Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture Therapies)
Gain the specialised skills required to become a qualified Acupuncturist with the Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture Therapies).
Next Intake Monday 1st September
Campus Locations
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth
Course Length
3 years full-time
Part-time options available
Payment Options
FEE-HELP available for domestic students
Upfront payment
Deep dive into the principles and philosophy of Chinese medicine theory and the manual therapy practices of acupuncture, moxibustion, Qi Gong, and Chinese remedial massage (Tui Na).
From extensive consultation with previous students and major industry stakeholders, we've developed a course that ensures an optimal student experience. Part of new teaching approach means that theoretical concepts are continuously supported with practical subjects, allowing students the opportunity to perfect their Acupuncturist skills as they learn
"The gradual approach Endeavour takes to clinical practice gives me confidence. First, we observe lecturers providing acupuncture treatment, then we work alongside senior students and then, we get to decide the treatment path. The lecturers are all practitioners themselves, and their love for the medicine shines through."
Learning Outcomes
Develop a thorough understanding of human biology functions, Chinese dietary therapy, Chinese medicine channel systems, musculoskeletal anatomy, and clinical diagnosis and consultation.
Accurately locate the acupuncture points of the fourteen channels and principal non-channel points.
Practice and refine clinic management and decision-making skills that are instrumental to your future career – all within the protected environment of our Wellness Clinics.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be skilled to pursue several career paths, including:
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Qi Gong
Clinical practise
Research, education, clinic management or content creation.
Practitioners may practice independently as a sole trader or provide treatment in a multidisciplinary setting alongside other allied health practitioners such as medical doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and naturopaths.
Graduates may be eligible to pathway directly into the Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) or pursue post-graduate degree in a variety of related areas.
Graduates of this degree are eligible to register with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) in the single division of Acupuncturist.
Student and Alumni Profiles
Alumni Profile
Check out our interview with Acupuncture graduate Millicent Matthew.
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture Therapies) is offered in mixed mode, with a combination of online, blended, live-streamed and on campus subjects.
Online – fully digital structured learning, supported by our expert academics. Asynchronous (not live) delivery; can study this subject at any time during the week within specified delivery periods. Specific due dates still apply to assessment items.
On campus – attend live classes on one of our 6 campuses at specific timetabled times throughout the week. Supported by online study materials.
Livestream – attend live classes virtually at specific timetabled times throughout the week. Supported by online study materials.
Blended – a mixture of online content delivery with an on campus intensive (typically 3 – 5 days) at the end of the trimester.
Contact our admissions team for additional details on the delivery mode for each subject or download the course structure here.
This program is an accredited AQF Level 7 Higher Education qualification
This subject introduces students to human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biochemistry starting with the cell, through the various levels of structural organisation of systems to the organism, as a whole. The integration of basic chemistry, cellular biochemistry, and metabolism into the cell function is discussed. Further, students are introduced to the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiac, respiratory, renal, reproductive, and integumentary systems.
This subject introduces students to the foundational theories, history, development, and terminology of Chinese medicine. Students develop an understanding of foundational Chinese medical theories, including yin yang, five elements (wu xing), the internal organs (zang xiang), the vital substances (qi, xue, jin-ye, jing, shen,), and the Chinese view of health enhancement (yang sheng). Students will identify key historical figures, publications, philosophies, and principles that have influenced the practice of Chinese medicine. Students will develop familiarity with Chinese medical terminology, including pinyin and the use of a Chinese-English dictionary. This subject orients students to the Chinese medicine profession, including its position within the contemporary global healthcare landscape, the status of its evidence basis, and the regulatory framework of Australian practice
This subject introduces students to the foundational knowledge and skills of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedial massage (tui na) techniques. Historical development, foundational theories, and terminologies of the channels (jing luo), channel sinews (jing jin), the luo and divergent channel systems, cutaneous regions (pi bu), and acupuncture points (shu xue) are introduced, including musculoskeletal anatomy, proportional measurement (cun), the six divisions, and the diurnal circulation. Students locate the twelve primary channels, associated channel sinews, extraordinary channels, and selected acupuncture points. Students develop palpation and tui na skills, culminating in a full body sequence. Students develop familiarity with the evidence base of tui na therapy, and an understanding of clinical policies and procedures.
