This was an unofficial website for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends of the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
This site is being created and hosted by members of the NIAOM community. Nothing you see here should be assumed to be any organization's official statements or policies, or the final word on anything. We're doing our best, but...trust, but verify. It's a messy, complicated world out there (like you didn't already know that).
We plan to use this site to get out updates, referrals, and information that may be helpful to students and other members of the NIAOM community over the next few weeks. We will be adding material as we're able, so please keep checking back.
To skip down to the most recent updates, click on the date you want:
6/29/02
6/30/02 (notes on the announcement of NIAOM's closing)
7/1/02
7/2/02
7/4/02
7/9/02
7/10/02
7/11/02
7/12/02 (news on the teach-out, and student loan discharge)
7/16/02
7/18/02
7/19/02
7/25/02 (how to get NIAOM transcripts)
7/27/02
7/30/02 (details about the wake)
8/1/02
8/10/02
8/21/02 (where to see photos from the wake)
8/27/02 (link to a news story on NIAOM's closing)
9/16/02
1/23/03 (tax information for former NIAOM employees)
1/30/03 (W-2 forms are in the mail)
2/19/03 (NIAOM's final graduation ceremony announced)
3/1/03 (help support graduation and get your (un-)official Teach Out Logo t-shirt now!)
4/22/03 (more information on graduation)
6/16/03 (final update)
3/15/09 (new NIAOM group on Facebook)
6/29/02
Meeting Tuesday, July 2
There will be a meeting on Tuesday, July 2 at 10:00 am in the Five Element Room. The agenda will include more details on the teach-out plan available to students with a year or less to finish toward their degrees, which will allow them to take classes through Bastyr and earn a NIAOM degree; transfer options for students with more than a year to finish, or those who may want to complete a degree somewhere besides Bastyr; and information on student loan repayment, loan forgiveness, and other financial aid concerns.
If you can't attend, we will do our best to get at least some of this information up on this website asap--but try to be there if you can so you can ask questions and get the best possible first-hand information.
Mailing list
We're putting together an email list so we can send out periodic updates to members of the NIAOM family in the next few weeks. We're starting with what we had in the various school databases, but those may not be complete or up-to-date. If you want to make sure we have your current and complete contact information, please email it to Garrison Bromwell at <deleted>. Tell him what's your connection to NIAOM (student, staff, faculty, alumni, patient, friend, whatever), and whether it's okay to give this information out to other people in the NIAOM community who ask for it. If you know of others who'd like to be on this list, tell them likewise to email Garrison.
We will NOT give out your information without your permission, and we will NOT give it to anyone outside the immediate NIAOM community. We will NOT use it for anything but a few update emails announcing events or telling you information that you may need to know. I don't anticipate more than 2-3 emails per week at most for the next few weeks, tapering off after that to even less.
NOTE: If you are a student or a faculty member, you should have already received an email from us about NIAOM's closing. If you did, it means we already have your personal email address. If you didn't, we don't have it and you will need to send it if you want to receive messages in the future. We have very few personal email addresses for staff and alumni, and the niaom.edu addresses will presumably quit working soon, so please send your personal address if you want to keep receiving updates.
(I wish we were able to able to send snailmail to people who don't have email and web access, but there is just no money for printing and postage. Fortunately, once you have the accounts, email and web bandwidth are practically free.)
Transfer options
ACAOM has a list of accredited and candidate acupuncture schools on their website at <http://www.acaom.org/> (the site isn't working at the moment, but it was the other day--just keep trying it). I called about a dozen of these schools last week, and almost all of them said they are still accepting transfer applications for this fall. They all recommended that you apply soon, since transfers are usually accepted on a space-available basis.
Generally, credit from an ACAOM-accredited acupuncture school (and NIAOM did keep its accreditation right up to the end) is transferable to another acupuncture school--but it's entirely up to each school to decide if they will accept the credit, and how you can use it to meet their requirements. Normally (and this may vary--ask each school about their specific procedures) a school evaluating your transfer credits will look at the specific content of each course, and consider what it's equivalent to in their curriculum, and then decide which of their prerequisite and graduation requirements you have and haven't already met. Some may ask you to take an exam to verify that you know the required course content before they accept the credit. What they can offer you will vary from school to school--some schools are going to have a curriculum that more closely parallels NIAOM's, and some will be more or less hard-nosed about what's equivalent to their required courses. So if you can be flexible about where you go, you may get a better deal on your transfer credits some places than others. Most schools will transfer classes as electives if they don't meet a specific requirement there, which is better than nothing. Most if not all will require that you complete 1/3 of your coursework and clinic there to earn their degree (I believe that's an ACAOM requirement, so they have no choice).
This presumably won't apply to the teach-out--as I understand it, at least, if you're less than a year from finishing, you would be able to take just the courses and clinic you need from Bastyr and no more. Please note that I am not involved in the negotiations regarding the teach-out, so I very well may not know what the heck I'm talking about here--come to the meeting Tuesday or talk to the Bastyr folks if you want an official answer! But as I'm understanding it, the idea is, if you qualify for it, the teach-out may be your shortest and least painful option to finish your degree.
I will post information here on how to get NIAOM transcripts and copies of course syllabus (some schools may want to see them to evaluate your transfer credits), and who to contact at Bastyr about the teach-out.
Apprenticeships?
Last night at graduation, several people were talking about a rumor that Washington has some provision for getting licensed to practice acupuncture without a degree, through apprenticeship. I will call around and find out what I can and post it here. If anyone has information on this that they're reasonably sure is accurate, please email it to Mary McGhee at <deleted> and I'll pass it along here.
How to contact NIAOM faculty for letters of recommendation
If any of you are applying to transfer to another acupuncture school, you will probably need some letters of recommendation. You may be needing them for jobs and other things as well. We're trying to contact NIAOM faculty and get their permission to give out their phone, email or snailmail addresses to students who need to reach them. To protect their privacy, we won't be posting them here, but if you need to reach someone, email Mary McGhee at <deleted> and I'll give it to you if I have it. Many have already said that they're more than happy to do this.
Keep in mind that, when you ask a letter of recommendation, you should include the following:
- The complete name and address where you want the letter sent
- The purpose (admissions application, job, etc.)
- The course(s)or clinic shift(s) where you worked with this faculty member, including dates (we're only human, we forget these details sometimes!)
- The deadline by which you need it (please, try to give reasonable lead time!)
How to contact other NIAOM folks
Things have happened so fast, many people probably left at the end of spring classes thinking they'd see classmates and friends again in a few weeks. Now, you may not have the addresses or phone numbers of people you'd like to stay in touch with. If there is someone you're trying to reach, email Mary McGhee at <deleted> or Garrison Bromwell at <deleted> and we will try to help you get in touch. If you want to make sure people who want to can reach you, send your email, phone, etc. to Garrison.
A memorial event for NIAOM
Several of us (staff, faculty, students, and alumni) have been talking about finding some way to gather as a community and have--for lack of a better name for it--a wake for NIAOM. What we're feeling right now is a lot like what happens when a person that you love dies--the same disbelief, the same anger, the same grief. And just like when a loved one dies, it can be a great comfort to come together with family and friends and mourn, and celebrate a life well-lived. We want to wait a bit, until some of the dust has settled and the frantic tying up of loose ends has wound down. We're talking about sometime in mid-August. There are all kinds of ideas floating around--decorating "Waiting for the Interurban" out in front of the building, getting together something resembling a Dixieland band for a New Orleans-style sendout, finding a Chinese geomancer to do some traditional ritual thang...we're not sure about any of it, only that we want to do something.
We will post the details when we know them here. We will also email the information to everyone on the mailing list we're putting together (make sure you're on it by emailing Garrison Bromwell at <deleted>). If you have suggestions, send them to Mary McGhee at <deleted>.
What else do you want to see on this website?
The idea behind this website is to share information, make announcements, and help NIAOM folks stay connected. If you have anything you'd like to say here, or there's information you'd like to see posted, please email Mary McGhee at <deleted>.
6/30/02
Notes from the 6/26 School-Wide Meeting
Kristin Johnson was at the meeting last Wednesday when it was announced that NIAOM was closing. She has been kind enough to share the notes she took. I wasn't there, but they look pretty complete and accurate to me. The one question I have is about where she says that transfer students (not students involved in the teach-out) must do two-thirds of their work at Bastyr to get a degree there. Most schools, from what I understand, only require that one-third must be done there--but Bastyr could very well be different. In any case, as always, double check with an official authority before making important decisions based on anything you read on this site.
NIAOM meeting
06/26/02, 10 a.m.Steve Corbin thanked us for coming and then announced, "Our intent is to close the school. After considering many options, it's not going to be possible to keep open the school. On paper it doesn't work. It would be irresponsible to take your money."
The board has been working with the Federal Department of Education, Washington State's Higher Education Coordinating Board, ACAOM, and Bastyr. The decision came down to finances and accreditation. We haven't been able to pay the administration for 2 months, and ACAOM lost confidence in us. A $280,000 bond turned into decline. Several agencies have been concerned about our finances for the last few years. If we ran summer quarter, the space could be closed mid-quarter. A date of closure has not been set yet. Susan has some details to work out with the State to transfer some programs into other hands, so we cannot close officially until this is done.
