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February 1, 2010
AOMA announces new campus location
Enrollment growth, alternative medicine trends driving expansion
Note: Media are invited to a brief event at the new campus Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. Speakers, who will also be available for interviews, include AOMA President Dr. William Morris , AOMA Board Member Betty Edmond, and Seton Vice President James Davis. Qi gong and acupuncture demonstrations will be given, and drawings and plans for the new campus will be on display.
“Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are increasingly recognized as important components in American healthcare, ” says Dr. William Morris , president of AOMA. “With our internationally renowned faculty, demonstrated student success, and a new campus designed to provide excellence in every aspect of teaching, learning and student life and support, we are positioned for national leadership.”
A primary benefit of the new campus, Morris says, is that its master plan is designed to meet the specific needs of AOMA’s growing student population. Continued growth is expected because of the college’s new status as the first and only stand-alone, single-degree granting school of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the nation to be regionally accredited. AOMA became accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in December, 2009.
AOMA offers a masters level graduate program in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, preparing its students to be skilled, professional practitioners. SACS accreditation signifies that AOMA has a mission appropriate to graduate education; resources, programs and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain the college’s mission; clearly specified educational objectives in line with the degree offered and proven success in achieving its stated objectives.
Since its founding in 1993 AOMA has grown rapidly in size and reputation, drawing students from around the nation and faculty from around the world. Current student enrollment is 204, and the school has more licensed graduates than any other acupuncture and Chinese medicine school in Texas , 000 patient visits annually in its student intern and professional clinics.
The use of acupuncture is on the rise in the United States , 000 adults between 1997 and 2007. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), approximately 3.1 million adults in the United States , a 47 percent increase from the 2002 NHIS estimate. The increases are related to increasing evidence for acupuncture in the treatment of medical ailments including chemotherapy-induced nausea, chronic back pain, hypertension and allergic rhinitis.
James Davis, senior Vice President for Mission Integration, Seton Healthcare Network says, “We have seen increasing demand for alternative and complementary medicine from our patients, and have been pleased to partner with AOMA administration and faculty to provide this care at Seton Medical Center Williamson and Seton GoodHealth Commons , and students are able to see how this works in practice through our partnership, ” Davis
AOMA Student Association President Cynthia Clark says students are looking forward having a new main campus, and to participating in the detailed design process. “The plans for the new campus are exciting for students, ” Clark said. “The new campus has a more cohesive feel. We will have a larger library, improved technology, more space for clinical practice, and better places to gather and to study, ” she said.
AOMA’s student intern clinic and bookstore/retail space are already open at the new 4701 Westgate Blvd. 2700 West Anderson Lane , 2011. AOMA also serves patients at Seton Topfer clinic, Seton GoodHealth Commons, and People’s Community Clinic.
The extensive remodeling of the new campus site has been designed by Austin architectural firm Steinbomer & Associates, known for their design of Austin Studios, the private airport hangar at Austin-Bergstrom Airport and 524 North Lamar, among other projects. Detailed design is currently underway, with construction anticipated to begin in winter 2010. The outline of the new campus design is available at www.aoma.edu.
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About AOMA
The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin , preparing its students for careers as skilled, professional practitioners. AOMA is known for its internationally recognized faculty, award-winning student clinical internship program, and for having more licensed graduates than any other acupuncture and Chinese medicine school in Texas , AOMA has grown rapidly in size and reputation, drawing students from around the nation and faculty from around the world. AOMA also conducts more than 20, 000 patient visits annually in its student and professional clinics. AOMA collaborates with healthcare institutions including the Seton Healthcare Network, and gives back to the community through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and by providing free and reduced price treatments to people who cannot afford them.
The Academy of Chinese medicine at Austin 2700 West Anderson Lane , Austin , Texas , 78757 Austin , 4701 WestGate Blvd.