This subject will develop students’ knowledge of counselling skills and cultural competence relevant to complementary medicine health care. Students will explore the concepts of 'cultural competence and safety’ and a holistic person-centered approach as essential for working with individuals in a complementary medicine, community-based setting, and within a broader healthcare system. This subject will increase awareness of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous peoples’ culturally sensitive histories and their contemporary ways of living, relevant to developing and providing appropriate healthcare services.
This subject is designed to build on the knowledge gained in Introduction to Human Biology (BIOA111) by providing the student with the principles of physiology that underpin natural medicine. Students will explore physiology of the human skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiac, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. This subject also explores how these body systems are integrated to maintain homeostasis within the body in a coordinated manner. The study of systems physiology is fundamental to the development of student’s understanding of the normal physiological function. Being able to integrate the normal physiology of the systems provides a strong foundation for ongoing studies where students will develop a deeper insight into diseases that affect these systems.
This subject introduces students to consultations and pathophysiology in Chinese medicine and develops students’ skill in clinical reasoning utilising disease differentiation (bian bing), pattern differentiation (bian zheng), and Chinese medicine diagnostic methods. Students will develop familiarity with these frameworks, including the eight principles (ba gang), the channels (jing luo) organs (zang fu), five elements (wu xing), vital substances (qi, xue, jing, jin-ye), six divisions (liu jing bian zheng), and four levels (wei qi ying xue), and the san jiao, incorporating the aetiology and pathogenesis of disease. Students develop practical skills in professional communication and the four diagnostic methods, including collecting, organising, analysing and interpreting clinical information, and the formation of a diagnosis and treatment principles informed by the presenting health issue.
This subject develops students’ skill in accurately locating the acupuncture points of the fourteen channels and principal non-channel points and introduces the theories of point prescriptions. Students will learn key terminology and theories associated with acupuncture points, including their nomenclature, and pinyin names. Students will develop familiarity with contemporary research into acupuncture points and point location. Students will be able to identify the categories, cautions, and contraindications for all points, and will also be able to describe the primary therapeutic actions and indications for major points to inform point prescriptions for the application of Chinese manual therapy techniques.
This subject comprises in-class lectures and activities, with digital support and clinical placement within the Endeavour clinical practice facilities. Students develop novice skills in musculoskeletal assessment, channel based diagnostic frameworks, biomedical investigative reports, and the management of simple acute musculoskeletal conditions. Students will investigate the historical development and research findings relevant to Chinese manual therapies and develop their capacity in Chinese remedial massage (tui na), moxa, guasha, cupping, topical Chinese herbs and liniments, Chinese medical exercise, and relevant infection control procedures. Students will consolidate their practical skills through supervised clinical practicum experiences preparing them for further study.
This subject introduces the study of pathology and disease states, and their pharmacological treatment in conventional medicine. This subject also integrates the clinical examination techniques used in the assessment of specific signs and symptoms that are essential to clinical competence of health professionals. The pathological processes of inflammation, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency are covered. The pathological mechanisms related to bacterial, viral and fungal infections and their pharmacological treatment are also explored. The remainder of the course examines the disease states of the musculoskeletal/neuromuscular system and gastrointestinal system. These systems are taught with respect to their pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnostic tests and pharmacological treatments. Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of pathology and disease states, and their pharmacological treatments.
Students in this subject study the history, development, terminology, and construction of Chinese materia medica. They use case-based learning to apply foundational Western nutritional principles, Chinese dietary prescribing, and patent herbal formulas commonly used in acupuncture practice. The subject covers thirty-four patent herbal formulas available in Australia, including details on their names, ingredients, actions, indications, and contraindications. Students also examine forty-three primary ingredients in depth, focusing on their identification, processing, actions, and uses in health maintenance. Additional study includes other formula ingredients' roles, precautions, and interactions. Students learn the governing policies and guidelines for Chinese herbal medicine prescribing and explore health research to promote evidence-based practices.
