• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Documentation of strong academic achievement.
• Genuine interest in the theory and practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
• Demonstration of social maturity.
• Experience of having had acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments.
• Compassion and desire to help a diverse population.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong desire to be a health care practitioner.
• Commitment to professionalism.
• An understanding of OCOM, and the realities of being a graduate student.
• Ideas on how one expects to use the medicine in the future.
• Excellent stress management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Plans for how one expects to financially fund their education.

1. Attend an OCOM Admissions Seminar. Information on upcoming seminars is available on our Event Calendar.
2. Read The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine by Ted J. Kaptchuk. This book is available for purchase at the OCOM Bookstore.
3. Shadow acupuncturists in your area.
4. Sit in on a class at OCOM.
5. Attend any one of OCOM's seminars for the public.

Contact Beth Howlett, Admissions Coordinator, if you have any questions about any of the above-listed suggestions.

OCOM takes a holistic approach in the admissions process. If you have questions about how you can best prepare your application, please do not hesitate to contact us.