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DAOM Degree Program
DAOM Mission Statement
The CSTCM DAOM program is an advanced practice doctoral program in Chinese Medicine from the classics with a focus on clinical application of theory, diagnosis, and treatment methods. The intention of the program is training students to apply classical treatment methods for the best possible clinical outcomes.
DAOM Statement of Purpose
The CSTCM DAOM program’s purpose is to train experts in Classical Chinese Medicine theory, clinical application, and research methods to advance the profession’s ability to practice as independent health care providers in a variety of settings.
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Program Overview
The CSTCM DAOM program is an advanced practice in Chinese Medicine Doctoral Program from the classical texts with a focus on clinical application. It provides in-depth theory and practice in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and integrative medicine.
Length: 24-months, 1,215 hours, 53.5 credits
Structure: 6 trimesters, 3 weekend modules per trimester with weekly online classes between weekend modules
Location: CSTCM, central Denver
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Curriculum Overview
The CSTCM DAOM program is an advanced practice doctoral program in Chinese Medicine from the classical texts with a focus on clinical application. It provides in-depth theory and practice in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and integrative medicine. The curriculum of 1,215 hours (53.5 credits) includes 450 didactic hours of classroom instruction and 765 clinical hours. The intensive clinical focus and the in-depth study of the classics ensure a vital education and application of Chinese medicine from the classics.
The program curriculum is structured to be completed in two calendar years/6 trimesters. In the first year, each trimester has 3 weekends on campus. Each weekend is Friday through Monday. In the second year, trimesters 4 and 5 have 3 weekends on campus. Each weekend Saturday through Monday and trimester 6 has 3 weekends on campus. Each weekend includes Saturday and Sunday. Between each weekend module, there are weekly online classes that all DAOM students must attend. (Please refer to the Academic Calendar on page 14 for more details)
The academic curriculum is structured to provide a well-balanced learning experience of the Chinese medical classics, includes fundamental principles and significant techniques from the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), Nan Jing (The Huang Emperor’s Canon of Eighty-One Difficult Issues), Shennong Bencaojing (The Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica), and ShangHan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases).
In year 1, students learn fundamental theories, diagnosis, needle techniques, and treatment plans based on the Ling Shu classical text. In year 2, students study the Huang Di Nei Jing, Nanjing and Shang Han Lun and begin to apply the theory to develop the treatment plan which they learned in year 1.
In year 1, students learn fundamental theories, diagnosis, needle techniques, and treatment plans based on the Ling Shu classical text. In year 2, students study the Huang Di Nei Jing, Nanjing and Shang Han Lun and begin to apply the theory to develop the treatment plan which they learned in year 1.
The 765 hours of clinical training is an effective combination of clinical observation (30 hours), clinical internship (120 hours), clinical externship (495 hours), clinic forums (105 hours), and clinical pedagogy (15 hours). All clinical courses emphasize the clinical application of Chinese medicine from the classics.
For the 495 hours of mentored clinical externship, students will work in their clinic in agreement with the externship requirements, including working with a DAOM program externship mentor and reporting all externship treatments on the DAOM clinical treatment reports. Externs will also provide CSTCM with a signed externship agreement with proof of current LAc and appropriate insurance.
The intensive clinical focus and the in-depth study of the classics ensure a vital education and application of the DAOM specialization of Chinese medicine for the classics.
Students will complete a clinical research study paper, or “capstone project,” during the course of their second year and present it to the Faculty Committee prior to graduation. The written research report will be based on data gathered by students in the course of their clinical work and augmented by a review of applicable research literature.
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Research Project
The doctoral program’s Capstone Project provides students the opportunity to research a topic, problem, or issue within their field of study, and work individually with a Capstone advisor. Similar to a thesis, but more flexible, the Capstone project will synthesize and apply core concepts acquired from the program. Students demonstrate their abilities to utilize the theoretical and practical/clinical aspects of doctoral education, critically evaluate research and potentially contribute to the research base of Chinese medicine and enhance competencies of professional communication. A Capstone Proposal must be approved by both the Capstone Advisor and the Research Director. The student will be assigned a Capstone advisor who is knowledgeable in the field of study to work closely with and who can guide the research project. Evaluation will be focused on the quality and professionalism of applied research and writing; critical and creative thinking; problem-solving skills; knowledge of research design, method, and implementation; and contribution to the field and topic of study. The faculty committee will review and evaluate the following: 1) the research interest, ethical issues, and methods of addressing each in the research; 2) data gathering methods; 3) progress toward completion, 4) CCM theory, diagnosis, treatment, 5) quote from the CCM text, and 6) final project content, format, and delivery. Research proposals should be no longer than 3,000 words (excluding the reference list/bibliography).
