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IntroductionThe Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ICAOM) was established in 1996 by a group of practitioners who wanted to provide a more mainstream model of education in Oriental Medicine than was available in Hawaii at that time. ICAOM first enrolled students in September 1997. The Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) program graduated its first class in December 2001. ICAOM received national accreditation in November 2002 and was reaffirmed accreditation in 2007, 2012, 2017, 2022.
ICAOM is first and foremost an institution of learning and teaching, committed to serving the needs of our students and society. The successful conduct of the Institute's affairs requires that every member of the Institute, faculty, staff, and students, acknowledge and practice basic principles. We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us, and we strive to maintain a climate of justice marked by respect for each other. We recognize the right of every individual to think and speak as dictated by personal belief, to express any idea, and to disagree with or counter another's point of view. We promote open expression of our individuality and our diversity within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
OUR MISSION
ICAOM dedicates itself to the advancement of educational, clinical, and professional excellence, fostering the development of competent and skillful Oriental Medicine practitioners, and promoting Oriental Medicine in the local and global communities.
OUR PROGRAM GOALS are:
Our graduates will understand and be able to apply the principles, philosophies, and methods of Oriental Medicine.
Our graduates will be knowledgeable about Biomedicine and other healing arts, and will be able to make informed and appropriate referrals.
Our graduates will meet the educational requirements to qualify for both National Board Certification and professional licensing in the State of Hawaii.
Our Institute will strive to provide opportunities for our faculty to advance their knowledge and skills in order to enhance their ability to become leaders in their fields.
Master’s program statement of purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Acupuncture (MAc) program with a Chinese Herbal Medicine specialization is to prepare healthcare providers for private practice with a proficiency in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine.
Doctorate’s program statement of purpose:
The purpose of the Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) program with a Chinese Herbal Medicine specialization is to prepare graduates to become collaborative healthcare providers with a foundation in evidence-based and evidence-informed practice.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Graduates will:
Be able to accurately formulate comprehensive treatment plans based on differential diagnosis utilizing acupuncture, Chinese herbology, and adjunctive therapies that include tui na, moxibustion, cupping, auricular therapy, and diet and lifestyle principles.
Understand the body from the Western medicine perspective and identify conditions requiring referral to other healthcare providers when necessary.
Be able to communicate effectively with their patients, other healthcare providers and their community about the efficacy, safety and principles of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Understand the ethical and legal requirements of the acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession.
Enter the profession with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate, ethical and professional services to their community.
Be assets to the larger community of Oriental medicine practitioners, supporting local, national and international organizations that promote the practice and education of Oriental medicine.