Kia ora tatou
Welcome to the New Zealand School of Acupuncture
& Traditional Chinese Medicine

A place where ideas are nurtured,
inquiry encouraged, and
goals are realised.

 

I am Adejola Musa Olatunji, the director of the School. My training in TCM spans both the USA and China for more than 30 years. On behalf of the School, I take great pleasure in introducing and welcoming you to our institution. TCM spans thousands of years of practice. The knowledge base evolved from a unique theoretical system, supported by abundant clinical experience and long observation. Traditional Chinese healing methods include herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxa therapy, tuina (medical massage), and qigong (medical breathing).

The focus of TCM is to maintain health and prevent disease using a range of natural interventions carefully designed to support the balanced functioning of the individual. Rather than treating symptoms, it is the physiological/psychological imbalances underlying the manifestation of disease that are addressed and corrected.

As more and more people seek out non-medication and natural methods of healthcare, the outlook for a rewarding and prosperous career in TCM is excellent.

Our institution is an outstanding educational and resource centre for TCM with direct links to China. Our academic staff are long serving and experienced, nationally and internationally qualified, and recognised as specialists in their fields. Professionally supervised, student clinics offer superb opportunities to enhance practical skills. Marae-based and Community outreach clinics provide students with rich multicultural learning opportunities.

Our affiliation with the reputed Liaoning Hospital of TCM, in China provides our students and graduates the chance to further their studies at Liaoning Hospital. This opportunity could have profound significance for your academic development and clinical career.

Seriously consider joining us. In taking the opportunity to study TCM here, you will experience a stimulating learning environment and establish a sound basis for professional development.

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Long Established

Established in 1989, NZSATCM is the oldest acupuncture school in New Zealand, providing quality education since 1994. Located in Auckland and Wellington, the school offers  a dynamic, hands-on education in acupuncture, chinese herbs, tuina and qigong. The school is committed to providing a diverse education that honours both classical traditions and modern approaches in the training of acupuncturists. Our academic staff are long serving and experienced, nationally and internationally qualified, and recognised as specialists in their fields.

The academic year is 44 weeks long divided into 4 semesters to coincide with the New Zealand Primary School and College year. This is done for the convenience of students who are parents. Our courses are from 2 to 4 years of full and part-time study. Full-time is 3 to 6 hours a day, 18-21 hours a week depending on the program of study. Details of Terms can be found under the Students-academic calendar.

Programs

NZSA offers a 4-year Acupuncture degree, a 3-year Chinese herbal medicine diploma and 2-year Tuina and Qigong diplomas. All programmes are accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, in addition the degree programme is accredited by the NCCAOM, which is the recognised accrediting body that administers the national acupuncture examines in the USA.

Services

 The school serves the public through low-cost acupuncture, herbal medicine and tuina clinics as well as partnerships with hospitals and community health centres. The school provides continuing education for acupuncturists  

Diversity

From the beginning our students have come from a wide range of backgrounds. There are successful professionals studying for career development, school leavers beginning their tertiary study, mature students who are returning to study for a change of career, and of course international students who want to study abroad in a safe, interesting, and relevant environment. Having gained the expertise in taking care of the needs of such a diverse group we continue to welcome and encourage students from around the world and all backgrounds to apply to study here.

Teaching Chinese Medicine in New Zealand

In the mid -1950's, the first modern universities of TCM were founded in China. The mission of these schools was to take the classic teachings and clinical practices of Chinese medicine, apply a scientific approach, and develop a modern educational system. This educational model became the Chinese standard for TCM education. After examining many educational models and much reflection, the director of the School chose the curriculum in the School's programs to closely follow these standards which have been refined over the last fifty years to meet contemporary health care needs.

The School follows this modern Chinese university model in both classroom and clinic; creating learning experiences that build critical thinking skills based upon classic TCM theory. Educational objectives have been developed, textbooks have been chosen, and workbooks created to best teach the classic academic theory and contemporary clinical practice of Chinese Medicine to today's student in New Zealand.