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Admissions
In compliance with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) standards, students entering the DAOM program must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Chinese medicine; or
- Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (master’s or professional doctorate) in Acupuncture and at least 45 hours of herb courses; or
- Complete education in foreign countries, credits earned at a foreign educational institution must be validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service, to validate the applicant has achieved professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s- level program in Acupuncture with at least 45 herb hours; or
- Licensed acupuncturists who have not completed an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry- level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Chinese medicine must:
- Demonstrate and provide documents to validate the achievement of professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s-level program in acupuncture or in Chinese medicine.
- Complete any deficiencies identified in CSTCM’s Masters or Professional Doctorate courses.
CSTCM DAOM program is taught in English. Therefore, English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the DAOM program. This must be demonstrated by one of the following means:
The applicant must have completed a two-year (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) undergraduate- or graduate-level, English-based education in an institution:
- accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or
- in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, or Ireland.
In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) –
Acceptable score: TOEFL iBT total score – 80; or - International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Format –
Acceptable score: IELTS overall band score – 6.5.
* Please contact the DAOM Dean for more information about the English language requirements.
CSTCM is approved to issue an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 Student Visa for international students. In considering the acceptance of education and training obtained in foreign countries, credits earned at a foreign educational institution must be validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service. International students are responsible for their own English translation of transcripts and educational credential review of transcripts by an authorized agency if needed. (One such service is the World Education Services, Inc., PO Box 745 Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10013-0745, telephone212-966-6311).
The Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that all students on an F-1 visa maintain a full-time program of study, participate in classes regularly, and maintain satisfactory progress. International students must also send an affidavit of financial support from the student’s sponsor or bank to show proof of sufficient funds to meet their tuition and living expenses for at least one year. English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program taught in English.
CSTCM is looking for students who have a realistic view of education and show the desire, motivation, and firm commitment to become dedicated, compassionate, and skilled Chinese medicine practitioners. The admissions committee assesses applicants throughout the application process. The committee reviews each applicant from numerous perspectives, including academic achievement, professional and life experiences, communication skills, and motivation. The programs at CSTCM require a strong commitment to learning multiple difficult skills. Prospective applicants are welcome to schedule an appointment with a CSTCM representative who will assist the prospective applicant in making a decision about applying. They can also arrange a tour of the school and visit some classes. We encourage all prospective applicants to visit the school. These arrangements can be made with the Recruitment Director.
CSTCM has a nondiscrimination policy. Qualified applicants are considered based on individual merit without regard to disability, gender, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all school matters and to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CSTCM.
Completed applications are due at least 2 months before the start of the trimester. Class size is limited. If space allows, applications may be accepted up to 1 week before the start of the 1st trimester, although we recommend applying early. Those who are not accepted into the entering class for space reasons will be put on a waiting list.
CSTCM reserves the right to cancel a starting class if the number of students enrolling is deemed insufficient. If a starting class is canceled, CSTCM will fully refund all money paid by students denied admittance.
All students must meet graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation, rather than at the time of application unless written policy states otherwise.
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Transfer Credit
CSTCM only accepts transfer credits documented by an official transcript sent directly from the institute. For credits earned more than five years prior to admission, students must document that the requisite knowledge and competencies have been retained.
CSTCM DAOM program only accept transfer credit for the following courses: APDINT513 Integrative Collaborative Medicine (15hours), or/and APDRSH514 Clinical Research Paper Writing (15 hours), or/and APDRSH524 Clinical Research Methodology I (15hours), or/and APDRSH534 Clinical Research Methodology II (15hours).
Please refer to the DAOM Catalog for current information on Transfer Credit and Application Fees. For more information on transfer credit contact the DAOM Dean at: daom@cstcm.edu
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Tuition and Fees
Tuition $32,805
Fees $1,728
Books and Supplies $1,000
Total Cost $35,533 (this does not include any travel expenses)
For more detailed information about the program, please refer to the DAOM Catalog or contact the DAOM Dean at: daom@cstcm.edu, or fill in the inquiry form.
DAOM Catalog <br<
Quick Facts and FAQ