Master of Science in Oriental Medicine Program 

The University's primary academic program is designed to offer the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree, with extensive study in diagnostics and methods of treatment including acupuncture and herbology. 

The program offered by Samra University of Oriental Medicine is designed to meet the requirements of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. The program is also designed to prepare students to sit for licensure in  California and in other states.  

Students must enter the University with the equivalent of two academic years (90 quarter units or 60 semester units) of study, then complete four and one half academic years of study in acupuncture, herbology and Oriental medicine.

This can be completed, full time, in 40 months. Students should note that the California Acupuncture Board will not allow a student to sit for the licensure exams who has not completed an academic program of at least 36 months of study.

To be awarded the degree, a student must have earned a minimum of 348 quarter units of credit in prescribed courses and in approved electives accepted for transfer and/or taken while enrolled in Samra University. This includes the units earned prior to enrollment for the degree program.  

It does not include credit for any co-requisite basic science courses taken at Samra (see Admissions Requirements). Because of the nature of courses required in this profession, many students will graduate with more than the minimum number of units. 

Department of Acupuncture- Course descriptions 

350 Introduction to Acupuncture I
Introduction to the art and science of acupuncture, including major types of channels and major types of points. Detailed study of channel pathways and acupuncture point locations of the Ren tion), Du, Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, and Small Intestine meridians.
 
Prerequisite or Corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. Corequisite: 310 Topographical Anatomy. (3/30)

351N Introduction to Acupuncture II
(Formerly Points Location and Theory I)
A detailed study of channel pathways and acupuncture point locations of the Urinary Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, San Jiao, Gall Bladder, Liver, and Extra Points.
 
Prerequisite or corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. Corequisite: 310 Topographical Anatomy. (3/30)

352N Acupuncture Anatomy
(Formerly Points Location and Theory II)
A detailed study of acupuncture point locations and their channel pathways in relation to anatomical regions, nerves, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and vessels, with an emphasis on channel and collateral theory and treatment. 

Prerequisites: 310 Topographic Anatomy; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine; 350 Introduction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

353N Acupuncture Point Energetics
(Formerly Points Location and Theory III)
A detailed study of energetic functions of the acupuncture points for the 14 meridians, plus review of point locations and channel pathways for the 14 channels. 

Prerequisites: 350 Introduction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

354N Microsystems
(Formerly Points Location and Theory IV)
Introduction to Auricular, Scalp, Hand, Foot, Eye, and Face microsystems of acupuncture, with an emphasis on treatment applications.

Prerequisites:350 Introduction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

355N Acupuncture Therapeutics I
(FormerlyPoints Location and Theory IV) 
A detailed study of therapeutic strategies and point combinations for major channel problems and Zangfu syndromes. 
Prerequisites: 352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

356N Acupuncture Therapeutics II
A continuation of the study of therapeutic strategies and point combinations for major channel problems and Zangfu syndromes.

Prerequisites:352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

357 Secondary Vessels
(Formerly Points Location and Theory V)
A comprehensive study of the Eight Extra, Cutaneous, Sinew, Luo, Divergent channel points, meridian pathways, energetics, and therapeutics. 

Prerequisites: 352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

456 Acupuncture Techniques I
Lectures and demonstrations, with practice sessions, of the techniques of acupuncture, including Clean Needle Technique, sterile technique, use of disposable needles; insertion and removal of needles; and managing emergency situations.

Prerequisites: 352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

457 Acupuncture Techniques II
A continuation of Acupuncture Techniques I, including a review of Clean Needle Technique, and an introduction to tonification and sedation techniques, moxibustion, cupping, electrostimulation.
 
Prerequisite: 456 Acupuncture Techniques I. (3/30)

458 Acupuncture Techniques III
A continuation of Acupuncture Techniques II, covering scalp and auricular techniques, needling of difficult points, and advanced techniques.
 
Prerequisites: 457 Acupuncture Techniques II; 354N Microsystems. (3/30)

One required Acupressure or Tuina course selected from among the following:

441 Acupressure I
Basic principles and techniques of the application of pressure to acupuncture points to elicit a therapeutic reaction.

Corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30).

442 Acupressure II (Elective)
Continuation of  Acupressure I. 

Prerequisite: 441 Acupressure I. (3/30)

541 Tuina l
Studies of the Chinese method of acupressure and therapeutic massage.

Prerequisites: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine; 350 Intro duction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

542 Tuina II (Elective)
A continuation of Tuina I. 
Prerequisite: 541 Tuina I. (3/30)

Department of Clinical Training - Course Training 

The 1100 hours of clinical training are divided into the following categories: 

Observation:   170 hours observing interns and clinicians
Phase 1: 200 hours of patient care under close supervision
Phase 2: 200 hours of patient care under close supervision
Phase 3: 200 hours of patient care, moderate supervision
Phase 4: 200 hours of patient care under progressively less supervision
Clinic Seminar:  90 hours of presentation and discussion of case studies 
 

538 Herbal Pharmacy
Supervised practical experience in the herbal pharmacy, selecting, weighing and compounding herbal prescriptions.

