Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accreditation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Accreditor AECOM briefs board on program naming, English‑language standards and distance‑education limits
Summary
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine briefed the board on its program‑naming policy, English‑language admissions requirements and strict limits on distance education for hands‑on clinical skills.
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (AECOM) presented to the California Acupuncture Board on March 7, outlining the commission’s program‑naming policy, English‑language proficiency requirements, temporary pandemic flexibilities and the commission’s distance‑education policy.
Mark McKenzie, AECOM executive director, and Jason Wright, AECOM director of accreditation services, told the board that the commission spent several years consulting the profession on program naming and adopted a policy aimed at removing the term “oriental” from program titles. AECOM adopted a required implementation date of Jan. 1, 2024 for the naming policy and said common choices now include program names such as “Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine” or “Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.” AECOM noted some advanced-practice (DAOM) programs still use older names and are being considered in a follow-up process.
On English proficiency, AECOM said that all programs must set explicit admissions policies consistent with student success; the commission’s standards prescribe specific requirements for international applicants whose native language is not English. Accepted demonstrations of proficiency include previous education delivered in English or standardized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo and other recognized assessments; AECOM cited criterion 5.02 in its standards. A sample of acceptable scores was discussed (for example, TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS overall band 6, Duolingo 90) and AECOM staff said institutions may allow other options in line with the criterion.
AECOM explained that pandemic flexibilities allowed temporary use of distance education for some classwork and observation hours, but the commission did not change its core accreditation standards; clock hours and competency assessments remained required. When the national emergency ended Oct. 7, 2023, schools either had to discontinue temporary distance‑ed allowances or pursue AECOM distance‑education accreditation. AECOM’s distance‑education policy requires commission approval for any program or course portion delivered via distance ed, and the commission prohibits distance delivery of psychomotor and hands‑on competencies (for example point‑location skills and needle technique). Clinical internship hours — when students provide patient care — must be done in person. For observation hours, the commission allows limited distance‑delivery for up to half of a 150‑hour observation minimum; at least 75 hours must remain face to face.
AECOM staff also supplied context about the institutions it currently accredits: the board’s list included 28 institutions, 24 of which AECOM currently works with and 15 of those located in California, AECOM said.
Board members asked about schools and programs outside AECOM’s oversight (for example UCSF clinical training for medical providers); AECOM clarified it accredits degree programs that meet its standards and does not regulate non‑acupuncture training delivered by other medical institutions.
The board received the presentation and asked staff and AECOM to provide follow‑up materials and contact points for members and the public who want program‑by‑program detail.
