Acupuncture Prospectus 2023/24 BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture 1 Acupuncture - a profession you can be proud of! We often hear from our clinic patients expressing their gratitude for the treatment they receive in our teaching clinic, and we were recently delighted to hear from Adrian who sent us this note of thanks when he had completed his acupuncture treatment. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you “I want to say a BIG thank you to everyone at the NCA and a very special thank you to those who worked their magic on me over the period of 12 weeks. I came to you when I was literally crawling on the ceiling and left re-invigorated. Without your help I really don’t know where I would be. Your overwhelming kindness along with your deep understanding of my situation has made me so grateful to you all for ever. I came to the NCA a sceptic and have come away a true believer in the work you do.” Adrian Wilkinson - Clinic patient Why do we work? Of course, we need to earn a living, however most of us want to find some meaning in our working lives. As fully qualified acupuncturists, our graduates are taking this to the next level with a very deep level of satisfaction in the work they do - helping people. As Adrian says in his note, a successful acupuncture treatment is so much more than just needling. It’s about developing a level of understanding that comes from listening and in-depth knowledge, and it’s about kindness. At the NCA we teach you to become a sensitive practitioner with ALL these skills. As a student on our BSc in Acupuncture you will change your life so you can help to change other people’s lives. 2 3 Introduction from our College Principal, Richard Blackwell This September I really enjoyed being able to attend an in-person conference of the British Acupuncture Council for the first time in three years. Many NCA graduates were there, and they all said that their practices were busier than ever. As well as those who seek help with long Covid, for which acupuncture is acquiring a good reputation, it seems that in general the pandemic has led people to think more about maintaining a good state of health. The way in which acupuncture can improve well-being on many levels is becoming well known, and supported by research. As well as the evidence-based recommendation of acupuncture for chronic primary pain from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2021, research studies are also showing that the benefits of acupuncture continue for many months or years after a course of treatment – a truly impressive result which is rarely seen with drug treatments. The ever-increasing demand for acupuncture means this is a perfect time to join our course. Our Do have a look at our new video tour of the College to get a feel for what it is like to study here. I mission is to train you to be a practitioner of the highest calibre, and we were delighted that our hope that you enjoy reading our prospectus, including the many remarkable testimonials from our commitment to the highest standards was rewarded again this year in the National Students Survey, students and graduates, and that you will be inspired to join us, setting out on your path to becoming with our final year students awarding us a 100% rating for their overall satisfaction with our course. a first-class acupuncturist. As a student here you will spend three years learning in depth about the complexities of Chinese Richard Blackwell, College Principal medicine diagnosis and acupuncture treatment, and in addition you will study bodywork and biomedicine, and develop the business knowledge and communication skills you need to succeed as a practitioner. You will emerge as a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and capable practitioner able to diagnose and treat a wide range of patients and conditions. It is clear from talking with our graduates that this provides them with a very strong foundation on which they build their successful and rewarding careers. All this good news has meant that in 2021 and 2022 we have been delighted to welcome to the College substantial numbers of new acupuncture students. The numbers of students were further boosted by the welcome availability of student loans for part-time study of healthcare subjects, including acupuncture, for those who already have a degree. We recruit two groups of students each year, whose classes are on weekends and weekdays respectively, so we are able to take larger Unistats link to the 100% student satisfaction numbers while keeping the group sizes well under 30. 2 3 Acupuncture Prospectus 2023-24 BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture (Three Year and Four Year - weekend and weekday - courses) Contents Acupuncture – a profession you can be proud of ................................2 Student finance and how to fund the course .............................48 & 49 Principal’s introduction....................................................................3 College facilities and information .............................................50 & 51 Find out more ................................................................................5 Acupuncture research and the growing evidence base ......................52 The Northern College of Acupuncture York .......................................6 The acupuncture teaching clinic ..............................................53 & 54 Accreditation and validation.............................................................7 Clinic supervisors .........................................................................55 Bright futures ..........................................................................8 & 9 Acupuncture courses teaching faculty ......................................56 & 57 What kinds of people study acupuncture ........................................10 Guest specialty lecturers ...............................................................58 Becoming an acupuncturist ...........................................................11 Graduates profiles ....................................................................... 