Students who are 1 year or less from graduating are eligible for the teach-out, and otherwise students will have to transfer. The teach out will be at Bastyr, and NIAOM instructors will teach. It is possible that Bastyr will make use of this space and run clinic. We will maintain accredited through the teach out process, and the main consideration is the students and staff transitions. There is a meeting at 9 am this Friday (June 28th) to work out the details. They tried to get it done before today, but they need the help of ACAOM, and the Feds and the State. The meeting will include ACAOM, Susan, Cindy, Steve, and Bastyr's President, at the office of Richard Nelson with the US Dept. of Education.
Staff from Bastyr admissions was on site to talk to students. They might have extra classes to accommodate us. There are some prerequisites for Bastyr. There were sheets at the front desk for people to sign up to have an appointment with Bastyr admissions. Two-thirds of the coursework must be done at Bastyr, but they "will do everything within ACAOM guidelines to expand that," Cindy said. People who are in their second year of MTCM may want to transfer to M.Ac. so that they can be eligible for the teach out[although this may not be to everyone's advantage--you may want to talk to their advisors first]. They should do this before the school officially closes.
Records, files, and transcripts will be kept at Bastyr for students. NIAOM will deal with as many transcript requests as they can, and those that aren't dealt with will be passed on to Bastyr. Transcript request forms are by the mailboxes, and they will be sent for us at no charge. Peter is on vacation until July 8th, and he will deal with the case-by-case situations. Please be gentle with Shawn as she is inundated with work, and is volunteering. (Mind that all of the staff are volunteering.)
Shawn said that to be considered a 3rd year student, per the academic plan you become one in the Fall, and it doesn't have to do with the number of hours you have. Peter will have to address this problem. Information about legislation can be found on the website for the department of education, under higher education.
One student thanked Steve for not having summer quarter and not letting the problem become worse. Another said that he was not OK with the decision, and that he doesn't want to see Bastyr take over. He didn't understand why we don't close for summer and allow time for people to donate money, buy the school, or renegotiate the loan. Steve said that they'd considered having 2 clinic rooms, 1 classroom, volunteer staff, but the agencies wouldn't let that happen. Cindy said, "Money; it may be half the reason, but it's certainly not more than that. They will not accredit a school that's taught in people's living rooms. Our creditors are calling every day."
Cindy, Peter, Garrison and Steve came up with the idea to cut the staff's pay in half, have only classes that definitely paid for themselves, to not pay rent, and only pay bills for the phone, copiers, herbs and supplies. It wasn't viable. Andy, the property manager, is personally disappointed.
Someone asked why didn't we go out to the community, like PCC, REI -- people who believe in the alternative spirit; this middle step between students and a big donor was missed. Cindy replied that the mass mailing went mainly to the alternative medical community and the response was little. There were personal leads for tax-deductible donations, and they wrote a business plan. Deborah Senn said that she raised $2 million for her US Senate campaign, and most of that came from donations of less than $100 each. Venture capitalists want immediate returns.
Susan expressed her hope that half of our spirit go with us to Bastyr, and half elsewhere. "We're still a community."
NIAOM is going to file for Chapter 7, liquidation. A bankruptcy trustee sells our assets and gives money to the creditors. Staff might get back pay, but only after the Feds, the State, and secured creditors get paid.Intersession is still on through the end of the week. On Tuesday July 2nd at 10 am there will be a follow-up meeting.
7/1/02
Student loan forgiveness and getting an acupuncture license
EDFUND is the guaranteeing agency that NIAOM has been working with for your student loans. Their representative, Becky Thompson, was at the meeting last week where the announcement was made about NIAOM's closing. Several students asked her to look into the possibility of getting an acupuncture licenses without getting their degrees, and how this would impact the possibility of having their student loans forgiven. She said she would look into it and get back to them.
Tsena Paulson just got this response from her and has passed it along. Tsena says that she would encourage other students to contact Becky if you have further questions, as she is very helpful and easy to reach.
> Dear Tsena,
>
> I was able to get clarification on your question about loan discharge and
> state licensing. If you use your NIAOM credits to qualify for a state
> license you would not be eligible to discharge your Stafford Student
> loans. It comes down to whether or not you are benefiting in any way
> from the education obtained at NIAOM. A license does qualify as a
> "benefit." In case it is helpful, you might want to read the first bullet
> under section 6 on the discharge application. Your situation falls under
> the last phase of the last sentence - "or by any other means by which I
> benefited from the training provided by the closed school."
>
> If you need additional information or have other questions, please do not
> hesitate to contact me.
>
> Sincerely,
> -Becky
>
> Becky Thompson
> Client Relations Manager
> EDFUND
> Voice - 866.523.1583
> Fax - 253.759.41707/2/02
Notes From the Meeting 7/2/02
This is some of the material covered at the meeting this morning on NIAOM's shut-down arrangements:
Teach-out--As of noon today, the teach-out was substantially worked out, but not a done deal. Some of the parties involved--including the U.S. Department of Education and the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board--still had to sign off on it at that point. This was expected to happen soon (it may have already happened this afternoon), so check back for an update.
However, the details (what will be offered, when, where, who will teach, etc.) haven't yet been worked out. Terry Courtney, the Chair of Bastyr's Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program, said that they would realistically not be contacting any NIAOM students with this information until the early or middle of next week.
This is the text of the letter that was passed out today to students considering the teach-out:
"July 2, 2002
Bastyr University has agreed to proceed with the teach-out of NIAOM students who have 4 or less quarters (or less than 56 credits) remaining for their degree. Those students who exceed this credit limit by no more than 10 credits (66) will be considered on a case by case basis. The teach-out will take place starting July 15, 2002 and ending on July 21, 2003. This will be a "lock-step" program which means that the requirements must be taken when offered and it will not be possible to account for individual scheduling needs.
Costs for the teach-out are still being formalized. At this time, the tuition for the program is set at $252 per didactic credit and $266 per clinical credit. There will be a one-time administrative fee which is still being determined.
Each student who fits the above graduation requirements will be contacted by Bastyr University. Students choosing to participate in the teach-out will be receiving a NIAOM diploma. Where possible and feasible, NIAOM faculty will be retained for both classroom and clinical teaching.
If you are interested in applying to the teach-out program, please indicate this by signing your name below with the date. your signature below will indicate also that you are providing consent for Bastyr University representatives to access your NIAOM student file for review and academic planning."
(If you were unable to attend the meeting but are interested in the teach-out, contact Terry Courtney at <tcourtne@bastyr.edu>), and make sure that NIAOM has your complete current contact information--name, address, phone, and email.
For questions about eligibility for the teach-out, or anything to do with your NIAOM academic records--grades, requesting transcripts, correcting discrepancies, etc.--contact Peter Hanson at <phanson@niaom.edu>, or mail him a note via snailmail. His office is requesting that you communicate with them in writing--it's the only way they can deal with the volume of requests they're getting right now. Peter has been out of the office for several days and will return July 8, so please give him a little time to shovel out the backlog of messages and requests.
For questions about the content and structure of the teach-out, or about anything unique about your situation and how it may fit in, contact Terry Courtney at <tcourtne@bastyr.edu>. Please keep in mind that Terry has already said that Bastyr will be contacting everyone on their list of people interested in the teach-out as soon as they have anything to tell you, and that probably won't be before early next week.
More details on the teach-out:
clinic--Bastyr plans to run most of NIAOM's external clinics during the teach-out, and to give NIAOM students priority for those shifts. They are also negotiating with the building management to keep NIAOM's Fremont clinic space and run the internal clinic there. They hope to know whether this deal will go through in the next day or so. This will determine whether or not there will be internal clinic shifts this summer.
If you were close enough to graduating to walk in the ceremony last week, you will get priority for summer clinic shifts. If the internal clinic doesn't happen, graduating students who had signed up for those shifts may be moved to external clinics at the same times. If you aren't that close to graduating, you may have been bumped from any summer shifts you signed up for to make room for people closer to finishing. Contact Susan Kaetz at <skaetz@juno.com>, or (206) 633-2419, ext. 109 if you have any doubts about your summer clinic shifts. Otherwise, plan to show up as scheduled for clinics starting July 15.
switching from M.T.C.M. to M.Ac. to qualify for the teach-out--If you are sure that you want to do this, send a note to Peter Hanson at <phanson@niaom.edu>. Please note that Bastyr thinks this may not be to everyone's advantage--you may want to talk to them before you decide. Contact Terry Courtney at <tcourtne@bastyr.edu> if you have questions. Only those second-year M.T.C.M. students who had already requested this change have already been evaluated for the teach-out.
Transferring to Bastyr
If you don't have enough credits to qualify for the teach-out, you can still apply to transfer to Bastyr and finish a degree there. The person to contact about transferring is James Spencer at <jspencer@bastyr.edu>, or (425) 602-3335.
