Post-Master’s Certificate in
Animal Acupuncture
Please note we are not currently enrolling for this program. For more information or to be included on a mailing list for this program, please contact the Office of Admissions at 410-888-9048 ext. 6647 or
Program Overview
Tai Sophia Institute offers the only Post-Master’s Certificate in Animal Acupuncture for licensed acupuncturists in the United States. This unique 12-credit program enables graduates to offer animal-patients a powerful and complementary modality for health and healing using acupuncture, and meets the requirements to be a certified Animal Acupuncturist in the state of Maryland.
The curriculum features small animal and equine veterinary portions that include anatomy, physiology, handling and restraint, veterinary emergencies, and small animal diseases. In addition to rigorous classroom teaching, the program offers a rich clinical opportunity for the students to gain hands-on experience through treating animal-patients with acupuncture.
Program Highlights
• Only animal acupuncture program for licensed acupuncturists in the country
• Meets Maryland Board requirements for certification
• Flexible weekend format designed for practicing acupuncturists
• Interdisciplinary faculty of seasoned acupuncturists and veterinarians
• Provides hands-on clinical experience for immediate application into practice
• Approved for 225 Continuing Education Units
• Eligible for federal financial aid
Course Descriptions
ISci 617: Small Animal Veterinary Medicine
3 Credits
This course provides the student with comparative, functional anatomy and physiology of small animals, animal handling, restraint, veterinary emergencies, and knowledge of the Maryland Animal Acupuncture Law. In addition, the student gains introductory-level knowledge of small animal diseases and zoonotics. Students learn to recognize the presenting symptoms of conditions and diseases that require the immediate attention of a veterinary practitioner.
ISci 618: Equine Veterinary Medicine
2 Credits
This course provides the student with comparative, functional anatomy and physiology of equines, equine handling, restraint, and veterinary emergencies. In addition, the student gains introductory-level knowledge of equine animal diseases and zoonotics. Students learn to recognize the presenting symptoms of conditions and diseases that require the immediate attention of a veterinary practitioner.
AACP 711a: Animal Acupuncture
3.5 Credits
This course provides the student with acupuncture theories and principles as applied to animals. The student receives instruction and opportunities to practice point location on small animals. In addition, students begin to treat their own animal-patients with faculty supervision and observe treatment of other animals provided as a demonstration in class.
AACP 711b: Animal Acupuncture
3.5 Credits
As a continuation and deepening of the learning in AACP 711a, this course continues to provide the student with acupuncture theories and principles as applied to animals. The student receives further instruction and opportunities to practice point location on small animals. In addition, students continue to treat their own animal-patients with faculty supervision and observe treatment of other animals provided as a demonstration in class. Students practice equine point location and treat horses at a local barn and horse rescue.
Licensure and Practice
This program meets the requirements for Maryland licensed acupuncturists to apply to the Maryland Board of Acupuncture for Animal Acupuncture Certification, and meets or exceeds the requirements for certification/licensing in U.S. states (where applicable).
If you are a licensed acupuncturist outside of Maryland, please check with your current state acupuncture board to determine whether animal acupuncture is in the scope of practice.
It is also strongly recommended that you examine your comfort level with small animals and horses before applying to this program. In this program you will work with animals in a healing way — and it is essential to do so in a manner that is safe for you, the animal, and the owner. Be prepared to experience and handle all aspects of animal behavior.
For additional information or to apply, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 410-888-9048 ext. 6647, or admissions@tai.edu, or visit www.tai.edu.
Faculty
Program Manager
Noreen Javornik, M.S., M.Ac., L.Ac.
Noreen Javornik is the program manager for the Post-Master’s Certificate in Animal Acupuncture. Noreen has a B.S. and M.S. degree from Ohio State University, and a M.Ac. from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute (now Tai Sophia Institute). Noreen has taught in Tai Sophia’s Master of Acupuncture program since 1997. She was involved in establishing the animal acupuncture program and has been both directing and teaching in the program since its inception in 1997. Noreen maintains a people and animal acupuncture practice in Maryland.
Faculty
Mary Brandenburg, M.Ac., L.Ac.
Rebecca S. Douglass, L.Ac., C.Eq.D.T.
Randi Sobel, M.A., M.Ac., L.Ac.
Tim Weed, D.V.M., M.Ac., L.Ac.
Program Format
The program is offered in two- and three-day weekend sessions over an 8-month period. Classes are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or Friday–Sunday.
Academic Calendar
March 9-11, 2012
March 17-18, 2012
March 31-April 1, 2012
April 14-15, 2012
April 21-22, 2012
May 5-6, 2012
May 26-27, 2012
June 9-10, 2012
June 16-17, 2012
July 7-8, 2012
September 7-9, 2012
September 22-23, 2012
October 6-7, 2012
October 20-21, 2012
Tuition and Fees
Application Fee: $50
Tuition Deposit: $500
An individual accepted into one of Tai Sophia’s academic programs will be billed a non-transferable, non-refundable tuition deposit. This fee holds a seat in the class for which the applicant has been accepted and will be applied to tuition upon matriculation. This fee is due upon acceptance and may be paid by cash, check, MasterCard, or Visa.
Tuition: $600 per credit billed in two installments, total of $7200
Costs Not Covered in Tuition
Costs should not exceed $500 and include several required and recommended books. Students are also responsible for their own scrubs, acupuncture needles, towels, sheets, and other supplies needed for the clinical portion. Details of these expenses will be discussed prior to the clinical portion of the program.
Financial Aid
There are a variety of financial aid options available for this program, including a limited number of scholarships. For funding options, please contact Financial Aid at 410-888-9048 ext. 6628 or financialaid@tai.edu.