mission & OBJECTIVES

The mission (statement of purpose) of California University – Silicon Valley (CUSV) is to provide a comprehensive curriculum in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine while preserving the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and maintaining the highest standards of education and ethical behavior. The aim is to train students to become TCM professionals, with the ability to practice as independent health care providers in a variety of settings.

 

Objectives

The educational goals/objectives of California University – Silicon Valley are:

  1. To become proficient in the theory and practice of acupuncture.
  2. To become proficient in the theory and preparation, prescription of Chinese herbal therapy.
  3. To understand biomedicine and Western medicine diagnosis, and to refer patients to Western medical practitioners as needed.
  4. To exercise appropriate clinical judgment regarding patient assessment, diagnosis and decisions.
  5. To practice in a professional and ethical manner.
  6. To meet the requirements of NCCAOM including the ability to pass the acupuncture and herbal certification exams.
  7. To demonstrate good communication skills with and compassion for patients, and a passion to serve the community and the public.

Learning Outcomes

To realize the mission, aim and objectives, the graduates of CUSV will achieve the following professional competencies/ educational learning outcomes:

  • Collect thorough patient dataL through patient inquiry; visual and olfactory observation, and palpation to make an accurate diagnosis.
  • Formulate a diagnosis by identifying nature of the dysfunction, according to TCM theories of: Yin-Yang, Channel, Five Phases, Organ, and Triple Warmer.
  • Determine an effective treatment strategy based on the diagnosis and the biomedical clinical process including history taking, laboratory and diagnostic tests and procedures, as well as biomedical physical examination findings, pharmacological concepts, human anatomy and physiological processes.
  • Select the appropriate treatment modalities including acupuncture, herbs, oriental manual therapy, exercise, and biomedical considerations.
  • Plan and execute an herbal treatment including effective strategies for herbal formulation, composition, preparation, and biomedical interaction consistent with
  • Assess the effectiveness of the treatment strategy and execution by re-examination and modification, if required, based upon that assessment.
  • Comply with established professional best practices in Oriental Medicine including: responsible record keeping and patient confidentiality; ethical prescribing and selling herbs; consultation and referral with appropriate biomedical or allied health practitioners; recognition of emergency care situations; and continued cultivation of compassion.