Bastyr requires some prerequisites that you didn't need to get into NIAOM: a college-level general chemistry course and a college-level math course, preferably algebra. They may be able to work with you on this, but you need to contact them SOON if you want to start there this fall. One possibility is taking the chemistry course in their summer intensive, which begins July 8. They have said that you can apply to transfer now, and start the chemistry course before you've been admitted. They will evaluate your application within the first week of the course, and if you aren't admitted or you don't like what they can offer you in terms of your transfer credits, you can walk away from the chemistry course at that point and pay nothing for it (that's pretty decent and accommodating of them, actually!)
Transferring to other acupuncture schools
ACAOM's website at <http://www.acaom.org/> is still down, so it hasn't been possible to access their official list of accredited and candidate schools. There are other sites that have links to most of these schools' sites--try <http://www.acupuncture.com/links/sch/schlinks.htm> or <http://www.acupuncture.8k.com/acupvil.htm>.
We have been contacted by several other acupuncture schools around the country. Besides expressing their sympathy, they want to let NIAOM students know that they are still accepting transfer applications for fall and will do their best to work with you on exploring your options there.
----------
One transfer option that you may want to consider is the Asian Institute of Medical Studies in Tucson. It was founded by Alex Holland, one of NIAOM's first graduate and a former faculty member and academic dean (and a truly good person besides), and there might even be a few other familiar faces on the faculty there soon. I emailed Alex about NIAOM's demise, and this is part of his response:
"I would also appreciate you posting the Asian Institute of Medical Studies on the list of school offerings to the students. True, we are not accredited, but will probably be a candidate school by May, 2003. We also cannot offer financial aid, but we're good, we're small and eclectic, and we're very much into the education, and we know how to teach within an environment that is supportive and fun. Please check out our website at <http://asianinstitute.edu>. The best way for students to contact me is by phone at the school at (520) 322-6330. Thank you, Mary."
----------
I just got this from the Registrar's Office:
"I got a voice mail from the Associate Director of Admissions at Samra University of Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica. He was very enthusiastic about having us put their school link out there on any website for students and seemed that they would be as accommodating as possible for transfers. He also said staff/faculty were welcome to call him if they were interested in re-locating."
Samra's website is at <http://www.samra.edu/> and their phone is (310) 202-6444. If you call, ask for Robert Walco at ext. 123.
----------
"Hi, I am the President at the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Austin, TX and received a call from a NIAOM student who informed me that NIAOM had unfortunately closed its doors. First, I am deeply sorry to hear this and would like to offer my help to all of your students during this very difficult time.
I understand the conflict that your students are going through and would like very much like to discuss this situation in person. Please feel free to call me and I will try to do everything possible to help ease students through this transition.
If there is anything I can do to help or possibly even offer our school as an option, for students in finishing their studies, I would be glad to help.
Thanks,
Lisa Lin
President
512-707-8898 Direct Line
1-800-252-5088
http://www.TexasTCM.com
<lisalin@texastcm.edu>
Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
4005 Manchaca
Austin, Texas 78704"
Don't forget to take care of yourselves!
I just received this offer from a recent NIAOM graduate:
"It saddens me greatly to hear what happened to NIAOM. I'm still shell-shocked. I graduated last summer and set up my office in town. I wanted to offer acupuncture to the people involved with NIAOM at the following special rates:
Former patients $30
Former students, faculty and staff $15My office is located in Wallingford. If anyone is interested please contact me at the number or email below.
Keep in touch.
Take care,Desiree Merulli
L. Ac., Dipl. Ac. NCCAOM
East to West Acupuncture
(206) 841-6355
merulli@drizzle.comPain & Stress Management | Facial Rejuvenation | Sports Injuries"
Further clarification on student loan forgiveness
You are eligible to discharge (or, have forgiven) the student loans you received at NIAOM only if you don't use any of the credits you earned here. If you use even one credit for transferring, getting licensed, etc., you are not eligible and will have to pay the loans back.
If you get your loans discharged now, and then several years from now you change your mind and decide you want to use the credits, you may have to start making payments on the loans then. However, interest does not accrue in the meantime.
One requirement for getting your loans discharged is that you be enrolled within 90 days of when your school closes. The catch is, if NIAOM is going to participate in the teach-out and give degrees to the students who complete it, then it will continue to exist in some form for another year--and the students who might qualify to discharge their loans aren't the ones who will be enrolled to the very end. The Department of Education is aware of this dilemma, and they are working on a solution that is fair to everyone and doesn't penalize either group. We will keep you posted as we learn more.
For more details on loan discharge, contact:
Becky Thompson
Client Relations Manager
EDFUND
Voice - 866.523.1583
Fax - 253.759.4170
Other notes from the Registrar's Office
If you have any clinic timesheets still out, turn them in...YESTERDAY!!! The staff has already gone through all clinic and student mailboxes and pulled any timesheets and has transcribed those hours.
All graduating students who took the exit exam have passed!
For now NIAOM is still filling all transcript requests. Get a transcript request form from the rack on the wall by the student mailboxes and leave it in Peter Hanson's mailbox. They intend to get to all requests, but as you can imagine, there are a LOT of them, so please be patient. There is no charge for any transcript request. At some point, Bastyr will take over NIAOM's records and handle transcript requests, but we don't yet know when.
How to contact folks at NIAOM
After today, the front doors at NIAOM will be locked. This was made necessary because things (artwork, supplies, even furniture) had begun to disappear from the building. So if you need to come in, you will need to arrange in advance to have someone let you in. You can find telephone extensions and email addresses for most of the faculty and staff at <http://www.niaom.edu/pages/index.html> (click on the "Contact Us" button). Please be sure that the person you are contacting is still there--most staff and faculty have been laid off and many aren't working any longer.
7/4/02
Update on transferring to Bastyr
The earlier information was correct--Bastyr does normally require that transfer students (not students doing the teach-out--that's a special case, not really a transfer) complete 2/3 of their degree requirements there in order to earn a Bastyr degree. This was not Bastyr's choice--it's required by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, one of the agencies that they are accredited by. However--Bastyr has just received permission from NASC to make an exception for NIAOM transfer students. You would now need to complete 55% of your credits and clinic at Bastyr to earn a degree there. Whether or not this would still be a problem for you depends upon how many credits and clinic hours you have already earned.. Bastyr's admissions advisors can tell you more about how it will impact you.
Schools that are accredited by ACAOM, and not by regional accrediting agencies like NASC, will generally require that you finish only 1/3 of your work there--but again, check with them about their specific requirements and your individual situation.
7/9/02
More information on apprenticeship
Zefire Skoczen has shared the information she's found on apprenticeship as an option for getting licensed or certified to practice acupuncture.
"Some people have said that apprenticeship is almost impossible to do, and really only an option set up for people who studied in other countries, but I haven't seen anything to substantiate this yet.
Where you can use apprenticeship--So far, apprenticeship looks like a promising route for NCCAOM certification. NCCAOM certification is all that is required for licensing in many (but not all) states; though even with apprenticeship Washington still has the same schooling requirements (basically two years--therefore, apprenticing and having a loan discharge is not really an option in Washington, since we would also need transfer credits from NIAOM, or credits from another acupuncture school, if someone wanted to go that route). There are many other states also, which require a certain amount of formal schooling, and others graduation/completion of an accredited school's program.
Acupuncture.com was one site which had a good link to laws in different states. From what I gathered through the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance site (last updated 2/8/02), we could practice in the following states with NCCAOM certification, even without a degree or formal school credits; though, I definitely recommend that anyone who is interested, should contact the states' licensing agencies that they are interested in: Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia (unsure of WV, see end of this note). Oregon seems to have a 'grandfather' provision, where if you practiced as a L.Ac. elsewhere for 5 years, then you can get licensed there. Other states may also have this type of grandfather provision, though I have not researched this yet. As far as I could tell, Wyoming is still not regulated. There are other states which are unclear from the web summary, and I haven't checked out the laws in other countries. You can order the 2001 Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Laws 1-800-345-1010, or just contact states that you are interested in directly.
Before I came to NIAOM (3 years ago), I was in California almost ready to apprentice...so, last time I was there, you could even apprentice in California. If you are going to apprentice, make sure that if you need to apprentice where you want to practice that you do. In the states where NCCAOM certification is all that is required, this doesn't seem to be an issue, but for example, WV has a provision that the person you apprentice under has to be licensed in their jurisdiction (I don't want to live in WV, so I didn't check out if an NCCAOM L.Ac. counted, or if, more likely, it has to be a WV licensed L.Ac.).
What's involved in apprenticeship--Here's NCCAOM's basic apprenticeship requirements:
Completion of an apprenticeship of at least 4,000 contact hours in a 3-6 year period. The preceptor (which is the person you apprentice under) must have had at least 5 years experience prior to the beginning of apprenticeship. Preceptor's practice must be at a minimum level of 500 acupuncture patient visits by no fewer than 100 different patents during each year of the apprenticeship program.
Here's a more detailed bit on apprenticeship. It's everything the NCCAOM application specifies.
Apprenticeship is defined as a training completed under a tutor or preceptor who assumes responsibility for the theoretical and practical education of the apprentice. A maximum of two apprentices may study under a single preceptor at any one time.
