Acupuncture students from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) are treating their first patients, thanks to partnerships with several local clinics.
A & T Pain Solutions Acupuncture Centre, Balance Acupuncture & Massage Inc., UniHealth Group®, and Viva Care are hosting the first students from KPU’s new acupuncture diploma program. This is the clinical component of the curriculum, which has students gaining real-world experience as acupuncture practitioners under the guidance and supervision of experienced practising acupuncturists.
“These partnerships allow for KPU’s acupuncture program to continue to grow and succeed,” said Dr. David Florkowski, Dean in the Faculty of Health. “Working alongside skilled practitioners, our students are enhancing their skills through exposure to a myriad of patients.”
Known as a distributed clinical educational model, students learn from dually credentialed Western and Chinese medical practitioners. This approach is novel in that it brings together Eastern and Western philosophy and practice.
These clinical rotations take place concurrently with theory and lab work at KPU Richmond.
KPU’s acupuncture diploma program was launched in September 2016, making the university the first public post-secondary institution in B.C. to offer such a program. The program includes 86 credits and 460 hours of clinical practice over six semesters.
Quick Facts
- -Traditional Chinese Medicine is a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act.
- -It is regulated by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of B.C
- -Individuals must have a valid registration (professional license) issued by the regulatory college to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture in B.C
Photos of acupuncture instructor Dr. Steve Chan with students in the Acupuncture Learning Lab at KPU Richmond are available on Flickr.
Story by Corry Anderson-Fennell
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