This subject develops students’ theoretical knowledge and practical application of advanced manual techniques, including those of acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, laser-acupuncture, lancing, dermal hammer, and wet cupping. Infection control, hygiene, safety, contraindications, and reporting of adverse events are emphasised throughout this subject. Students will develop skills and knowledge in contemporary research findings related to included techniques and conditions including neurophysiology of pain, musculoskeletal assessments, biomedical diagnosis, investigative reports, and the Chinese medicine management of orthopaedic conditions utilising included manual therapies. Included is consideration of the rationales for acupuncture point selection and the application of a range of stimulation techniques.
This subject provides students with the tools to manage and operate a clinical medicine practice by exploring business planning, marketing and finance as well as gaining an understanding of legal and regulatory issues. It also enables students to reflect upon their professional ethical responsibilities in relation to codes of conduct and / or ethical codes within their respective professional associations’ membership protocols. Students will also learn how to be prepared for starting their own clinical practice and get familiar with the processes they need to follow for setting up their practice in complementary medicine.
This subject introduces students to various research designs, methodologies, and their strengths and weaknesses in complementary medicine and health sciences. It covers clinical research, research methods, and literature, emphasising the role of personal values, ethics, and paradigms. Students will learn to critically assess research quality, understand the importance of research questions, and select appropriate methods. This foundational course prepares students for advanced studies by enhancing their understanding of the research process in healthcare contexts.
This subject builds on the knowledge gained in Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1. It covers disorders related to the endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems. The pathophysiological disease states are taught with respect to their aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests and pharmacology. Upon successful completion of this subject, the students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of pathophysiology and disease states and their pharmacological treatments.
The Chinese Clinical Medicine stream uses a case-based learning model to enhance students’ clinical reasoning and application of Chinese medicine principles, including pattern and disease differentiation (respectively, bian zheng and bian bing). Students will integrate various diagnostic frameworks and therapies, combining Chinese and biomedical approaches to manage internal medicine conditions within an inter-professional healthcare model. The subject covers digestive, hepatic, endocrine, reproductive, urinary, and lymphatic systems, promoting evidence based Chinese medicine practices. Students will evaluate health research and apply acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage (tui na), herbal medicines, dietetics, and lifestyle therapies in their practice.
This subject involves in-class case-based discussions and clinical placements at Endeavour’s facilities. Students observe acupuncturists in consultations and participate in tutorials to understand clinical reasoning, decision making, and point prescription formulation. They will use traditional theories, evidence-based knowledge, and client input to inform clinical decisions and reflect on their performance. Practical skills will be consolidated through performing acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage (tui na), and lifestyle therapies on model patients, adhering to clinical procedures and professional standards. Students will also act as clinical assistants, preparing for future placements as senior student practitioners.
In this subject, students will learn advanced counselling skills, and the theory and practice of the crisis intervention. Students will further develop their active listening, communication, engagement, and feedback skills, learning how and when to apply Solution Focused approach and Motivational Interviewing. The aim is to provide a formal accidental counselling training for students who are not trained to be counsellors with the opportunity for the students to: reflect on their own conditioned responses and further develop healthy professional and personal boundaries and a variety of self-care strategies while demonstrating compassionate, culturally safe, and effective accidental counselling techniques.
This subject builds on the knowledge gained in Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 and 2. It covers disorders related to the nervous, integumentary, lymphatic, and haematological systems. This subject further considers neoplasia and disorders that affect the ear, nose, throat, and paediatric disorders as well as multisystem disorders. These systems are taught with respect to their pathophysiology, clinical presentation, medical red flag symptoms, diagnostic tests, clinical examination, and pharmacological treatments. Upon successful completion of this subject, the students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of pathophysiology and disease states and their pharmacological treatments.
This subject allows students to apply their knowledge in a clinical placement at Endeavour’s facilities. CMCP311 students, working as junior acupuncturists, will be paired with senior student mentors and supervised by qualified practitioners. They will alternate between lead and supporting roles, engage in peer learning and assessment, and use feedback from supervisors, patients, and peers, alongside self-reflection, to enhance their skills. The subject covers acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage (tui na), herbal medicines, dietetics, lifestyle therapies, biomedical sciences, clinical management, and counselling. Students will develop an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach and focus on creating and reviewing treatment plans within an inter-professional healthcare model.