Applicants using this route of eligibility must satisfy all of the following requirements:
Completion of an apprenticeship program with a minimum of 4,000 contact hours in no less than three years and no more than six years. "Contact hours" are defined as the clock hours that the apprentice spends under the direct supervision of the preceptor. Off-site supervision is not included.
and
Your apprenticeship program, after the first year, including increasing responsibilities in patient contact up to, and including, the final stage of complete diagnosis and treatment under the preceptor's supervision.
and
Your apprenticeship program was under the direction of a qualified preceptor. A preceptor is considered qualified if at least one of the following criteria is documented:
- State approval as an instructor or preceptor in acupuncture; or
- Practice at a minimum level of 500 acupuncture patient visits by no fewer than 100 different patients for five consecutive years immediately prior to becoming your preceptor.
and
Your preceptor's practice was at a minimum level of 500 acupuncture patient visits by no fewer than 100 different patients during each year of the apprenticeship program. Patient visits were in general health care practice. Specialized limited practices such as smoking withdrawal and/or addictions may have been included in the practice, but will not count as one of the 500 general health acupuncture patient visits per year,
If someone wants to contact NCCAOM about certification through apprenticeship their # is (703) 548-9004. The person who can answer questions about this is Lynn Gardner at extension #3230.
If after studying the application packet, this no longer seems like a viable option, (or any other research leads me to this conclusion), I will share my information on this site."
Web sites that you may find useful:
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Washington State Department of Health Acupuncture Licensing Information
More information on transferring to Bastyr
This comes from James Spencer of Bastyr's admissions office:
"Just a note that Bastyr will require general chemistry 1 and 2 and college algebra or precalculus. Unfortunately, not just any college math course will do, as there are specific elements of math that are required. We are working on a teach-around that would give students the required math while they are here at Bastyr. The chemistry has to be complete prior to winter quarter. These courses are required because they ensure the student's success in the program. We are also hoping, though it remains undecided, that these chemistry and math credits can count toward the required residency credits for graduation.
For students without a bachelors degree, there may be additional courses they have to take while at Bastyr. We are working hard to resolve these issues, but it will likely be several weeks before we have all the details worked out.
To apply to Bastyr for transfer, current NIAOM students need only submit Bastyr's university and program applications. The university application is mainly statistical information and the program application consists of four essay questions and a resume. Additional letters of reference, transcripts, and the application fee are not required for current NIAOM students.
Once we are in receipt of these application pieces, an official transfer evaluation will be done in approximately one week. The current plan is that NIAOM students will be contacted for an advising session/interview. This will allow students to review what they have left to complete at Bastyr.
Students desiring more information about transferring may email me at jspencer@bastyr.edu. To speak with me in person, students should dial (425) 602-3330, as I am often unavailable at my direct line.
I appreciate the patience and understanding NIAOM students have exhibited through this process. Every day, Bastyr is faced by with new challenges that must be overcome to ameliorate the transfer process for NIAOM's students. I appreciate continued patience while we tackle these issues.
Thanks,
James Spencer"
More information on transferring to other acupuncture schools
Susan Kaetz received a call from Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson, B.C. They said they are happy to work with transfer students who don't need U.S. financial aid.
Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences
303 Vernon Street
Nelson, B.C. V1L 4E3
Tel: (250)352-5887
Toll Free: 1 (888) 333-8868
Fax: (250)352-3458
http://www.acos.org/
email: acos@acos.org
Contact: Debbie Sigfusson----------
Susan also got a call from the New England School of Acupuncture, who would be very interested in hearing from any transfer student that is interested in moving to the east coast. They would actually come out to interview people if a group of students wanted to get together and invite them (email <deleted> if you're interested in doing this and I can try to help you connect with any other NIAOM students who want to arrange this with NESA).
New England School of Acupuncture
40 Belmont Street
Watertown Massachusetts 02472
http://www.nesa.edu/
email: admissions@nesa.edu
Contact: Lucille (617) 926-1788, x110----------
Martha Allison Keltner has been in touch with Robert Smith, President of the Traditional Chinese Medical College of Hawai'i. He encouraged students to check out the program there, as there is still space for transfer students. Any student wishing more info should feel free to call.
http://www.ilhawaii.net/~chinese/
(808) 885-9226
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association course is still available
Rachel Diaz sends this:
"I'd like to continue forward with the NADA course for those who may be interested. The course would not be for NIAOM or Bastyr credit. It will run August 22, 23, 24, 25 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Cost for students is $260; cost for L.Ac.'s is $320. If students are interested, they can call me directly at (206) 223-1373, x450."
NIAOM transcript update
Peter Hanson, NIAOM's Registrar, has confirmed that Bastyr will be taking over issuing NIAOM transcripts at some point. He can't yet say when, or who to contact there, but we'll have that information here as soon as it's known. They are still trying to fill all the transcript requests they have received so far.
7/10/02
Sale on Friday
There will be a sale at NIAOM on Friday, July 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Everything must go (but this will not include library, portable massage tables, computers or copy machines). Furniture, office supplies and equipment, wall hangings, stationary massage tables ARE being sold.
This is a cash and carry sale. You must be prepared to take anything you buy at 3:00 pm.
FREEBIES will be available for the taking on Saturday, July 13 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Update (or lack thereof) on the teach-out, and financial aid
This is just to let you know that we haven't forgotten that many of you are eagerly awaiting news about the teach-out. There just isn't anything more to report at this point. As you can imagine, with so many parties (NIAOM, Bastyr, ACAOM and various other accreditation agencies, the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, the U.S. Department of Education) that have some say in the matter, it's not easy to come to consensus. We will let you know as soon as anything is decided.
Fred Carter, NIAOM's Financial Aid Director, has re-confirmed that the information already reported here is the latest and best available on student loan discharge. Fred is still assuming that students involved in the teach-out will be able to pick up financial aid checks at Bastyr after the teach-out begins (that's still July 15, at last report). We will let you know if anything changes on that front, too.
7/11/02
Update on summer clinics
From Susan Kaetz :
For all 2002 graduates: If you have registered for external clinic, go to your assumed clinic shift starting next week. If you signed up for Fremont clinic, you will be contacted by Susan or Erin and given various options for available clinic shifts this summer. All 2002 graduates will be given priority in order to finish this summer or during the fall quarter in some cases.
And the latest on the teach-out
"Both NIAOM and Bastyr administrations are working round the clock to try to complete the Teach Out program. There are beginning to be rumors surfacing about various things being canceled and about delays at one school versus the other to complete things. Nothing has been canceled and PLEASE REST ASSURED that both school administrations are working very hard and very closely together to try and finalize this process. We are also in constant communication with all the various regulatory agencies. We hope to have information available on the status of the Teach Out just as soon as it is physically possible.
Thank you,
Terry Courtney, L.Ac. Chair, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Bastyr
Steve Corbin, L.Ac., Interim President, NIAOM"
Mailing list confidentiality
I've just learned that some NIAOM students have received an email from the Traditional Chinese Medical College of Hawaii. I want you to know that they did not get your addresses from me, or anyone else connected with this website!
We have asked NIAOM folks for email addresses so we can contact you about important developments related to NIAOM's shutdown, the teach-out, etc. That is ALL we will use them for--as we promised earlier, we will NOT give out your information without your permission, and we will NOT give it to anyone outside the immediate NIAOM community. At most, we might forward a message from someone else if it seems important for you to receive it. We will always use Bcc: with any emails we send so that no one sees the whole list of recipients.
Student records are being transferred to Bastyr to facilitate the teach-out, and because Bastyr will be handling NIAOM transcript requests in the future. But I'm sure Bastyr isn't giving out your information--they have better sense! And anyway, they want people to transfer there, so they hardly have any incentive to give your contact information to another acupuncture school.
I'm trying to find out how this happened, and to do what I can to make sure it doesn't happen again!
More from NESA
This is from Laura Wolf:
"I spoke to Lucille Petringa from New England School of Acupuncture yesterday and she says they are willing to work with each transfer student individually. Their policy is that you must complete two years at their school, but they are waiving that rule for NIAOM students. If anyone is interested they should contact her at (617) 926-1788, x110 and they will look at unofficial transcripts to determine how much will transfer."
(Don't forget about NESA's offer to come out and interview people in Seattle if a they can get enough applicants to make it worth the trip. I have already heard from one student who is interested--let me know and I'll put you in touch.)
7/12/02
The teach-out is on!
I just received this from Terry Courtney at Bastyr:
"The teach-out for NIAOM students is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 15, 2002. We will begin with clinic rotations and students have been placed at the various NIAOM external clinic sites. Susan Kaetz is in the process of informing students regarding their clinic assignments. The NIAOM Fremont clinic is no longer available for clinic placement, so the external sites are all being utilized.
Classes are planned to start the week of July 22, 2002. The schedule is not yet complete. The goal this weekend is to finish the class schedule and then generate individual academic schedules for each student. We may only be able to finish summer quarter this weekend. If this is the case, then the remaining schedule will be finished as soon as possible.
