The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), (formerly the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine - NACSCAOM) was established in June 1982 by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM). Its mission is to foster excellence in acupuncture and Oriental medicine education. The Commission acts as an independent body to evaluate first professional master’s degree and professional master’s level certificate and diploma programs in acupuncture and first professional master’s degree and professional master’s level certificate and diploma programs in Oriental medicine with a concentration in both acupuncture and herbal therapies for a level of performance, integrity and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public they serve.
The Commission establishes accreditation criteria, arranges site visits, evaluates programs that desire accredited status, and publicly designates those that meet the criteria. The accrediting process requires programs to examine their goals, activities and outcomes; to consider the criticism and suggestions of a visiting team; to determine internal procedures for action on recommendations from the Commission; and to maintain continuous self study and improvement mechanisms. The Commission is the sole accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit professional master’s degree and master’s level programs in the field. ACAOM is also a charter member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors.
ACAOM provides a list of accredited acupuncture programs in the U.S.
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