Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 5/18/2007

Question
I am interested in in going to school for Chinese Medincine. I have become passionate about Eastern medicine. As I have been researching, I have also become curious about Ayurvedic, Natural Medicine & Homeopathic medicine. Do you have advice on choosing a route and the best way to go about schooling/education?

Answer
Hi Sarah,
There are a lot of schools across the US.  Some have different emphasis.  I went the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine.  It's emphasis was O.M. and nutrition.  So it depends on what you like. I suggest that you get your masters degree instead of a acupuncture certificate.  I think long term no one can take that degree away.  Every state is different in what O.M. they will allow.  Some states you can't practice independently in IL you can.  Some states you cant practice herbal medicine.  In some states you are a Acupuncture Physician (Fl and New Mexico)  In CA you have to be schooled there and take a different board exam than the rest of the country.  So it depends on where you want to live.  I am lisc in 5 states they all have different requirement for continuing education and prices for lisc.  Wisconsin is 85.00 for 2 years. IL is 500.00 for 2 years.  The program is usually a 3-4 year program.  I hope this helps. Oriental Medicine is a great full scope Practice.

Warm Regards,
Heather