Prerequisite: 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 601 Clinical Observation I; 602 Clinical Observation I: Procedures. (2/40)

601 Clinical Observation I
An orientation to the acupuncture clinic for entering interns. Classroom sessions include discussions of basic diagnostic protocol, traditional Chinese medical therapies, and the patient-practitioner relationship. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours observing clinicians and advanced students in their examination and treatment of patients. 

Prerequisite: 492Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation; 602 Clinical Observation: Proce dures. (2/40) Note: Clinic can be started after completing the 5th academic quarter of the full-time schedule.

602 Clinical Observation I: Procedures 
A prerequisite to 601 Clinical Observation I. All aspects of clinic procedures including: Clean Needle Technique protocol and the prevention of infection from blood borne pathogens. (2/20)

605 Clinical Observation IA
A continuation of Clinical Observation I, with emphasis on incorporating diagnostic skills into a cohesive clinical procedure. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours observing clinicians and advanced students.

Prerequisite: 601 Clinical Observation 1. (2/40)

606 Clinical Observation IIB
A continuation of Clinical Observation hA. 
Prerequisite: 605 Clinical Observation hA. (2/40) 607Clinical Observation!!: Presentations Review of Oriental Medical theory, acupuncture, herbology, diagnosis, and their application to case studies in preparation for seeing clinic patients. (2/20) 
Prerequisite: 601 Clinical observation; 602 Clinical Observation I: Procedures.

611 Clinical Internship: Phase lA
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility, under the supervision of clinical staff. 

Prerequisites: 605/606 Clinical Observation II; 607 Clinical Observation II: Case Presentations. (4/80)

612 Clinical Internship: Phase lB
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 1A. 
Prerequisite: 611 Clinical Internship: Phase 1A. (4/80)

612L Clinical Seminar: Phase 1C
Presentation and discussion of cases attended by interns. This course must be taken concurrently with a Clinical Internship Phase. No credit for Phase lB is recorded until the seminar is completed. Course credit is included in Phase lB. (0/20)

621 Clinical Internship: Phase 2A
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility, under the supervision of staff. 

Prerequisite: 612 Clinical Internship: Phase lB and 612L Clinic Seminar. (4/80)

622 Clinical Internship: Phase 2B
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 2A. 
Prerequisite: 621 Clinical Internship: Phase 2A. (4/80)

622L Clinical Seminar: Phase 2
Presentation and discussion of cases attended by interns. This course must be taken concurrently with a Clinical Internship Phase. No credit for Phase 2B is recorded until the seminar is completed. Course credit is included in Phase 2B. (0/20)

631 Clinical Internship: Phase 3A
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility, under the supervision of staff. 

Prerequisite: 622 Clinical Internship: Phase 2B. (4/80)

632 Clinical Internship: Phase 3B
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 3A. 
Prerequisite: 631

632L Clinical Seminar: Phase 3
Presentation and discussion of cases attended by interns. This course must be taken concurrently with a Clinical Internship Phase. No credit for Phase 3B is recorded until the seminar is completed. Course credit is included in Phase 3B. (0/20)

641 Clinical Internship: Phase 4A
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility under the supervision of staff. 

Prerequisite: 632 Clinical Internship: Phase 3B. (4/80)

642 Clinical Internship: Phase 4B
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 4A. 
Prerequisite: 641 Clinical Internship: Phase 4A. (4/80)

Department of Oriental Medicine - Course descriptions 

255 Qi Gong
An introduction to Chinese philosophy and theories of Qi as expressed in the exercises and breathing techniques of Qi Gong. 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

256 TaiQi
An introduction to Chinese philosophy and theories of Qi as expressed in the patterns of movement of Tai Qi.
 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

360 Chinese Medical Terminology
An introduction to basic Chinese terminology and characters useful in understanding acupuncture, herbology and Chinese medical theory. 

Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine
An orientation to Chinese medicine and introduction to the concepts of yin and yang, 5 elements, basic substances, organ physiology, etiological factors, 8 principles. 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

362N Chinese Medical Philosophy
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine I)
An introduction to Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist and other theories comprising the philosophical bases of Chinese Medicine, with reference to issues of health and illness, lifestyle, and methods for cultivation of one's Qi and spirit. 

Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

363N Zangfu Syndromes I
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine II)
In-depth study of the signs, symptoms and syndromes relating to the differentiation of disharmony according to Qi and Blood, Zangfu organs, and combination organ syndromes, including a discussion of the etiology and treatment principles. 

Prerequisite: 360 Chinese Medical Terminology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis
A study of the four traditional methods of Oriental diagnosis, including observation, ausculation/olfaction, inquiry and palpation. Study includes signs, symptoms, tongue analysis, and pulse analysis. Includes a one-hour practical session. 

Prerequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine.
Recommended prerequisite: 363N Zangfu Syndromes I. (4/40)

365N Five Elements Theory
(New Course)
An in-depth study of Five Elements Theory and its application to syndromes of dysfunction in Chinese Medicine. 

Prerequisites: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

366N Zangfu Syndromes II
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine IV)
Continuation of the in-depth study of signs, symptoms and syndromes according to Qi and Blood, Zangfu organs, and combination organ syndromes begun in Zangfu Syndromes I, with the addition of and special emphasis on appropriate herbal and acupuncture treatment modalities.
 
Prerequisites: 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis, at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

545 Chinese Internal Medicine I
Studies of disorders of the respiratory system, various types of pain, and urinary disorders. 
Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Syndromes II, at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

546 Chinese Internal Medicine II
Studies of disorders of the gastrointestinal system, neuromuscular system, genital system, and hematology. 

Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Systems II; at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

547 Chinese Internal Medicine III
Studies of disorders or neurology, psychology, sleep, cardiovascular system, and tumors. 

Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Syndromes II; at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course.
(3/30)

548 Chinese Internal Medicine IV: ObIGyn
Studies of disorders of the female reproductive system and of obstetrics.
Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Syndromes II; at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

549N Shang Han Lun/Wen Bing
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine III)
In-depth study of the signs, symptoms and syndromes relating to the differentiation of disease according to the Shang Han Lun (Six-Channel Differentiation), Wen Bing (Four Level Differentiation), and San Jiao Differentiation, with appropriate herbal and acupuncture treatment modalities. 

Prerequisites: At least one Chinese Internal Medicine course, one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

Department of Herbology - Course descriptions

330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology
A basic study of plant life, including plant morphology, and the classification and basic properties of Chinese herbs. 

Prerequisite or corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

331 Chinese Herbology l
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Warm Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior, Cool Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior, Herbs that Clear Heat, and Down-ward Draining Herbs.
 
Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

332 Chinese Herbology ll
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Herbs that Drain Dampness, Herbs that Expel Wind-Dampness, Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm Heat, Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold, Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing, Herbs that Expel Phlegm by Inducing Vomiting, Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness, Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation, Herbs that Regulate the Qi. 

Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

333 Chinese Herbology III
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Herbs that Stop Bleeding, Herbs that Invigorate the Blood, Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel the Cold, Herbs that Tonify the Qi, Herbs that Tonify the Blood, Herbs that Tonify the Yang.
 
Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

334 Chinese Herbology lV
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Herbs that Tonify the Yin, Herbs that Stabilize and Bind, Substances that Calm the Spirit, Aromatic Substances that Open the Orifices, Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors, Herbs that Expel Parasites, Substances for External Application. 

Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

419 Chinese Nutrition
A study of nutrition from the perspectives of traditional Chinese Medicine. 
Prerequisite: 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV (3/30)

435 Herbal Prescriptions I
Building upon the knowledge of individual herbs, this course introduces the concept of herbal formulation, presenting classical formulae that release the exterior , clear heat, drain downward, and harmonize. The course includes a discussion of how to adjust the formulae to the condition of individual patients.
 
Prerequisites: Completion of 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

436 Herbal Prescriptions II
Discussion of the formulae that treat Dryness, expel Dampness, warm Interior Cold, and tonify Qi.

Prerequisites: Completion of 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-N; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

437 Herbal Prescriptions III
Discussion of the formulae that nourish the Blood, nourish and tonify Yin, warm and tonify Yang, regulate Qi, invigorate the Blood, stop Bleeding, and stabilize and bind. 

Prerequisites: Completion of 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

438 Herbal Prescriptions IV
Discussion of formulae that anchor and settle the Mind, nourish the Heart to calm the Mind, open the orifices, extinguish Wind and stop tremors, treat phlegm, reduce food stagnation, expel parasites, and that are used for external application.

Prerequisites: Completion of 331-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

537 Herbal Prescriptions Review and Synthesis
(New course)
Review and synthesis of the classical formulae required by the California Acupuncture Committee and commonly used in traditional and modern practice. (3/30)

SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine 

http://www.samra.edu/