There will be a general information session for teach-out students held at Bastyr on Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 1:00 pm in room 186 (come early and have lunch in the vegetarian cafeteria and take a walk in the beautiful herb garden behind the school!) This information session will provide students an opportunity to receive their academic plans, register for classes and clinic and also deal with financial aid. We ask that as many teach-out students attend as possible. We also know that some students will be on clinic shifts during this time and therefore will not be able to attend. If you absolutely cannot attend the Tuesday session, please send an email message to Terry Courtney, AOM Chair at <tcourtne@bastyr.edu>.
Thank you for your patience. The NIAOM administration--Steve Corbin, Susan Kaetz, Erin Pearson, Peter Hansen--have been working literally around the clock to try and complete their portion of the teach out program. We know that the wait to get information has been really difficult for you but please understand that everything possible has been done to get things completed. Please give one of these very weary administrators a big smile and hug next time you see them. They need it!"
Terry Courtney, AOM Chair, Bastyr University
NIAOM website and email addresses
As you may have already noticed, NIAOM's official website went down yesterday. It won't be back. Any email you sent on or after Thursday, July 11 to anyone with a niaom.edu address probably didn't get through. If you need to reach someone who used to work at NIAOM, I may have their personal email address, and I can either give it to you (if they've given permission) or forward your message to them. Please keep in mind, though, that these folks don't work there anymore, and there is only so much they can do for you now. It's not that your needs and questions aren't legitimate and reasonable--it's just that many of them are beyond anyone's ability to help you with now. We appreciate your understanding, and understand (and share) your frustration.
Fremont Clinic update
We're heard from Terry Courtney that Bastyr wasn't able to make a deal with the building management for the NIAOM's Fremont clinic space. As already reported, if you had signed up for a clinic shift there this summer, you will be hearing from Susan Kaetz or Erin Pearson about your other options for summer clinic. External clinics will begin Monday, July 15, as scheduled.
Good news on student loan discharge!
This is from Becky Thompson of EDFUND (note: she wrote this before plans for the teach-out and NIAOM's official closing date were final, so we can expect an update soon confirming anything that she talks about here as being conditional.):
"I know many of you are anxiously awaiting some answers from me about loan discharge. Although we still don't have a final decision I want to share with you what I do know. Please keep in mind that although I believe the following is what is going to happen, it is NOT final at this point. I will be sure to let you all know once it is.
The good news is that it looks like there is a good option for those of you wanting to pursue loan discharge. Although NIAOM will continue to operate for the purposes of students pursuing the teach-out, they will be treating the current location (701 N. 34th Street, Seattle) as a separate campus and giving it a separate closure date. That date is still to be determined, but it will probably be July 15, 2002. This closure date will apply to students that are not eligible for the teach-out through Bastyr and students that are eligible for teach-out but have declined the option.
If you plan on pursuing discharge in the immediate future here is what you need to do once a closure date is finalized:
- Carefully consider your options. To be eligible for discharge you really must believe that you will not be "benefiting" from credits earned at NIAOM now or in the future. This means you will not be transferring NIAOM credits to another school, obtaining a license because of course work done at NIAOM, etc.
- Obtain a discharge application. (If you need one, just send me your address and I will mail you one.)
- Complete it.
Those of you that will be enrolling at another school in the near future, but are eligible for discharge because you will not be transferring in any NIAOM credits, should attach a letter of documentation from your new school that indicates that you are not transferring NIAOM credits. This will speed up the process.
- Mail it to your lender (not before the closure becomes official!)
If you don't know who your lender is you can go to <http://www.nslds.ed.gov/> and click on "Financial Aid Review." You will need a Federal PIN to access the information--the site gives clear instructions on how to apply for a PIN if you don't have one already.
You can also go to <http://www.SallieMae.com>, as most of you borrowed through Sallie Mae while attending NIAOM. For Sallie Mae loans your discharge applications should be mailed to:
Sallie Mae
P.O. Box 9500
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773-9500
Their phone number is 1-888-2Sallie.
Keep in mind that your lender may not be able to process your application immediately as they need to receive official notification from the Department of Education about the closure. This sometimes takes time. Once the lender reviews it will be forwarded to the guarantor (probably EDFUND or NELA). The guarantor will review and make a decision. Lenders and guarantors may request additional documentation.
- Call your lender or me if you have any questions. In the meantime it is important to read every piece of mail you get from your lenders, some of them might start sending you payment information. You will want to be sure they know that you have applied for a discharge. Those of you that will be continuing your education as at least a half time student will want to be sure your lender knows where you are attending.
Please note that there is NOT a 90-day time frame in which you have to apply for discharge. If you need time to consider a decision take it, but also be aware that the sooner the better as you don't want to wait until you are close to beginning repayment. If you do wait that long you may need to begin making payments or other arrangements with your lender. The other piece of advice I have for you is to keep anything that would be useful in proving your attendance at NIAOM. For example, do you have a paper/exam/email from an instructor that is dated? Although I believe that this closure is very straightforward and you probably won't need such documentation, it never hurts to have it.
Finally you may want to check out the Department of Education's web site on school closures. You can find it at <http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students/closedschool/index.html>.
As always, if you have additional questions or need more information do not hesitate to contact me. I will be in touch as soon as I receive word that the agreement is final."
Sincerely,
--BeckyBecky Thompson
EDFUND
2522 N. Proctor, PMB 38
Tacoma, WA 98406
Voice - 253.759.0832
Toll Free - 866.523.1583
Fax - 253.759.4170
Still more transfer options
This is from Liz Artola:
"I received a call from the folks at the Wu Hsing Tao School (a 5 element school) that is located in Madison Valley in Seattle.
Dirk Hine called and let me know that he would be willing to speak with first and second year students individually about the possibility of transferring to his school. His number is (206) 324-4097. Their website is at <http://www.wuhsing.org>. Unfortunately, he is not able to help those who have one year or less of school credits to complete. The school is not currently accredited (but trying to apply) so this is important for those of us who may not be staying in the area to know before applying there."
----------
I received this email today:
"I am currently the Director of Admissions at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We have been watching the developments at your school as they have unfolded and would like to assist you and your classmates in any way possible. We have a strong Acupuncture program and a strong Oriental medicine program on our campus. Our program is fully accredited and is the only institution in Minnesota offering a master's degree in Oriental Medicine and a Master's degree in Acupuncture that is accredited by a United States based agency.
In an effort to provide support and resources to you and your classmates, we are planning on bringing a delegation of faculty and staff to Seattle next week to potentially meet and to discuss the transferability of your course work and to share information about our program."
Regards
Bill Kuehl
Director of Admissions
Northwestern Health Sciences University
bkuehl@nwhealth.edu
http://www.nwhealth.edu/edprogr/mcaom.html
(I've asked for more details on their visit to Seattle and will post them here when I know them.)
Yet more on apprenticeship
This is from Billie Schreiner:
"I checked into this a year or so ago because I was moving up from California where I am already licensed. I was told yes, apprenticeship works but there were no acupuncturists in Seattle who had become licensed to apprentice. The possibility of apprenticing if you can find someone to do it was written in the state handbook. Call Olympia. Good luck."
More on loan discharge
I just received this from Becky Thompson at Edfund:
"Finally the final update.........
The teach-out agreement as well as the discharge details were finalized late today. The discharge process will work as I described in the email I sent yesterday [see above].
It is my understanding that either NIAOM or Bastyr staff will be contacting you all this weekend, if they haven't already with the details of the teach-out.
I am currently out of town but because I know that some of you need to make a decision before Monday and might have a question that needs answering before then please leave me a message on my voice mail and I will return your call as soon as I can on Sunday. (Probably late afternoon.) I will also check my email Saturday night if you want to send me questions that way.
Although I wish the circumstances were different, it has been my pleasure working with each one of you. I wish you much success in your future endeavors."
Sincerely,
-BeckyBecky Thompson
EDFUND
253.759.0832 - Voice
866.523.1583 - Toll Free
253.759.4170 - Fax
(And THANK YOU, Becky, for all your support, and the late hours and weekend time you're putting in to assist NIAOM students!!)
7/16/02
A memorial gathering for NIAOM
We have a location and a date for a memorial gathering. We've reserved a space at Gasworks Park (with shelter in case it rains) for Friday evening, August 16 (exact time to be announced later). The ideas we have so far are to gather in front of NIAOM's old building and decorate the Waiting for the Interurban statues out on the corner. Then we'll circle the building and walk down to the park (Lesli Dalaba has some musician friends who will lead a New Orleans-style Dixieland funeral procession, and if you have an instrument, please bring it and join in!) What happens there is yet to be determined--sharing memories, burning lab coats, drumming, dancing, rituals...??? What else do you want to see happen? What else could help us to honor NIAOM's spirit, and bring us all closer to finding healing, closure, and an enduring connection to all that was good there?
If you have ideas, or you'd like to help with logistics--setup, food and beverage, donations, getting the word out, etc.--please email <deleted>.
Did you leave a book at NIAOM?
