Hokkaido College of Oriental Medicine Global Center

12/04/2019

The WHO is set to add traditional medicine diagnoses to its International Classification of Disease (ICD-11). While controversial, the addition is sure to provoke interest, research and debate in a promising field.

For the first time, the World Health Organization will recognize traditional medicine in its influential global medical compendium.

20/03/2019

Wondering if studying acupuncture in Japan is the right career step for you? The answer could depend on where you plan to work post-graduation. In some countries acupuncture remains unregulated, meaning anyone can practice whatever qualification they hold. In other countries, the profession is restricted to those who graduated a school within that country, or who have already qualified as medical doctors.

We checked out the rules that apply in a handful of countries. If you want to know the rules for your country, get in touch and we will help you find out!

Australia

Practitioners are required to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, a body which recognizes qualifications from a number of schools within Australia. Practitioners who qualified oversea need to pass an exam before they can register.

New Zealand

The practice of acupuncture in New Zealand is currently unregulated, but practitioners can elect to register with either Acupuncture New Zealand or the New Zealand Acupuncture Standards Authority. To register with Acupuncture New Zealand, the largest representing body for practitioners in the country, candidates must pass a two-part assessment, including a written and practical exam.

United States

To become an acupuncturist in the U.S., you must first obtain a master’s degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). This will qualify you to take a licensing examination, a step required by all but six states. Note that a qualification obtained in one state might not qualify you to practice in another, and that qualifications obtained overseas are not generally recognized.

Italy & France

Only medical doctors who have graduated from a 4-year postgraduate program are allowed to practice acupuncture in Italy. There are thirteen acupuncture schools located in cities around the country.

In France too, only medical doctors are allowed to practice acupuncture. Doctors are required to undertake additional acupuncture training for three years at one of six institutions across the country.

Republic of Ireland

Practitioners who graduate from accredited schools in Ireland simply need to register with the Acupuncture Council of Ireland. Qualifications obtained abroad may also be recognized as long as you can demonstrate equivalency with an Irish qualification.

United Kingdom

There is no statutory regulation of acupuncture in the U.K. In theory, anyone can practice, even with the most minimal of qualifications. In practice, however, local governments do oversee the fitness of acupuncture practitioners. Many now go as far as to verify the practitioner’s qualifications, which generally means that you are required to have studied for a minimum of three years or 3600 hours, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

08/03/2019

It has been a hard slog preparing for the end-of-term exams but we made it through. Spring is around the corner and vacation starts today! To all the soon to be graduates who just sat the national exam to qualify as acupuncturists...お疲れ様です！

08/01/2019

Meet our adventurous graduate Komichi-san. She has used her acupuncture license to work in Tokyo, the Seychelles, and most recently on the open sea! Thank you for sharing, and best of luck in your future endeavors Komichi-san.

16/11/2018

The Hokkaido College of Oriental Medicine is now looking for talented, motivated international students to study our three-year acupuncture program, 100% tuition free!

https://www.shinkyu.ac.jp/foreigners_info_.html

Want to know more? Here are a few of the questions that come our way.

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1. Do I need to be able to speak Japanese?

All coursework is done through Japanese, so yes. Candidates must start out with at least JLPT 2 or equivalent.

2. Will the school sponsor my visa?

Yes, we can sponsor your visa for the duration of the course. You are eligible for a student visa, and can get an additional permit to work part time.

3. Does the scholarship cover living expenses?

In general, the scholarship only covers tuition (valued at about 3.5 million yen over 3 years). Students will need to cover their own living expenses using their savings or by working part time.

4. What does the schedule look like?

Students can choose between afternoon and evening programs. Classes run for about 3 or 4 hours daily. Many students balance study with work and family life.

5. Is there an age limit?

No, we welcome students of all ages. In fact, the majority of our students are over 30 and many are in their 60s or older.

6. Can people of any nationality apply?

Yes, but make sure that your country is willing to recognise an acupuncture qualification obtained in Japan. Some countries require acupuncturists to be trained domestically.

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To apply or to find out more, send us a message on Facebook or to [email protected].

08/11/2018

What level of Japanese do I need to study acupuncture at HCOM? We are looking for people with at least JLPT level 2 or equivalent. In other words, business level Japanese.

Of course, all coursework is through Japanese, and the kanji can be intimidating even for Japanese natives! The good news is classes run for just 3 or 4 hours a day, so you should have plenty of time to brush up on the terminology before or after class!

31/10/2018

Watch one of our current international students, Ciara from Ireland, speak about why she applied for the program and her impressions so far!

The scholarship is designed to help provide opportunities for talented, motivated overseas students to study Japanese acupuncture in order to lead the promot...

25/10/2018

Wondering what it takes to become an acupuncturist in Japan? Check out our 3-year curriculum! The course offers an excellent balance of western and eastern medical training, with plenty of hands on practice too. Watch this space for more insights into each subject in the coming weeks!

17/10/2018

Are you an advanced Japanese speaker looking to train in something new? Do you have a passion for health and wellness?

This full-tuition scholarship from the Hokkaido College of Oriental medicine could be for you!

We are recruiting motivated candidates to study our 3-year degree program in acupuncture and moxibustion, 100% tuition free!

Successful candidates need to be over 18, have at least JLPT N2 or equivalent, and of course be ready to uproot to Sapporo, Japan to study traditional Japanese medicine!

Interested? You should be! See this page for more details.

HCOM Global Center will provide economic, language and lifestyle support for overseas students. We also aim to assist local students in their journey to understand and explore the world around them, so that they will be able to work across geographical, racial and ethnic borders in future.