"A good clinical supervisor is essential in helping students pull everything together and problem solve in the real world. NESA is fortunate to have recruited excellent supervisors and offer clinical experiences of exceptionally high quality."
Suzahne Riendeau,
Alum and Faculty
CLINICAL INTERNSHIPS
The clinical internship is the culmination of a student's learning experience at the New England School of Acupuncture.
After almost two years of studying theory, point location, and needling techniques, students are prepared to enter the final component of their clinical training at NESA. Students attending NESA on a full-time basis enter clinic in the summer of their second year after completing the coursework necessary to practice acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine safely and effectively. Interns spend clinical rotations further developing their skills and confidence in a collaborative and supervised clinical setting. They may complete rotations at the NESA clinic as well as any number of satellite clinics. All internship rotations are supervised by an experienced and licensed practitioner. This unparalleled clinical education serves as a transitional step between life as a student and a career as a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
Interns are responsible for intaking new patients; following up on existing patients; making Oriental medicine differential diagnoses; forming appropriate treatment principles and plans; and treating patients with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine.
Students working towards a Master of Acupuncture (MAc) degree are required to complete nine clinical rotations for a total of 630 clinical training hours. Before graduating, students must have documented at least 250 treatments and have seen at least fifty distinct patients. Those working towards the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) degree are required to complete ten clinical rotations for a total of 720 clinical training hours. MAOM students must perform at least 350 treatments and treat at least 50 different patients. Additionally, MAOM students must prescribe at least 75 Chinese herbal prescriptions.
Prior to graduation, all interns must demonstrate competency in the following categories: patient care; communication and interpersonal skills; professionalism, acupuncture and CHM knowledge and skills; practice-based learning; and improvement and safety.
Newton, MA 02458