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Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Bridging Eastern and Western healing traditions, Bastyr University offers the only regionally and professionally accredited Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program of its kind in the United States.
Acupuncturists often pursue a DAOM degree in order to advance their professional skills in clinical teaching or clinical research, to obtain a medical specialty, and to increase patient levels of trust and comfort. Some may wish to improve their eligibility for future clinical and hospital credentialing and/or offer professional leadership to the AOM community.
Due to the University’s regional accreditation status, students enrolled in the DAOM program are eligible for federal financial aid, and upon graduation receive an accredited university doctoral degree.
A Focus on Integrated Medicine
The Bastyr doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine (DAOM) degree was developed to meet the growing demand for increased collaboration between acupuncturists, physicians and other health care providers. Collaboration often occurs within a specialty area, and the Bastyr DAOM program focuses on two: oncology and advanced pain management. These two focus areas provide excellent opportunities for acupuncturists to gain the treatment skills they need for integrative settings while gaining deepened critical thinking and advanced clinical skills that will directly improve clinical practice.
"I chose Bastyr University in order to learn the most current integration strategies in cancer and Chinese medicine at the only regionally accredited university based program in oncology and TCM in the country. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be in this program (located at a beautiful campus), where I am exposed to interesting and challenging clinical cases with access to experts. It is great to be able to discuss and learn critical thinking strategies to apply to each case and learn clinical communication skills that are essential to co-managing patients with other health care providers."
— Bastyr AOM doctoral candidate
Read more about what Bastyr DAOM candidates think about our unique program here
DAOM Program of Study
The DAOM program of study recognizes the contributions to improved quality of life that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers both cancer patients and those struggling with chronic pain. The curriculum surpasses the AOM master’s-level diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, providing students with opportunities to develop advanced clinical acupuncture therapy skills and enhanced critical thinking abilities within a rigorous theoretical framework. The DAOM program fully utilizes the rich academic resources of the university, as students work with highly experienced faculty in TCM, basic sciences, and Western clinical medicine.
In addition, students develop clinical research and clinical teaching skills, and delve deeply into the study of Chinese medical classics. TCM coursework includes advanced acupuncture techniques, Chinese herbs and therapeutics classes. Basic science classes provide students with a foundation in advanced anatomy, the pathology of cancer and pain, and pharmacological approaches for management of both these conditions.
The DAOM program of study also includes additional courses in nutrition and counseling and requires a capstone research project. See the Frequently Asked Questions section for additional information.
Clinical Opportunities
The DAOM program provides clinical training in integrated care settings, with rotations beginning at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, where students focus on developing clinical teaching skills. Students return to the Center in subsequent quarters and complete rotations in integrated pain shifts.
Students also rotate through several local outpatient oncology facilities including Highline Hospital, Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center and Skagit Valley Hospital’s Regional Cancer Care Center, where students provide direct patient care under the supervision of doctoral faculty.
In their final quarter of study, DAOM students travel to China to intern at Chengdu and Shanghai Universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where they focus on advanced clinical work in oncology and pain management.
What Is Unique About Bastyr’s DAOM Program?
Students work with experienced and dedicated faculty in both TCM and Western curriculum, have access to a world class library, and are immersed in a rich student learning environment and supportive community.
Weekday doctoral classes and clinics allow students a full interface with the University’s programs and activities. Applicants are encouraged to contact admissions advisors early in their planning in order to receive the individualized advising necessary for a successful application.
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