What to Ask When Visiting Oriental Medicine Schools

AMC Questions visiting Massage SchoolsResearching oriental medicine schools to pursue a degree in oriental medicine or acupuncture is a positive step toward a rewarding and successful career. This educational journey often begins with a visit to the oriental medicine schools you have in mind. Once there, there are many things to ask and consider to ensure the school is the best fit for you.

Evaluate the environment. When visiting the oriental medicine school, take a good look at the facility. Are the classrooms and labs clean, adequately furnished, and professional looking? A quality school, in addition to being accredited and highly regarded, will take the time to ensure the learning environment is pleasant and professional. In addition, as an oriental medicine student, you will be spending several hours a day, for several months, in the school setting. If the school is in disarray or in need of cleaning and maintenance, it can detract from your educational experience.

Talk to the people on site. Take the opportunity to talk to instructors and students about the school. Ask why they chose the school, and what they like and don’t like about it. Ask students what a “day in the life” is like, and what kinds of opportunities -- or challenges -- the school prepares them for. Ask teachers what they look for in students, and what skills or character traits can help students succeed at the school.

Another important to thing to ask both students and teachers is about the marketplace after graduation. Do students expect to find ready employment? Does the school help graduates identify employers and apply to jobs? By talking to these individuals directly, you’ll get a good sense of what you can expect both in school and after school. This insight is typically more informative than what you’d gather from a course catalog or brochure.

Visit as many schools as you are interested in. Many prospective students visit only one or two colleges based on where they live. Others are seeking to relocate, or know they ultimately want to practice in a specific area of the country and thus will visit multiple schools in that area. (It is very helpful to go to school in the state you wish to practice in.)

As you explore the environment at different oriental medicine schools and talk to instructors and students, know that you may end up in a completely different school than you had in mind. Be open as you consider the environment, approaches to learning, costs, and overall “feel.” Pursuing a career in oriental medicine is a great decision, but it’s a big decision. Take the time to pick a school that’s best for you.

Visiting oriental medicine schools is one of the best ways to determine which one will be a good fit. To schedule a visit to AMC, contact AMC at call (305) 595-9500.


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