The Course

Introduction

The course is run by the British Academy of Western Medical Acupuncture (BAWMA). This certificate in western acupuncture has evolved from over 30 years of acupuncture training with the overall aim being to equip professionals with the best standards of education to support a successful and responsible career in medical acupuncture

On completion of the course graduates will be able to promote, develop and assess patients for acupuncture both within their profession and in private practice. Our other aims during the course are: 

 

• To promote rigorous evidence based approaches to medical problems within clinical practice.

• To extend students knowledge of therapeutics, thereby increasing their value as practitioners.

• To enhance the skills of communication and logical argument allowing students to integrate into and play an active role in the management of patients.

• To develop, progressively, a capacity for self directed and reflected learning.

• Students will also appreciate the importance of continuing professional development and their role as educators to support other practitioners and other developments in acupuncture as a whole. 

 

Course Structure & Content Structure

The Academy operates all its programmes on a modular basis, taught over two semesters per year.  Semester One runs from September to December, with Semester Two late January to May.  However some postgraduate courses may operate outside these dates. This Certificate component extends over one year and is taught across nine weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from September to May. The programme is suitable for a range of health care professionals and postgraduates with medical experience who are either looking to use acupuncture as:

 

• An adjunct to their primary medical role.

• To explore from a scientific or research perspective.

• To support an interest or option to use in private practice.

 

Subject Background

Acupuncture can be used to treat a range of conditions by releasing the body’s own pain killing endorphin’s and serotonin which intern alters the pain signals received in the brain.  There is growing research that acupuncture can affect both the physical and psychological as well as a range of bodily systems, for example the circulatory system, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and the nervous system.  Because of this there has been increasing scientific research into the field of acupuncture that has supported it being an acceptable form of treatment within the NHS. Enrolling onto this course will embark you into an ancient traditional art that has been adapted to suit our western medical way of thinking.  The academy has over 35 year’s experience of providing acupuncture training and we will ensure that you are supported and stretched to achieve the highest possible standards.  Students will experience a range of learning methods throughout the course and our tutors will guide and support you through each phase making your learning journey a positive, rewarding, and enjoyable experience.

 

Assessment

The programme is composed of one module. This is equivalent to 200 hours of learning activity.  The module is undertaken through both face-face and distance learning, using the Academy’s forum based support and/or the on-line delivery system.  In order to obtain a Certificate in Professional Development, and a licentiate to practice, students must successfully complete all elements of the module.

The module is assessed by work based case studies, group work, tutorials, practical examinations and by the submission of a portfolio of evidence linking theory to practice.