Acupuncture Institute Mission and Educational Objectives

The mission of the University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute is to offer a comprehensive education that prepares qualified candidates to become successful licensed acupuncturists. The University of Bridgeport Master of Science in Acupuncture degree program is an integrated unit of the University of Bridgeport, a private, non-sectarian, comprehensive university. The program seeks to advance the discipline of oriental medical acupuncture through educational, clinical and scholarly activities. The program educates its students to be productive, caring and responsible citizens, and skilled healthcare professionals. By providing an outstanding professional education, the program will produce graduates with a high level of clinical skills who have the commitment and judgment necessary to act in the service of others.

The objectives of the Acupuncture Institute are to train and educate acupuncture students who prior to graduation:

1. Demonstrate competency in utilizing the four examinations to identify Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses
2. Master TCM acupuncture and moxibustion techniques
3. Discriminate between modern and classical Asian treatment strategies in the care of individual patients
4. Adapt diagnosis and treatment strategies as needed for diverse patient populations
5. Analyze the conventional medical diagnoses and utilize conventional diagnostic tools in order to comprehend the severity and prognosis of each case, inform the OM diagnosis, and make timely referrals when appropriate.
6. Evaluate patient care from biomedical, pharmacological and Asian perspective in order to understand the medical context in which patients present and make appropriate treatment, consultation and referral decisions in integrative care settings as part of a collaborative health care team.
7. Value patients' dignity and confidentiality 

University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute institutional goals are to:

1. Offer a comprehensive graduate-level education that trains future graduates in a broad range of TCM knowledge, competencies and skills so that we achieve our Mission and educational objectives
2. Administer a professional and affordable treatment clinic that:
   1. Serves the local community; and
   2. Instructs student interns in the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in a diverse population
3. Conduct outreach clinics to:
   1. Support the profession of acupuncture through community service; and
   2. Train students in integrative care settings;
4. Preserve and further the understanding of human health and the art of Asian medicine.
5. Produce graduates who can meet state and national licensure requirements