Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science will be able to: demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theory and application and the traditional and contemporary uses of Acupuncture and/or Chinese Herbal Medicine (including tuina); demonstrate competence in understanding and communicating health issues from the perspective of Western Medical Science; demonstrate skill in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can benefit from Acupuncture and/or Chinese Herbal Medicine, in the identification of contraindications and in the referral to other health practitioners where these are identified; be able to communicate and provide advice to clients on lifestyle and health care and maintenance; demonstrate a range of critical thinking, analytical and research methods appropriate to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and to maintaining and increasing professional competence.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) will:

Provide appropriate care and management to a range of patients, including advice on lifestyle and health maintenance.

Practice within the legislative framework of New Zealand Healthcare, ensuring that the rights of patients and their families are respected.

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theory and application of Chinese Medicine, and of the traditional and contemporary uses of acupuncture, herbal medicine and Tuina,

Successfully integrate the skills of Chinese Medical diagnosis and treatment for a range of patients. Gather information from patients, interpret signs and symptoms and formulate a diagnostic hypothesis.

Select and use a range of examination techniques to confirm or exclude diagnostic hypotheses.

Select and use a range of clinical reasoning, analytical and research strategies appropriate to the diagnosis, treatment and management of a range of conditions.

Understand and identify contraindications and limitations to the application of acupuncture, herbal medicine and Tuina.

Appropriately refer patients to other Health practitioners where indicated.

Analyse and interpret a range of patient health issues from the perspective of Western Medical Science and, where necessary, incorporate this into their care plans.

Employ strong and clear communication skills in clinical situations with patients, including obtaining informed consent to treatment.

Make and maintain appropriate patient health records.

Understand the principles and practice of small business management and of working in or setting up and maintaining a small practice.

Demonstrate a commitment to and capability to engage in reflective practice.

Acquire and implement a commitment to lifelong learning.

Graduates of this programme will be able to seek enrollment in
* Masters Degree in TCM and/or Acupuncture
* Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas relevant to a variety of roles in the broader healthcare sector

Applicants must have a minimum of 42 credits at level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, including a minimum of 14 credits at level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from the approved NZQA subject list, a further 14 credits at level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or approved subjects; plus a minimum of 14 credits at level 1 or higher in mathematics on the NQF; plus a minimum of 8 credits at level 2 or higher on the NQF in English, 4 credits must be in reading and 4 credits must be in writing; plus a minimum of 12 credits at NQF level 2 or higher in one of the following, biology, chemistry, physics or science; plus (International Students) completion of an equivalent international secondary school qualification; and/or be 18 years or older and have competency to a minimum level of 6.0 on the IELTS academic scale or equivalent with no band less than 5.5.