"I was helping out on Sunday cleaning up NIAOM. I found a book in Kathleen's mail box for the staff, but I have forgotten her surname (I think it began with a K). Would you have any ideas or could you post the name of the book I have found on the website to see if we can find its owner.
The book is called;
Healing Design
By Hope Karan GerechtThanks
Allison Smith"(If the book is yours, email <deleted> and I'll put you in touch with Allison)
Yet more transfer options
This is an update from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minneapolis:
"Thank you for your quick response to my email. We are planning to come to Seattle and bring along a delegation including faculty, a current student and staff from both the Office of Admissions and the department of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine that will be able to assist any displaced NIAOM students by sharing information about Northwestern Health Sciences University.
We will be arriving in Seattle on Thursday morning [July 18] and will be returning back to Minneapolis on Saturday morning [July 20]. We are reserving a conference room in the Downtown Holiday Inn Express at 226 Aurora Ave N. in Seattle.
We are prepared to sit down one-on-one with any student who is interested in meeting to discuss: Course transfer, admissions process and procedure, curriculum, relocation, area housing options, financial aid or any other question or concern that they might have in transferring to our University.
Northwestern staff and faculty will be available to meet with students on Thursday, July 18 from 7:00-9:00 pm and again on Friday, July 19th from 9:00-5:00 pm. Again we are reserving a conference room in the Downtown Holiday Inn Express at 226 Aurora Ave N in Seattle.
In addition, we have added to our summer event schedule one addition Acupuncture and Oriental medicine Career and Curriculum Preparatory. It is scheduled on Saturday, August 3 from 9:00-4:30 pm. It will provide students from NIAOM the opportunity to meet our faculty, visit and tour the campus and to learn about our classroom teaching style.
Northwestern attaches great importance to this unique preparatory program in positioning students for success in our acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs. For that reason, and in recognition of the commitment prospective students demonstrate by participating in the preparatory, Northwestern will award either a $500 first-term tuition grant or reimbursement of travel and lodging expenses up to $500. Both awards are made contingent upon application to Northwestern.
In addition, we will be providing relocation reimbursements to NIAOM students in an amount up to $1000 for relocation expenses. This is not given as a tuition credit, but rather as a cash reimbursement when the student matriculates into our program. (Actual relocations receipts will be required to receive the reimbursement from Northwestern Health
Sciences University.) The relocation expense reimbursement includes the cost for:
- Gas and lodging at the time of the move;
- Moving expenses - including moving truck, boxes, tape, etc;
- Security deposit and background check for an apartment; and
- Utility and phone hook-up.
We will also waive the $50 application fee for any NIAOM student applying to our acupuncture or Oriental medicine program for Fall 2002 or Winter 2003"
Bill Kuehl
Director of Admissions
Northwestern Health Sciences University
bkuehl@nwhealth.edu
http://www.nwhealth.edu/edprogr/mcaom.html----------
This is from Kassandra Cruit-Salzberg
"Hi I've been reading our unofficial info (I'm a 3rd year herb student) and I just wanted to point out (not to insult the Minneapolis MN school), but i was in MN last week and there is actually another school in St Paul, American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine <http://www.aaaom.org/> that just received their accreditation a year ago and were approved to offer a master's degree by the state last week.
They are slightly smaller definitely newer and are very TCM (i.e. all students do herbs and acupuncture - there is no acupuncture only program). But they were very helpful and willing to accommodate transfer credits, so they are another option to keep in mind."
Good luck"
[NOTE: This school actually has candidacy status with ACAOM, which is the step before full accreditation. They can't be fully accredited until they've graduated a class of master's degree students. As with any school, before you make any decisions about enrolling there, make sure you understand their accreditation status (present and anticipated), and how this will impact financial aid, licensing in states besides the one where they're located, transferability of their courses, student visa status if you're an international student, etc.]
----------
Another message from Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine:
"Just another reminder that we are more than welcome to answer any questions NIAOM students may have regarding transferring to our school. So far we have 3-5 students who are planning to visit our school within the next two weeks.
We recently evaluated a NIAOM student's coursework and nearly all the coursework completed transferred to our school.
Our program is fully accredited, we offer financial aid and we place no restrictions on transfer students. Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine was ranked one of the TOP 3 schools (out of all the TCM schools in the country) by Traditional Chinese Medicine World in their latest survey. Our school is nationally ranked, transfer friendly, low cost, financially stable and located in a great city: Austin, TX.
We are more than glad to travel to Seattle to provide information to your students.
Thanks"Caesar Andreas
Admissions Coordinator
1-800-252-5088
http://www.TexasTCM.edu
texastcm@texastcm.edu
7/18/02
NIAOM could use your help, one last time
Cindy Micleu is organizing a work party to do some final clean-up and hauling away trash at NIAOM's old space. Just about everything is gone, but there are still some papers and miscellaneous junk that need to be carted away. We'd like to leave the space in as honorable a manner as we're able, but to do this, we could use some help.
Cindy is asking for people to to come in this Sunday, July 21 at 10:00 am. She thinks that, if she can get fifteen people who can pitch in, the work shouldn't take more than an hour or so. Someone with a truck to haul away trash would be especially helpful. If you can assist, please call Cindy at (206) 781-2253 so she'll know how many people to expect. Thanks much!
Textbook information for the teach-out
From Asha Novak:
"Hi Mary, I wonder if it is possible for you to post the name of a textbook, that is needed for a class, on the unofficial website so that students can order it for themselves"
The summer class is Classics I. I have checked with Dr. Su and this is the correct textbook. The book is "Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage), translation and commentarie" by Craig Mitchell and Feng Ye. 746 pages, $79.95, It is currently being reprinted and will be available for shipment directly from Redwing Books (1-800-873-3946) at the end of this month.
I checked with Bastyr. They do not have any in stock and will not order any for the summer."
Another transfer option
From Kathryn Heller:
"I have spoken with Debbie Sigfusson, Administrator for the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences (ACOS) located in Nelson, British Columbia (north of the tip of Idaho). They are looking for an instructor.
They have also spoken with a few of our students, have looked at NIAOM's curriculum and can assure a very easy transition into their program, as long as the student can finance him or herself (no financial aid). They have about 90 students and 15 faculty.
(my note) The exchange rate is very favorable for US people.
Their toll-free number is (888) 333-8868 for those who are interested in either the teaching position or in considering attending.
Their website is http://www.acos.org if you want to take a look."
No update yet on transcripts
I've heard from several people wanting to know how to get NIAOM transcripts now that the school is closed. Bastyr has all of NIAOM's student records now, and they will be issuing NIAOM transcripts in the future. As far as the details--who to contact at Bastyr, when they'll be ready to start filling transcript requests, what fee they'll charge, etc.--I've emailed them to ask, but haven't yet had a response. My guess is that, because this all happened so fast (NIAOM's closing, the transfer of student records, the teach-out, the influx of transfer students), they've been temporarily overwhelmed. They've been working furiously on getting the teach-out worked out and ready to begin, and there probably hasn't been much time for anything else. I'm hoping to hear something soon, and will post it here as soon as I do.
7/19/02
Referral book available
From Adam Jackson:
"Could you post on the transition site that the referral book that I was putting together for the NIAOM clinic is available for any student or graduate who wants it? It is a fairly comprehensive list of naturopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists, etc. in the Seattle area. Most of the folks on the list are referrals used by NIAOM faculty or clinic supervisors (with a few from students as well).
Folks can email me at adam@lovetopaint.com, and I can send it to then as a tab-delimited text file."
7/25/02
Transcript update from Bastyr
From Chris Masterson, Bastyr's Registrar:
"Former NIAOM students can request their transcript by writing a letter or using the transcript request form available on the website at <http://www.bastyr.edu/alumni/transcriptform.asp> [you'll need to print out the form, fill it out, and mail it in]. The request should include their name, address and daytime phone number, they should state they're a former NIAOM student, where they'd like the transcript sent, and the $5 transcript fee. They can begin sending transcript requests immediately. All requests should be sent to
Aracelly Salazar
Associate Registrar
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Dr. N.E.
Kenmore,WA 98028-4966We have a large backlog of NIAOM transcript requests that need to be processed. So, if you could request patience of those waiting, it would be wonderful. As you can imagine, this closure has created a significant staffing burden in relation to transfer and teach-out, and the deadline for everything seems to be yesterday. So, we know the requests are there and we're processing them as quickly as we can."
Chris Masterson
Registrar
Bastyr University
(425) 602-3015
(425) 602-3090 (fax)
cmasters@bastyr.edu
7/27/02
Hui's herbal pharmacy is still available!
This is from Chih-Hui Chung:
"Could you also post it on the informal NIAOM web site that Hui welcomes NIAOM community to use her granule pharmacy for themselves or their patients. It will be NIAOM style with same benefit, and people can make formulas themselves or have formulas made to go. Telephone / Fax is 206-706-1611. Address is 1715 N.W. Market Street, Seattle, 98107. Hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am -12:00 noon for now, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays from August 12 to August 23 due to out-of-state visitors. Please call if any one wants to come in on other times."