59 Frequently asked questions ...........................................................12 How the College is run...........................................................60 & 61 Overview ....................................................................................13 We offer more! ............................................................................62 A typical day in College ..........................................................14 & 15 How to find us. ............................................................................63 Three Year (full-time) BSc in Acupuncture .......................................16 Four Year (part-time) BSc in Acupuncture........................................17 A typical day in College ..........................................................18 & 19 How we teach and assess you .................................................20 & 21 The acupuncture course curriculum ..........................................22 - 34 Massage qualification at the end of Year 1 .......................................35 Reduced fees and attendance for healthcare practitioners .................36 Preparing for study........................................................................37 A typical day in College ...........................................................38 &39 Supporting our students ........................................................40 & 41 Support once you have qualified ....................................................42 Graduate profile ...........................................................................43 Online video Entry requirements ................................................................44 & 45 Wherever you see this symbol, follow the link to How to apply ...............................................................................46 watch the short video. Costs ..........................................................................................47 4 5 Find out more Talk to us Join us for an online introductory session We are always happy to talk to our prospective Reading our prospectus is a great introduction to studying acupuncture at the NCA. If you students and our enquiry desk is open Monday like what you read, and you would like to find out more, we encourage you to book a place to Friday. So whether you have a quick question at one of our online introductory events. or an in-depth enquiry – just pick up the phone and we will be happy to help you. You can choose to join one of our short evening online Q&A and Presentation events which Call 01904 343305 is a good introduction to the course. We also recommend you join us on our full day in or email [email protected] person introductory events for a thorough overview. Our lively online sessions are great for touching base with us and information gathering. On the full day in person events we have more time to give you an in-depth introduction to studying on our courses. On both these types of events you can talk to staff, graduates and current students and this Receive our regular e- news can be the best way to help you decide whether studying acupuncture at the NCA is right Subscribing to our regular e-newsletters is another great way to keep in touch with all for you! We use Zoom! that is happening on our BSc in Acupuncture and our lively wider College community. Subscribe to our news Amy Page Year 3 student - “I knew for a while I Read our monthly blog wanted to study acupuncture because of my passion for holistic healing. I am a self employed massage therapist and Every month we post a new blog article featuring different aspects of life at the NCA. wanted to expand on my knowledge and skills with acupuncture. These range from articles about our graduates, current students successes, clinic patient Attending the online presentation was very helpful and interesting stories and student or staff profiles. and definitely helped seal the deal in my decision to study acupuncture at the college. It Read our blog was fascinating to listen to the research into acupuncture and dip my foot into the world of TCM and what I would be learning as a student. I especially found engaging with the Follow us on social media current students in the Q&A session helpful, it was great to have an honest and relaxed If you are a social media user following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram can help conversation with them about their studies and how they manage their workload and you to keep in touch with all that is happening at the College and the wider world of lives, how they are finding the course and where they plan to be upon graduating.” acupuncture. See the introductory dates for NCAYORK @YorkNCA nca_york YorkAcupuncture 2023 and book your place 4 5 The Northern College of Acupuncture York York is an exciting city and a great place to study! It has a lot to offer including plenty of accommodation, shopping, restaurants, coffee bars, cinemas and all the amenities you would expect. Step out of our front door and you are right in the heart of the historic centre. The College Our building Easy to get to Established in 1988 the Northern College Beloved by staff, students, graduates York is on the main East coast train line of Acupuncture is an independent and patients the College and clinics are that links London with Edinburgh and teaching College as well as a registered housed in an four story elegant Georgian there are excellent links by rail to every educational charity. Since the early days town house with sweeping staircases, major city in the country. We are about a the College has gone from strength high ceilings and airy rooms. It was 5 minute walk from the station. to strength and we now educate adapted to our purpose by the York acupuncturists, practitioners of Chinese Conservation Trust in 2000 and houses herbal medicine, nutrition practitioners both the College and our teaching clinics. and complementary therapists. Our thriving and well respected teaching clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and nutritional advice to the local community. Pioneering We are proud to be pioneers in our professions! We were the first teaching institution of any kind in the UK to offer a University degree in acupuncture, the first to offer a University degree in Chinese herbal medicine, and the first to achieve professional accreditation for our acupuncture courses, Chinese herbal Take a virtual tour of the College medicine and nutritional therapy courses. 6 7 Accreditation and Validation Our courses are fully accredited and validated, ensuring your qualification is of the highest standard. What makes us different from a University? We are an independent College with a special atmosphere and ethos, dedicated entirely to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition. We give you a lot of support and nurture your development towards becoming an acupuncturist. An important part of this is that you will join a dedicated and committed group of students, who give one another mutual support and encouragement. We are smaller than a University department and you will find that we quickly get to know you as an individual. The College is partnered with the Professional Professional Membership with the Review by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) University College of Osteopathy accreditation with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) British Acupuncture The Northern College of Acupuncture has undergone a Higher (UCO), which validates the BSc Accreditation Board Once you have qualified you will be eligible to apply Education Review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher in Acupuncture. Students will (BAAB) for membership of the