This subject allows students to apply their knowledge in a clinical placement at Endeavour’s facilities. CMCP311 students, working as junior acupuncturists, will be paired with senior student mentors and supervised by qualified practitioners. They will alternate between lead and supporting roles, engage in peer learning and assessment, and use feedback from supervisors, patients, and peers, alongside self-reflection, to enhance their skills. The subject covers acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage (tui na), herbal medicines, dietetics, lifestyle therapies, biomedical sciences, clinical management, and counselling. Students will develop an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach and focus on creating and reviewing treatment plans within an inter-professional healthcare model.
This subject allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a clinical placement at Endeavour’s facilities. As senior acupuncture practitioners, they mentor junior students under the supervision of qualified practitioners. Students alternate roles as lead and supporting practitioners, engaging in peer-based learning and assessment. They refine their skills in acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage, herbal medicine, and other therapies, while receiving feedback from supervisors, patients, and peers. The focus is on developing an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach to Chinese medicine, and understanding its role in a broader healthcare model. Students particularly focus on assessing treatment outcomes and reflecting on their contribution to patient care.
The Chinese Clinical Medicine stream uses a case-based learning model to enhance students’ clinical reasoning and application of Chinese medicine principles, including pattern and disease differentiation and prescribing theories. Students will integrate various diagnostic frameworks and therapies, combining Chinese and biomedical approaches to manage internal medicine conditions in an inter-professional healthcare setting. The subject covers complex diseases, comorbidities, immune conditions, oncology, aged and palliative care, paediatrics, and integumentary conditions. Students will evaluate health research and apply evidence-based practices, including acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage (tui na), herbal medicines, dietetics, and lifestyle therapies. They will develop new theoretical knowledge and practical skills in paediatric and cosmetic acupuncture, and tui na, contributing to public health outcomes.
This subject allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a clinical placement at Endeavour’s facilities. As senior acupuncture practitioners, they mentor junior students under the supervision of qualified practitioners. Students alternate roles as lead and supporting practitioners, engaging in peer-based learning and assessment. They refine their skills in acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage, herbal medicine, and other therapies, while receiving feedback from supervisors, patients, and peers. The focus is on developing an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach to Chinese medicine, and understanding its role in a broader healthcare model. Students particularly focus on assessing treatment outcomes and reflecting on their contribution to patient care.
This subject enables students to apply their knowledge in a clinical placement at Endeavour’s facilities. As senior acupuncture practitioners, they mentor junior students under the supervision of qualified practitioners. Students alternate roles as lead and supporting practitioners, engaging in peer-based learning and assessment. They refine their skills in acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage, herbal medicine, and other therapies, while receiving feedback from supervisors, patients, and peers. The focus is on developing an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach to Chinese medicine and understanding its role in a broader healthcare model. In this placement, students particularly demonstrate their ability to manage a diverse range of chronic and complex health conditions using acupuncture therapies.
Within this capstone clinical subject comprising case-based discussion, tutorial activities, and clinical placement within Endeavour clinical practice facility/s, students will consolidate their knowledge and skills in the practice of Chinese medicine. Within clinical placements, students will practice unpaired within the Endeavour clinical practice facility/s, demonstrating their readiness to enter clinical practice in their chosen profession. Students will apply skills in critical reflection and data analysis to evaluate an aspect of their performance within their undergraduate clinical training experiences. Students will generate a professional development plan to guide their post-graduation transition and further education.
Endeavour Clinic
Students gain significant clinical experience at Endeavour Wellness Clinics under the supervision of qualified practitioners. Book an appointment today or simply drop in for a first-hand look at where you'll complete your practical/clinical subjects.
Professional Registration
Graduates must apply for registration with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) if they wish to use professional titles and practise as a Chinese medicine practitioner in Australia. This course is an accredited program meeting the professional standards and as such, graduates are eligible to apply for registration (see https://www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au/Accreditation/Accredited-programs.aspx).
More information regarding registration standards may be viewed https://www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx.
Professional Associations
Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) registrants may apply for membership with the following professional associations:
Additional Course Options
Diploma of Health Science (Chinese Remedial Massage)
The Diploma of Health Science (Chinese Remedial Massage) is an exciting and unique course offering at Endeavour College.
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)
Immerse yourself in a bespoke and innovative Chinese Medicine degree and develop proficiency in Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese herbal dispensing.