descriptions of mental illnesses, such as psychoses and neuroses will be explained. Traditional outlooks on mental illnesses are also explored, such as explanations for mental illness. Psychological disorders and therapeutic methods will also be examined for effectiveness in treating mental illness.
BIO 107 Human Anatomy & BIO 104 Physiology 6 units ..............................Prerequisite: None
The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the structures and arrangement of gross surface features of the human body. Students are introduced to clinically significant relationships through lectures and laboratory dis-section of cadavers. Slides are used to emphasize areas useful to the acupuncturist. This course pays special attention to the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems.
RM 203 Research Methodology 1 Units ...........................................................................Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce basic concepts and techniques of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data (methods of statistical analysis) in order to carry out and research a specific inquiry in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and related evidence-based medicine. The focus is gaining knowledge in research methods and literature evaluation to apply later in a research project of one’s own design. The course is also covering the knowledge of academic peer review process.
WM 201 Food, Diet and Vitamins 2 Units ...................................................................Prerequisite: None
This is a general nutrition course with an introduction to principles of nutrition and their relationship to health. It discuss the basis of a healthy diet, human digestion and absorption, metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and its relation to common diseases like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases as well as renal and liver diseases. The course also describes the water and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as the major minerals and their relationship to cancer and hypertension. The last part of the course discusses the energy balance and weight control, nutrition through the life cycle and eating disorders.
PD 100 History of TCM 1 Unit ..............................................................................................Prerequisite: Non
The History of TCM, in general, in which the origins of Medical theory, the progress of medical science, and the history and development of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are discussed. Medical conditions and name of tests from famous individuals who discovered them will also be presented.
WM 301 Western Pharmacology 3 Units ......................................Prerequisite: BIO102, BIO 105
This course deals with therapeutic approaches in Western Medicine. Drugs used in the treatment of disease will be discussed in this course. The mechanisms of action, absorption, excretion, contraindications, side effects and toxicity of specific drugs will be reviewed. Drugs-Herbs-Nutritional interactions will be discussed.
WM 202 Pathology & Pathophysiology 4 Units ..........................Prerequisite: BIO102, BIO 105
This course deals with basic general concepts of pathology associated with cellular damage, bodily responses to injury, acute and chronic inflammation, hemodynamic dysfunction, genetic disorders and neoplasia. A systematic review of pathological processes affecting neurologic and endocrine systems will also be presented.
WM 302 Physical Examination & Lab Diagnosis 4 Units Prerequisite: None
Presented in this course are standard methods of Physical examination and /or assessment, including neuromusculoskeletal, orthopedic, neurological, abdominal, and ear,nose and throat examinations, with emphasis on history taking, Physical examination and screening tests; understanding the necessity of adjunct diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests and imaging studies of various bodily systems and international classification of diseases (ICD). The course also includes diagnostic clues for disease differentiation of various bodily systems and organs.
CL 412 Practice Management 2 Units Prerequisite: Upper Division Standing
This course covers the business and management aspects of practicing acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in private clinic establishments. The curriculum includes record keeping, insurance billing and collection, California and Federal laws including HIPAA, OSHA, and Labor codes, safety management, running a successful acupuncture clinic, risk management and ethics.
PD 101 Medical Ethics 1 Units Prerequisite: none
This course covers ethical and legal aspects in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
PH 403 Public Health 2 Units Prerequisite: None
This course covers the art and science of Public and community health and disease prevention and public health education. Also it includes treatment of chemical dependency, communicable diseases, public health alerts, epidemiology and public health system.
FD 561 Clinical Medicine B 4 Units each Prerequisite: Upper Division Standing
This course covers standard medical terminology, standard patient Physical examination, skills in comprehensive history taking, Pharmacological assessment, clinical reasoning, problem solving, and diagnosis of diseases in endocrine system, blood system, urinary system, and immune system as well as metabolic diseases. This course also covers a comprehensive survey of clinical practices of medicine, osteopathy, psychology, dentistry, nursing, chiropractic, podiatry, naturopathy, and homeopathy.