British Acupuncture Council Education (QAA) and has received its final report. receive their degree from UCO Our acupuncture course is (MBAcC) and your patients can be assured that you are on successful completion of their fully accredited by the British fully qualified to treat them. The BAcC is recognised More about QAA report course. Acupuncture Accreditation by the Professional Standards Authority for Health Board (BAAB). This is the and Social Care, which is accountable to parliament. Find out more accreditation body for This means that the public can be further assured about the University College the British Acupuncture that the BAcC meets high standards in governance, Office for Students of Osteopathy Council (BAcC) which is standard-setting, education and training, management, We are registered with the Office for Students. This the most widely recognised complaints and information. The BAcC provides its is the body set up by act of parliament to act as the professional body for members with support at both a national and local level independent regulator for all Universities and HE acupuncture. and many of our students join as student members at providers in England and Wales. We meet the Office the start of their course. We would encourage you to for Students requirements for course quality, academic To find out find out more about the British Acupuncture Council more about standards, student support, student protection and more. and how they can help you as a student, and support the BAAB you when you become a practitioner. Find out about the Office for Students To find out about the BAcC 6 7 Jiayan Liu – acupuncturist “I am so grateful for this acupuncture journey – it’s been incredible, and it’s just flown by. Even though some of my training has been during Covid times I’ve made great connections with my cohort and the College has been incredible. I was working on the makeup counters, and I knew there was more involved with good skin care than covering with foundation. Acupuncture is in my Chinese family’s tradition, so I explored studying and chose to move from Cambridge to York to study at the NCA. It was a big move, but I was lucky to find a supportive landlady to live with and I have loved living in York. I am now going to move back to Cambridge to start my practice and can’t wait to start Graduating students Amber, Sue and Paul out on this next part of my journey.” Bright futures Training to become a degree qualified acupuncturist is a big step. Your three (or four) years may seem like a long time, but when you complete your training you will have a fulfilling professional career ahead of you. This is where our latest graduates find themselves, about to embark on the next step of their acupuncture journey. Graduation day is a hugely enjoyable day for our students, celebrating their achievements with their families and fellow students. Although their plans for practice may be different - they all have one thing in common – they have a bright future ahead as fully qualified acupuncture practitioners! Jiayan talks about her journey 88 9 Ana Guerrero – acupuncturist “I graduated from the NCA in 2020, in the middle of a lockdown! My question was “how am I going to build my acupuncture business with so many restrictions?”. Well, one has to look at the silver lining and remain positive and creative so that new ideas can flow. Thanks to Covid, the government acknowledged our profession as essential under the ISCO code 2230 by WHO, which meant that I could practise my new skills. I made sure I catered for the current social needs, offering acupuncture to help with the anxiety, fear and insomnia many have experienced during this period, among other medical conditions. Having less work allowed me to rest, rebrand the business to include my new skills, create a whole new website and build a strategy plan for the future. Moving forward I plan to keep self-actualising, training and making sure my clients are safe at my practice and get the best care.” Kate talks about her journey Kate Ritchie – acupuncturist “Following a valuable and rewarding career in the NHS, I got to a point where my work- life balance was not where it needed to be. This combined with personal injury and the impact that acupuncture had on my ability to cope with the symptoms led me to explore a career in acupuncture. The course at the NCA has been life changing, challenging me to explore a new culture and medical system whilst exploring how to incorporate this into a western medical model. The friends that I have made on the course will be friends for life whilst also becoming my professional support network. Going straight into practice has enabled me to bridge the gap from student to healthcare professional smoothly and I am looking forward to the years ahead where I will continue to learn and extend my knowledge. This is an amazing Check out Ana’s practice time to enter the profession, as the recognition of acupuncture within the mainstream western medical system continues to grow.” 88 99 What kinds of people study acupuncture? Since the beginning of the Northern College of Acupuncture (NCA) thirty four years ago, the nature of the student intake to our acupuncture course has changed significantly. When we started, a typical student intake comprised a group of middle class, middle aged, local students looking for a career change. Many were coming from a previous professional career. However, our 2022 student intake is made up of a much wider variety of students, many of whom are from working class backgrounds, some from ethnic minorities, and Europeans who have settled in the UK. We also have school leavers who can see the benefit of starting their working lives with a practical degree level training leading to an interesting career with plenty of autonomy, Bodywork tutor Beth and people in their sixties whose current careers are winding down, but who Fairweather is guiding don’t feel ready to stop. students on one of their first practical bodywork classes of Some of our students have already trained in a different complementary therapy the academic year and they see the value of adding acupuncture to their practice. We also regularly welcome conventional medicine practitioners (nurses, physios, GPs) who are excited about the growing evidence for acupuncture and wish to retrain as acupuncturists, treating patients from a holistic approach and pursuing a more balanced working life. Talk to us There is no doubt that students at the NCA find themselves in a diverse group of We know that making the decision to change your career is not one that can enthusiastic and committed individuals who are studying to achieve a better life be taken lightly. If you would like to talk about how you could become an for themselves and their patients. acupuncturist - give us a call. Call us on 01904 343305 (ex 2) or email [email protected] Read more student and graduate stories on our blog 10 11