National University of Health Sciences Launches New MSAc and MSOM Programs
LOMBARD, ILLINOIS —This fall, one of the nation’s oldest alternative medicine schools will launch two new master of science degrees in acupuncture and oriental medicine (AOM). The new AOM programs are part of a bold venture to create a dynamic campus environment focused on integrative medicine.
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in suburban Chicago has been a respected leader in chiropractic education for 100 years. In addition to the doctor of chiropractic degree, the university currently offers a massage therapy certification program and a bachelor of biomedical science degree. The new degrees cap off a landmark centennial year for National, which was founded in 1906.
The new MSAc and MSOM degree programs start in September 2006. NUHS will also add a new doctor of naturopathic medicine degree program in September as well. All three new degree programs at NUHS are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Adding these programs is part of a continuing goal on the part of the university to create a dynamic campus environment focused on integrative medicine. “We will be one of only two campuses in the country to combine oriental, chiropractic, and naturopathic medicine on one campus. What will be unique at National, is that students in our complementary and alternative medicine programs will participate in integrated learning opportunities in a dynamic way that may very well change the face of alternative medicine education,” says NUHS President James Winterstein, D.C.
“In the marketplace, these professions often compete with each other. We, on the contrary, are excited about the new dialogue, collaborative research and integrative clinical care opportunities that we’ll create by bringing these three fields together in one university,” Dr. Winterstein explains.
The chair of NUHS’ new acupuncture and oriental medicine department is Behty Harrison, M.A., Dipl. Ac., D.O.M. Previously, she was professor and clinical director for 10 years at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, N.M. In addition to her leadership at NUHS, Harrison is currently associated with Evanston Northwestern Hospital’s integrative medicine group.
“Our new MSOM program will provide high quality comprehensive and professional education in the five branches of traditional Oriental medicine: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina, Chinese nutritional therapeutics, and Tai Chi/Qi Gong,” says Harrison. “One highlight of both our MSOM and MSAc programs is that students are immersed in the clinic from the very beginning. There’s simply no better way to establish strong clinical and diagnostic skills.”
The university boasts a spacious and fully-stocked herbal pharmacy, an on-campus clinic as well as other integrative care internship opportunities, a 15,000 volume library of resources devoted specifically to health sciences, as well as a 32-acre campus with academic, research, recreation, and housing facilities.
“Another great feature of our new programs is the flexibility they offer students,” says Harrison. “New students can enter either program in September, January or May, and can take courses in the daytime or evening. We also have an adjustable schedule so that students may take on a lighter credit load or an accelerated one.”
Harrison is optimistic about the new program: “I’m very excited to be part of this new and unique AOM program. We look forward to graduating students who are confident in their traditional oriental medical skills and ready to take advantage of new opportunities in integrative care.”
For more information about National University of Health Sciences’ new acupuncture and oriental medicine degree programs, visit www.nuhs.edu, or call 1-800-826-6285.