VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE - GENERAL INFORMATION

PREREQUISITES

The Veterinary Acupuncture courses are restricted to qualified veterinarians in good standing. No previous experience in acupuncture is required to do the Foundation Course. The Foundation Course (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for doing the Certification Course.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

These courses in Veterinary Acupuncture are suited to those wishing to pursue an interest in acupuncture, and integrated or holistic animal healthcare. After studying Veterinary Acupuncture, your new knowledge and skills can be applied in a number of ways - integrate acupuncture into your existing veterinary practice; go on to specialize as a veterinary acupuncturist; pursue a career in teaching or writing; or develop research possibilities.

In the clinical setting, acupuncture has a variety of indications and can be used as both a complement and an alternative to conventional treatment options. Acupuncture is strongly indicated in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and geriatric weakness. Acupuncture is also very useful in organ failure; the support of chronically ill and immune-compromised individuals; and in psychosomatic and multi-systemic illness.

EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

Designed as a post-graduate seminar, vets participate fully in the learning process. We adopt a balanced and integrative educational approach on the acupuncture courses. Acupuncture today is a synthesis of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge. Our approach is to present all perspectives, while emphasizing the knowledge and skills required to professionally integrate acupuncture into modern practice. Vets are acquainted with the broad evidence-base for the use of acupuncture in modern medicine - research studies, clinical trials, case studies and traditional use. The courses strive to achieve a balance between practical skills and theoretical knowledge; developing the techniques and mastering the art; appreciating the perspectives of modern science and traditional acupuncture. The theory is linked to the practicals and applied in formal disease discussions and case studies. So please bring along your challenging cases for us to use and learn from.

CERTIFICATION

As far as we know, acupuncture is not yet a recognized veterinary speciality anywhere in Europe. There is currently no European representative body setting standards of education and certification. It is likely to be some time before a European College of Veterinary Acupuncture is established for certified veterinary acupuncturists. In the mean time, organizations offering or approving acupuncture courses must provide their own certification.

The aim of Integrate's courses in Veterinary Acupuncture is to provide post-graduate education in Veterinary Acupuncture theory and skills. All delegates, on completion of Integrate's courses, will receive a certificate of completion.

In the UK, the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA) currently offers a Certificate of Safety and Competence in Veterinary Acupuncture (CSCVA). Integrate's Veterinary Acupuncture Foundation Course is an ABVA approved course. Upon completion of the Foundation Course, delegates are eligible to complete the requirements for this ABVA certification. Currently, this certification is not recognized by the RCVS.

Certification requirements are as follows:

1. Candidates must be registered MRCVS
2. Candidates must have completed a recognised course
3. Candidates should complete a log book of 30 cases
4. Completion of safety questionnaire. Applicants should score more than 75% on this section.
5. Attendance at two relevant scientific meetings
6. Applicant must prepare two case presentations of publishable quality to demonstrate their approach and treatment of a case.
7. Discussion of log book and clinical approach with two assessors to be arranged at mutual convenience (usually at a scientific meeting).
8. Maintenance of accreditation by demonstration of continuing education - 8 hrs per year.

STUDY MATERIALS

All course participants receive complete course notes. Supportive study material and handy reference guides for the acupuncture points and disease conditions are provided. All topics discussed have accompanying list of suggested reading and resources. An email-based study group provides ongoing support.

COURSE FEES

Fees include all field trips, course materials, lunches and teas. VAT is not charged for non-UK students. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit/debit card or bank transfer. Please give us a call to discuss terms if you would like to spread out the cost of the course by making monthly payments.

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