In preparation of the CIIS-ACTCM merger on July 1, 2015, ACTCM has prepared the following FAQ for our community. We are very excited about this new partnership and we are thankful for everyone’s support during this exciting change.
Will curriculum change for current MSTCM, DAOM, and/or DACM students?
The requirements and content covered in the curriculum for the DAOM and MSTCM programs will remain largely the same. The transition from a quarterly to a 3-term semester system will impact the schedule of classes, the academic calendar and will require the content of the MSTCM program to be delivered in a newly reorganized format; a draft of this new curriculum can be viewed on the Students section of the ACTCM website.
What kind of accreditation and approval of ACTCM will have after merger?
As a college at CIIS, ACTCM will be an institution accredited by WASC. The ACTCM programs will also be accredited by ACAOM.
Will ACTCM change its name or the name of its programs?
ACTCM’s degree program names will remain the same. ACTCM will change to “ACTCM at CIIS” on July 1, 2015.
What immediate benefits will ACTCM students receive from the merger?
ACTCM students will have access to online registration and tuition payments. The student portal will reflect completed academic work, transcripts and scholarly accomplishments. There will also be more robust library offerings and online journals.
Will graduating students receive their diplomas from ACTCM or CIIS?
The degree will be conferred by CIIS; the diploma will also name ACTCM.
If ACTCM or students would like to take classes from current CIIS programs, or vice versa, how does that work? Is there a tuition discount?
To be determined. Soon after the merger the institution will develop protocols for students interested in taking courses outside their program curriculum.
Will tuition will be same in the whole CIIS institution (including ACTCM programs)?
No, ACTCM tuition will not be based on current CIIS rates.
Will financial aid policies of ACTCM be the same as those of CIIS?
ACTCM students will receive financial aid through CIIS and should fill out a FASFA using the CIIS code: 012154.
How many new classes will ACTCM welcome each year? Will application processes change?
ACTCM will continue to admit students each term to the MSTCM and DACM programs. Fall starts in September; Spring Starts in January; and Summer starts in May. The DAOM program will continue with 2 enrollments annually: Summer and Fall (May and September). All admissions processes will follow CIIS policies. Applications will be completed through the CIIS portal starting July 1, 2015.
Will the all policies of ACTCM be same as CIIS?
ACTCM and CIIS will operate under the same policies except when the unique nature of the ACTCM programs require a separate/additional policy. ACTCM programs must comply with ACAOM standards and requirements specified by the California Acupuncture Board.
Will there be a location change? Do students need to go CIIS main campus (mission street) for classes?
ACTCM will continue to occupy both Arkansas and Pioneer Square campuses.
Will there be any AOM clinical training changes? Will there be any integrated psychology/counseling and TCM degrees be provided in the near future?
ACTCM and CIIS will begin to consider some of these possibilities once the merger is complete. In April 2015 the CIIS Center for Somatic Psychotherapy will host ACTCM student clinicians to offer auricular acupuncture to patients on a weekly basis.
Will there be any dual-programs that will prepare me for both TCM licensure and MFT licensure requirement?
It is too early to determine this.
Is there a new organization chart? Will there be any administrative staff changes?
Staff may receive new titles but their responsibilities will remain the same. The ACTCM administration will join the CIIS administration team.
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About American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine since 1980. In addition to its graduate curriculum, ACTCM offers continuing education, public education, community outreach and clinical services in acupuncture and herbal medicine. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted “Best of the Bay” by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. ACTCM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.