Dongguk–Royal University

Angeles, California merged with Dongguk University and officially changed its name to Dongguk–Royal University (DRU). This merger is the first of its type in the world—no other Korean university has ever acquired a foreign university or college. For Dongguk University, the merger marks a historic milestone in its efforts to diversify and internationalize its academic programs and research facilities. DRU will continue to focus on the study of Oriental medicine. However, its curriculum has been significantly upgraded in line with Dongguk University’s emphasis on modernizing Oriental medical practices and integrating Western and Oriental schools of medicine. DRU’s academic program leads to a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. The nationally accredited and state-authorized Master’s program is offered in three languages: Korean, English and Chinese, providing unprecedented opportunities for American, Korean and Chinese students interested in studying the art of Oriental medicine and acupuncture. DRU is home to the School of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture and to the Oriental Medical Center (OMC). The School of Oriental Medicine offers a 4-year course of study leading to a Master of Science Degree in Oriental Medicine. The Master of Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NASCAOM); it is also authorized and approved by the State of California Education Code and by the Medical Board of California’s Acupuncture Committee. DRU is a standing member of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Successful completion of DRU’s Master of Science in Oriental Medicine program qualifies graduates to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination, which consists of written and practical portions. Graduates who pass both portions of the licensing examination receive the title ‘LAc’ (Licensed Acupuncturist) and are licensed by the State of California to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the State. DRU is approved by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service for attendance by non-immigrant foreign students. That simplifies visa paperwork for foreign students wishing to enter the program. Foreign students need only provide: (i) official transcript evaluations (professionally translated and evaluated for degree equivalency); (ii) a certificate of account balance; and (iii) all 1–20 form(s) issued by US schools previously attended, if any. Further facilitating attendance by foreign students is the fact that the Master’s program is offered in three languages—Korean, Chinese and English. One of the aims of DRU is to provide students with a multi-cultural, international environment that will enrich their educational experience by exposing them to new viewpoints and ideas. While instruction is offered in Korean and Chinese as well as in English, all students are encouraged to develop English proficiency in order to further their scholastic and communications skills. The Master of Science program is intense and generally requires 1690 h of classroom instruction and 810 h of clinical internship. The curriculum is divided into the following major areas of study: Western Sciences Requirement (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology); Western Medicine (620 h required); Oriental Medicine (710 h required); Herbology (300 h required); Ethics and Management (60 h required); and Clinical Internships (810 h required). The above areas include classroom instruction and clinical practice in ‘Pharmacology, Acupuncture and Tui-na (traditional Chinese massage therapy)’. While the program typically takes 48 months (4 years) to complete, matriculating students with a premed background who satisfy the Western Science requirements may qualify for an accelerated, 36 month program. Students have the option of satisfying up to 200 of their required 950 clinical internship hours through ‘externships’ at any of a host of private medical clinics owned and operated by eCAM 2004;1(3)335–336 doi:10.1093/ecam/neh049