Transitional FPD for current practitioners, students

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

 

As this aspect has been referred to in several earlier posts, here is some

background info. My own personal view is that a transitional FPD for current

LAc's/students should be something that's takes into account practitioner

experience and doesn't place an undue burden on folks that want to do it.

 

If you feel similarly, please include this in your letter to ACAOM.

 

Taken from http://www.aaaomonline.info/aom_fpd_faq.pdf:

 

What about the degree title? Would I have to go back to school if I wanted to

get a

doctoral degree?

Yes, degree titles are earned. Methods, subject to review and consideration by

ACAOM

and relevant state authorities, may be put into place that take into account

practice

experience and reduce the amount of required study.(1)

 

Why might I be interested in pursuing a higher degree title?

• To augment knowledge, skills, and attitudes in a way that creates

opportunities in

an uncertain health care environment.

• To engage in collegial inquiry with others who bring a wealth of experience to

the

development of the science and art of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

• To achieve degree parity with graduates of other first professional doctoral

education programs in both primary and allied modes of care.

• To prepare the practitioner and to gain the rights, privileges, and

obligations

associated with being a member of a doctoring profession.

 

What will happen to the current DAOM, the doctorate degree that one can get

after

getting master's degree?

The DAOM will remain a post-graduate program that is designed for existing

practitioners to develop areas of clinical specialization. It is for those that

really love the

deeper study of AOM within an academic setting, and it would continue to play a

significant role contributing to the science and knowledge of the AOM

profession.

 

 

(1) Physical therapists recently transitioned to a first-professional doctorate

and represent

one model for the AOM profession. Their experience could provide some insight

into the

process (link to AOM Rising, Physical Therapist Transition to a Professional

Entry-Level

Doctorate). There are many ways for a profession to accommodate emerging needs

and

this is one example. The PTs required an additional 21 units (1 unit equals

about 1

weekend of class plus study time) for the master's level practitioner to achieve

a

" Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy " (tDPT). Other forms of

demonstrating

competency might be possible, such as exams or portfolios. But that would be

determined

at a later time depending on the institution, the standards and the state

environment.

Another model would involve transferring completed coursework into a FPD

program,

and then doing the rest of the program.