PH 402 TCM Case Management I 3 Units Prerequisite: Upper Division Standing
This course offers a detailed inquiry into primary, secondary and specialty care responsibilities in the clinical management of patients. The course offers the knowledge and skills of patient counseling to enhance the mind-body-spirit healing of the patient as well as that of doctors. It also provides tools to assess the patient’s disease from psycho-social-cultural-behavioral perspectives while offering a proper bedside manner and sensitive communication skills in multi-cultural environment and diverse context. This course also integrates the Oriental and Biomedicine cases for the diseases of the pulmonary system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system and urinary system. It covers the proper protocol for treatment planning, treatments, contraindications, complications, prognosis and future medical care, including drug and herb interactions. It also covers the continuity of care, referral and col-laborative efforts with other primary or secondary healthcare providers, as well as the need for follow-up care, determination of final review, and the selection of functional outcome measures.
PH 404 TCM Case Management II 3 Units Prerequisite: Upper Division Standin
This course covers case management for injured workers and socialized medicine patients, including an understanding of workers compensation/ labor codes and procedures and qualified medical evaluations. Coding procedures for current procedural codes, including CPT and ICD-9 diagnosis will be included. This course also integrates the Oriental and Biomedicine cases for the diseases of the nervous system, endocrine system, blood system and rheumatology system. It covers the proper protocol for treatment planning, treatments, contraindications, complications, prognosis and future medical care, including drug and herb interactions. It also covers the continuity of care, referral and collaborative efforts with other primary or secondary healthcare providers, as well as the need for follow-up care, determination of final review, and the selection of functional outcome measures.
HM 201 Herbal Formulas I 4 Units Prerequisite: HM 101 Herbology
This course is closely related to Herbal Principles. Emphasis is placed on a systematic description of the commonly used herbs like Herbs that Release the Exterior (Warm, acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior/ Cool, Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior), Herbs that Clear Heat (Herbs that Drain Fire/ Herbs that cool the Blood/ Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness/ Herbs that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity/ Herbs that Clear and Relieve Summer-Heat), Herbs that Downward Draining Herbs (Purgatives/ Moist Laxatives/ Harsh Expellants) in terms of their nature, entering channels (target organs), actions, indications, contraindications, dosage, and route of administration.
HM 202 Herbal Formulas II 4 Units Prerequisite: HM 101, HM 102
This course is closely related to Herbal Principles. Emphasis is placed on a systematic description of the commonly used herbs like Herbs that Drain Dampness, Hers that Dispel Wind-Dampness, Cool Herbs that Transform Phlegm-heat, Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-cold, Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing, Herbs that Expel Phlegm by inducing Vomiting, Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness, Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation in terms of their nature, entering channels (target organs), actions, indications, contraindications, dosage, and route of administration.
FD 201 TCM Diagnosis I 4 Units Prerequisites: FD 111, FD 112
Introduced in this course are four methods of diagnosis in TCM with emphasis on tongue observation and pulse diagnosis. Also covered are analyses of symptoms and signs of diseases.
FD TCM Diagnosis II 4 Units Prerequisites: FD 111, FD 112, FD 201
This course is a detailed study of the principles of differential diagnoses and clinical syndromes in Oriental Medicine. Eight principles, Qi, Blood, Body Fluid, Etiology, Five Elements, and Channels differentiation are included. This course also describes diseases related to dysfunction of internal Zang-Fu organs (heart, lung, spleen, liver, kidney, small intestine, large intestine, stomach, gall-bladder, pericardium, and sanjiao). The combination of Zang-Fu diseases, Six-Stage theory (Shang Han Lun), Four Stages theory and Sanjiao theory (Wen Bin Lun) are also discussed.
FD 102 Medical Qi Gong 3 Units Prerequisites: None
This course will provide OM students with the rudimentary knowledge and experience with the health and longevity promoting exercises of Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong and breathing. This course is designed for practical knowledge and experience of such exercises to promote the health and balance of the student/practitioner, increase awareness and concentration, integrate TCM principles with kinetic movement and body works, and counsel and instruct patients in terms of exercise, biomechanical alignment, and health.
FD 103 Application of Medical Qigong Prerequisites: FD 102
This course provides the techniques and secrets on how to apply the Qigong principles in TCM clinical practice. This may levitate your level hundred times higher, including diagnosis and healing.