Planning meeting for the wake
A few of us are getting together this Monday, July 27 at 6:00 pm to make plans for NIAOM's memorial gathering, which is scheduled for Friday evening, August 16. We're going to meet at Still Life in Fremont, 709 N. 35th Street. Please come and give us your ideas if you like, or email them to me at <deleted>. Check back here next week for more details about what we've planned.
Want to be notified when this site is updated?
I'm trying something new with this site. ChangeDetection.com is a free service that will monitor a website for you and notify you with an email every time it's updated. They say that they do not sell your email address to spammers (they do ask if you want to opt in for receiving other mailings, but you can choose not to). If you don't always remember to check this site regularly, it could be a good way to make sure you don't miss any new announcements or information posted here. It's easy to sign up--just <deleted> and fill in your email address in the box provided, click OK, and follow the instructions from there.
I haven't used their service before on any of my web pages, so I'd appreciate feedback on it, pro or con, if you have any to share.
7/30/02
Announcing a Wake for NIAOM
To all former NIAOM students, faculty, staff, alumni, patients, friends and relations--
Please come and join in a wake to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of our late, great school!
Where: Lovely Fremont, Center of the Universe
When: Friday, August 16, Rain or Shine!
5:30 pm decorate the "Waiting for the Interurban" statues at Fremont Avenue and N. 34th Street, in front of NIAOM's former building 6:00 pm funeral procession leaves Fremont Avenue and N. 34th Street and walks to Gasworks Park 7:00 pm (-ish) gather at Gas Works Park for remembrances, burning the sacrificial lab coat, and of course, food, frolic and fun Here's the plan: Anyone who wants to help can show up around 5:30 pm and decorate the "Waiting for the Interurban" statues. Bring any decorations you feel are appropriate (paper lanterns, Origami cranes, lab coats, or ???). We will have a banner to hang on the front of the statues in memory of NIAOM.
Then, at 6:00 pm, we'll form a symbolic funeral procession and walk down the Burke-Gilman Trail to Gas Works Park (about 0.7 mile). We have musicians to lead us (a 7-piece brass band featuring local musician extraordinaire Craig Flory at the helm!), but we can always use more--so if you have drums or other instruments, please bring them and join in the music-making. If you don't have an instrument, we'll provide kazoos!
We'll arrive at the park by 6:45 or 7:00 pm (anyone who doesn't want to do the procession can meet us there). We'll spend some time eating, playing games, and hanging out with old friends. Then, as the sun goes down, we'll gather on the grass and observe a moment of silence. There will be time for sharing your thoughts and memories, if you like. We will end the ceremony by burning some symbols of what we've lost, and what we hope for the future. You're invited to bring your contributions for the flames (please, nothing too large, toxic or difficult to burn!)
Things you may want to bring (all optional):
- decorations for "Waiting for the Interurban"
- drums and musical instruments
- flowers from your garden
- lawn chairs and picnic blankets
- camping lanterns (battery, propane, etc.)
- kites, Frisbees, and badminton, croquet, and other games
- appetizers, salads, beverages (please no alcohol--the park doesn't permit it) and desserts to share (we will proved entrees, plates and utensils)
If you want to drop things off at the park before the procession, Hui will be there from 5:00 pm to keep an eye on them for you. We've reserved one of the shelters southeast of the parking lot, on the north end of the Play Barn. If anyone wants to carpool to/from, <deleted> and we'll try to help you hook up.
This is only a general outline--feel free to embellish, improvise, and improve on these plans in the spirit of remembering NIAOM. If you have ideas you'd like to share, email us, or come to the next planning meeting on Monday, August 5 at 6 pm at Still Life in Fremont (709 N. 35th Street).
We don't have addresses for everyone, so please, help spread the word to other NIAOM refugees!
Take care, and see you soon!
Yet more from Northwestern Health Sciences University
From Bill Kuehl, Director of Admissions:
"I want to thank all of the NIAOM students that stopped in to speak with us about Northwestern Health Sciences University's acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs last week in Seattle. During our meetings with students, we were able to confirm that our transfer matrix was very accurate. We believe that nearly every NIAOM course will transfer into our program. NIAOM students should not feel that they have lost any ground in their progress toward their degree.
If anyone is interested in transferring for the fall 2002 trimester, our application deadline is August 23,2002. Classes begin on September 9th. We are also currently accepting applications for the winter 2003 enrollment period. Our $1000 relocation reimbursement,mentioned in a previous web-posting, is effective for either fall or winter enrollment.
If you are interested in seeing how your transcript would be reviewed for transfer, please send a copy of your transcript to:
Bill Kuehl
Director of Admissions
Northwestern Health Sciences University
2501 W. 84th St.
Bloomington, MN 55406.Please include your name, address where we can send the transfer evaluation results and a phone number or email address in the event we have any questions about your transcript.
In addition, we have added one more Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine Curriculum Preparatory for Saturday, August 3 from 9-4:30 pm.
Northwestern attaches great importance to this unique preparatory program in positioning students for success in our programs. For that reason, and in recognition of the commitment students demonstrate by participating in the preparatory, Northwestern will award either a $500 first-term tuition grant or reimbursement of travel and lodging expenses up to $500. Both awards are made contingent upon application to Northwestern.
I encourage you to use this opportunity to come and explore our campus. Tour the facilities, meet the faculty, and get answers to your questions.
You can register online to attend the Preparatory at http://www.nwhealth.edu/admit/events/register.html
Thanks again for your assistance in sharing this information with NIAOM students."
Cordially,
Bill Kuehl
Director of Admissions
Northwestern Health Sciences University
bkuehl@nwhealth.edu
8/1/02
Fill-in help needed at Aberdeen clinic
I've been trying to keep things posted on this website related to NIAOM's closing in some way, but this seems like it's worth making an exception. It could be a big help to this NIAOM graduate, and perhaps to you, if you're a licensed practitioner who has the time and can use the income.
This is from Fran May:
"Are you aware of any Vacation Relief people available to give a person a break from practice, or if an emergency arises, anyone who could come and cover a practice for short or long term? My husband has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Hawaii (where he is stationed active duty Navy) and I had to just drop everything last week and fly there. My practice had to close because no-one would come from Olympia even for a 1/2 day. This was very frustrating. I was able to convince his command to allow him to come home here to Ocean Shores with me till Aug 13 when he has to return there to Hawaii for a pre-surgical evaluation to repair his jigsaw puzzle shoulder. I need to go with him to this, making it necessary for me to once again close my practice for several days, if not more if he has surgery. I feel badly for my clients who cannot receive care during this time. If you know of anyone who would come to Aberdeen and work for 50% of the receipts, please tell them to call me at (360) 533-7960 office or (360) 289-4059 home, or e-mail me at <drsnooky@yahoo.com>. I can give them details. I have a receptionist who takes care of scheduling, collections, and billing. I see between 30-40/wk on a 4 day schedule of tues and thurs from 2-6, and wed and fri from 9-6 with lunch from 12-2. Anyway, I need help out here, and if anyone you know could lend me and mine a hand, it would be greatly appreciated. Even just Wed and Fri would help so so much. When you have a chance, let me know your thoughts. Thanks"
Dr. Fran May
8/10/02
Volunteers needed (and more stuff about the wake)
We could use a few volunteers to do some errands on the day of NIAOM's wake (Friday, August 16). We have some donations of refreshments that need to be picked up (mainly in the North End) and brought to Gas Works Park. We could also use a few people to help set up at the park, receive things that people are dropping off, and have it all ready when the funeral procession arrives. If you can help with any of this, please call Lesli Dalaba at (206) 632-0283.
Also--if anybody has a badminton set, or a croquet set, can you please bring them (after all, what's a wake without croquet??) And if you don't have a musical instrument for the procession, bring anything that makes noise--and old pot and a spoon will do!
If you're bringing food for the potluck, please bring serving utensils if they're needed. We'll provide plates, cups, flatware, and napkins. We want to make sure that everybody knows that bring food is most appreciated, but OPTIONAL, especially if you're a former student or an employee who is now out of a job. If you've already been through enough trouble and expense this summer, it's time for those of us who are better able to treat!
We're trying to get the word out to everyone who might want to come to the wake, or at least to know that it's happening. We know that our email list is far from complete, especially for alumni. We scraped together donations for printing and postage and mailed postcards to the partial list of alumni we have, but we know we're still missing a lot of people. If you know any members of the NIAOM community--students, faculty, staff, alumni, or patients, recent or long-past--who might not have heard about the wake, please take a minute to let them know.
Your friends and family are most welcome at the wake as well!
We've gotten some good ideas from some of you about what the wake should include, and address (for example, some folks who are in the teach-out, and who will be NIAOM students for another year, reminded us that while NIAOM as we knew it is gone, for them it goes on in that fashion!) We'd still like to hear from you if you have more to say. Email us, or come to the final planning committee before the wake on Monday, August 12 at 6 pm at Still Life in Fremont (709 N. 35th Street).
Take care, and hope to see you next Friday!
Update on the Acupuncture Detox class
This is from Rachel Diaz:
"Could you please update folks that the National Detoxification Acupuncture Association class is still scheduled to run on August 22, 23, 24, and 25. This is the didactic portion on the NADA certification requirement. The class will run at Evergreen Treatment Services and will allow students to experience a drug treatment clinic in action.
Cost is $270 for students and $330 for L.Ac.'s.
The didactic course will not give you NIAOM credit but does lead to NADA certification.
Students can also do their clinical hours at Evergreen Treatment Services which is also a NIAOM approved clinic. Students may do hours simultaneously, hours for NADA and needed clinic shift hours.
If you are interested, please call Rachel Diaz, L.Ac. at (206) 223-1373, x 450.Leave a mailing address and you will be sent information."
8/21/02
NIAOM remembered
The wake last Friday was wonderful! We began the evening by decorating the Waiting for the Interurban statues out in front of NIAOM's last location. Then, led by a some fine local musicians in the tradition of a New Orleans Dixieland funeral, we made a procession down the Burke-Gilman Trail, carrying a coffin to represent our late, great school. Once we arrived at the park, there was time for socializing and a potluck dinner. We ended the evening with a ritual featuring the ceremonial burning of a lab coat, along with our written messages of hope, NSF NIAOM paychecks, and other mementos and symbols of our wishes for the future. It was good to see people, and reconnect, and acknowledge what we've lost, and what we'll never lose. You can see photos of the festivities. Many thanks to everyone who helped out!
NIAOM Class of 2003
We can't forget that NIAOM will have one more graduating class. Students who are doing the teach-out at Bastyr are still officially NIAOM students, and they will graduate next June with NIAOM degrees. Many of us have talked about how we need to make sure they aren't forgotten, and that we celebrate their graduation appropriately. If you're going to be a 2003 graduate, or if you just want to be included or to help plan the graduation bash, make sure you keep us updated with your current email address (send changes to <deleted>). Or, keep checking this website for updates as the end of the school year approaches.
Acutonics Level One class has been rescheduled
This is from Paul and Jude Ponton:
"When NIAOM closed most of the continuing education classes for summer were also canceled, as Bastyr did not think there was time to get notice out regarding date and place changes. We would like to announce the rescheduling of the Acutonics Level One classes for September so that students who were planning to take the class will have an opportunity to do so. It has been rescheduled for September 20, 21 and 22 at New Seattle Massage. Students can register by calling our office, Mukilteo Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center, at (425) 355-3433. We can register them over the phone or they can request a registration flyer be mailed to them. They can also request registration by e-mail at <pauljude@gte.net>."
8/27/02
Acupuncture Today reports on NIAOM's closing
An article on NIAOM's closing appears in the September 2002 issue of Acupuncture Today. You can also read the full text of the article on their website at <http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2002/sep/09northwest.html>.
NIAOM's continuing education program lives on
This is from Diane Kerner:
"NIAOM's continuing education program is still up and running just as it was, only it is now at Bastyr. The number to call for the quarterly catalog is (425) 602-3075. Anyone who was getting the catalog from NIAOM is still getting it. So , the acupuncture community continues to have this resource."
9/16/02
Northwestern Health Sciences University comes back to Seattle
I received this today from Susan J. Weldy, Admissions Counselor at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota:
"We're planning another visit to Seattle to talk with anyone who may be interested in looking at us as an option for completion of their program. We will meet with students at the Holiday Inn (same as before) on Monday, October 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and on Tuesday, October 8 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am."
You can contact Ms. Weldy at <sweldy@nwhealth.edu> or visit Northwestern Health Sciences University's website at <http://www.nwhealth.edu/edprogr/mcaom.html>. They are the school that is offering assistance with relocation expenses to former NIAOM students who enroll there by Winter term 2003.
Another place to get inexpensive acupuncture treatments
This is from recent NIAOM graduate Bart Walton:
"I am offering treatments for $20.00 to NIAOM students and staff. Since the clinic is closed, this may be the next best deal for a treatment in the area. Feel free to post it if you feel so inclined. regards, BW"
You can contact Bart at <bartonwa@hotmail.com>.
1/23/03
Tax information for former NIAOM employees
If you were on the NIAOM payroll in 2002, you're probably wondering if you're going to get a W-2 form to file with your income taxes. According to Garrison Bromwell, the forms have been requested from the company that handled NIAOM's payroll, and he will have them in the mail to you as soon as he gets them--probably sometime next week.
If you are a former employee who has a different mailing address from what you had on file when NIAOM closed, please email it to Garrison asap so he can get the form to the right place.
1/30/03
W-2 forms are in the mail
NIAOM employees' W-2 forms went in the mail today. If you haven't received yours in a couple of weeks, email us with your correct address, and we'll do our best to help.
2/19/03
The date for the final graduation of NIAOM students will be June 14, 2003. Please save the date to join us in an event worthy of the spirit of NIAOM. More information about the event and how you can be of support will be posted soon.
3/1/03
Now you, too, can have the latest in not-dead-yet school spiritwear...a NIAOM shirt with the (un-)official Teach Out Logo! There will also be another t-shirt, with a less subversive theme, coming out soon. All of the proceeds ($5.00 per shirt) will go to help pay for NIAOM's final graduation, so buy lots. Don't you need one in red? Wouldn't Mom just love one for Mother's Day?
So what are you waiting for? Get busy shopping!!
4/22/03
(from a letter from the NIAOM Class of 2003 Graduation Committee)
"Greetings from the last graduating class of the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The past seven months have tested our endurance and conviction to enter the field of Chinese Medicine, but the end is in sight! In three months, we will celebrate our graduation. Sadly, this event will mark the end of the educational mission of NIAOM.
We would like our graduation to be worthy of the spirit of the NIAOM community. We were writing to you because you are a part of the heart of our late, great school. While Bastyr University came to our aid to help us finish our education by sponsoring a "teach-out," there is no institution that we can turn to for support in creating a memorable graduation. All we have are you and the rest of the NIAOM community.
We are doing our best to minimize expenses. The largest costs include the rental of the event space, some food, a mailing, and the music entertainment. It is our goal that the graduates will not have to purchase tickets, as it has been a financially taxing year for all of us. tuition alone increased by more than 54 percent!
Here is how you can help:
- Make a tax-deductible contribution. Your contribution will be acknowledged in the graduation program.
- Volunteer to help with communication, fund-raising, or graduation set-up.
- Cook for the graduation reception.
- Bake some tasty items for our bake sales at Bastyr or come sit at the table to sell items.
- Donate an item or service for a raffle.
- Buy a t-shirt or sweatshirt. We receive a portion of these sales.
- Help with designing the programs and the invitations for graduation.
- Mark the day of graduation on your calendar and come help us celebrate: June 14, 2003.
Our best to you in the Year of the Sheep,
Teri Manley-Cozzie
Avigail van den Hof
Graduation Co-Coordinators"
Mail donations and orders for graduation tickets ($25.00 each) to:
NIAOM Class of 2003
c/o Peter Hanson, Associate Registrar
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Dr. N.E.
Kenmore, WA 98028-4966Make checks payable to "Class of 2003."
Contact the graduation planning committee at <NIAOMgraduation@hotmail.com>.
6/16/03
NIAOM graduate starts online journal
(from a message from Cory Trusty)
I let you and the graduating class know about the free online Chinese Medicine Journal I just started, the International Chinese Medicine Journal of Daytona. The focus of the journal is the natural history of Chinese medicine and includes topics such as comparative medical history, ethnobotany, philosophy, Chinese medical history, nutrition, pharmacognosy, etc. If you have trouble accessing the site from a library, try your home computer. I have found that many libraries using Micro$oft software censor all kinds of sites, especially anything about the free software Linux, (which I use to host and create the site).
NIAOM alumni and former faculty are also invited to send their practice contact info so that I can post their contact information for free on the
NIAOM alumni page. Also, for those who are interested I have started an Chinese Medicine discussion forum, which should be useful for discussing cases, etc. I would appreciate it if you would help get the information out about the site.Please send my best regards and congratulations to all those who hung in there for the teach out.
You are welcome to contact me if you have any questions about the project.
Sincerely,
Cory Trusty
NIAOM graduates its final class
Persistence will grind an iron rod down to a needle
--Chinese proverb
On Saturday evening, June 14, the NIAOM community gathered to celebrated the graduation of theNIAOM Class of 2003. Fifty-one students who participated in the teach-out received their degrees--twenty the M.T.C.M., and thirty-one the M.Ac.
With this ceremony, NIAOM will cease to exist as a corporate entity. But as some of the speakers observed Saturday night, it lives on in the healing work of its graduates, and in the ethic of caring shared by so many of those involved with NIAOM over the years. In that sense, NIAOM will never go away.
And with graduation, it seems that the purpose of this website has run its course. I'll be leaving it up for a while as kind of a historic document, but I don't plan to do any more updates. It's time to move on. I hope that people have found the site helpful in this year of transition and transformation. I wish you the best of luck on whatever paths life takes you down from here.
3/15/09
There is now a NIAOM group on Facebook where former students, staff and faculty are reconnecting. Come and join us!
Take care, and have a nice life!