FD 401 TCM Internal Medicine I 3 Units Prerequisite: Upper Division Standing
These courses include the study of clinical Oriental Medicine dealing with single entities and syndromes of different body systems and integrated acupuncture and oriental medicine diagnostic and treatment procedures. Special consideration is given to etiology and pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, analyses, and treatment plans, including important and necessary acupuncture, herbal treatments, lifestyle counseling, and self-care recommendations. These courses also cover, in detail, methods to add acupuncture points and herbs to the basic treatments according to disease progression and various syndromes. It covers diseases like Common Cold and Influenza, Cough, Chuan Zheng (Asthma), Allergic rhinitis, Sinusitis, Lung Abscess, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Palpitation, Xiong Bi (Chest Painful Obstruction Syndrome), Headache, Dizziness and Vertigo, Tinnitus , Insomnia, Wind-stroke, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
FD 404 OM Internal Medicine II 3 Units Prerequisite: Upper Division Standing
These courses include the study of clinical Oriental Medicine dealing with single entities and syndromes of different body systems and integrated acupuncture and oriental medicine diagnostic and treatment procedures. Special consideration is given to etiology and pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, analyses, and treatment plans, including important and necessary acupuncture, herbal treatments, lifestyle counseling, and selfcare recommendations. These courses also cover, in detail, methods to add acupuncture points and herbs to the basic treatments according to disease progression and various syndromes. It covers diseases like Epigastric pain, Vomiting and Hiccup, Diarrhea and dysentery, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Gu Zhang (Abdominal Distension & Ascites), Hypochondriac pain, Jaundice, Edema, Lin Zheng (Dysuria Syndrome), Enuresis and Incontinence, Impotence and nocturnal emission, Xiao-Ke (Diabetes Mellitus), Internal Fever, Mental Emotional Problem (Manic-Depressive Disorders).
CL 1 Clinical Procedures 1 Unit Prerequisite: FD 111, FD 112, AC101, AC 201, AC 301, HM 101, HM 102, CNT
This is the introduction of the procedures in clinic operation, patient care, making diagnosis writing a chart, making medical records, including laws and state regulations about the patient record. What is forbidden in making acupuncture treatment, etc.
CL2 Observer 150 hours 5 units Prerequisite: CL 1
Clinical observation allows the student to closely observe senior students and experienced supervisors in the management and treatment of patients using the theories and technical skills of TCM. The students will learn how to safely and effectively care for patients, the appropriate legal aspects of running a clinic and maintaining records, and begin to develop and refine the role of a professional caregiver.
CL 3 INTERNSHIP I (intern) 180 hours 6 units Prerequisites: CL1, CL2
Clinical Internship I is designed to create an environment in which the student brings together the theory and techniques as he or she learns them, and gradually refines the clinical skill necessary to become an effective practitioner. In Clinical Internship I, the student performs basic procedures under strict supervision. The process of diagnosis and formulation of treatment plans begins. Students participate in pre- and post clinical conferences. As the student progresses in Internship levels, he or she will gradually develop skills with the Four Examinations: pulse and tongue diagnosis, syndrome differentiation, designing treatment protocols, and executing treatment.
CL4 INTERNSHIP II (Assisting intern) 150 hours 5 units Prerequisite: CL1, CL2, CL3
With Clinical Internship II, the student continues to develop and refine techniques through applied theory in the clinical setting. The student, under strict supervision, performs diagnosis and formulation of treatment plans, participates in pre and post-clinical conferences, and develops pulse and tongue diagnosis, syndrome differentiation, designing treatment protocols, and executing treatment.
CL 5 Intern III 150 hours 5 units Prerequisite: CL3
The student will gain experience and confidence to perform most procedures. Under limited supervision, the student will conduct patient intakes, take histories, formulate treatment plans based on his or her diagnosis and administer treatment. Students prepare and present cases for pre- and post-clinical conferences.
CL6 & CL7 Intern IV & V 300 hours 10 units Prerequisite: CL5
At this high level of internship, the student will work independently with oversight by clinical faculty. The student will form treatment plans based on his or her diagnosis and present them to clinic supervisors for review, and then administer reviewed treatment plans.
