FAQs

• Is VUIM accredited?
  Yes, VUIM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), recognized by the Department of Education and certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV).
• Where is VUIM located?
  VUIM has three campuses: Vienna/Tysons Corner, Virginia Main campus – 1980 Gallows Rd, Vienna, VA 22182, New Jersey  – 1010 Edgewater Ave, Ridgefield, NJ 07657 and Georgia – 3525 Mall Blvd NW. 5A,B, Duluth GA 30096. Students can complete 100% of their qualifying degree programs at the location of their choice.
• Can I work full-time and attend VUIM classes?
  Yes, you can work full time and attend classes at VUIM. Our schedule is designed to provide as much flexibility as possible. As with all advice on this subject, the answer to this question will be more nuanced when we learn the details of your full-time employment. For example, is full-time a standard 40-hour workweek or is it 50-60. And what additional responsibilities do you have?
• Can I work part-time and complete the Master of Acupuncture in the expected three (3) year time frame? 
  Yes, you can work part-time and complete our programs within the expected time frame.
• Approximately how many students are in each class session?
  Current class sizes average around 14 students. Some are as low as 8-9 students per class and as large as 30 students per class.
• What type of schedule/calendar system do you operate on?
  VUIM operates on a 10-week quarter-based calendar system – where courses are offered, Monday through Sunday in blocks; 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, and 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
• Can I transfer credits previously earned at other colleges or universities?
  Yes, you may transfer credits under the transfer of credit, exemption, and advanced standing policy. The policy is guided by ACAHM’s standards. You can find information on those details in the Academic Catalog, page 51.
• How long does the review take and is there a fee?
  The review of transfer of credit typically takes about 7 business days but may take up to 14 business days, depending on the complexity of your request, as well as other factors such as staff availability, proximity to the start of your entrance term, and others. The fee for the evaluation is $400. As per VA policy, students using VA benefits to pay for their education will not be charged this fee.
• When are students eligible to begin taking national board exams (NCCAOM) exams? 
  Students may begin taking national board exams (NCCAOM) after the completion of their Master of Science in Acupuncture degree, which includes the completion of all courses, clinical work, and VUIM graduation exams. A student will need an official transcript stating the conferral of their degree to begin taking NCCAOM exams.
• Is there a time limit to complete the degree?
  Yes, ACAOM requires students to have completed their degree within 200% of the expected time frame. For example, the MAc degree’s expected time frame is 3 years, and its maximum time to completion would be 6 years.
• If I’m a licensed medical professional, how much transfer credit can I get?
  As a licensed medical professional (Medical Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors, Physicians Assistants, Registered Nurses [including Associates, Bachelor, and Masters level], Nurse Practitioners, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Internists, and Osteopathic Doctors), you will automatically earn 40 credits of advanced standing by providing a copy of your active medical license. You can request an additional transfer of credit, up to the limitations expressed in the Transfer, Exemption, and Advanced Standing policy.
• How many students are actively enrolled at this time?
  VUIM enrolls approximately 400 active students at this time.
• Can I use Federal Financial aid at VUIM?
  Yes, VUIM master’s program students are eligible to apply for Federal Financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – enter the school code 042395 – www.fafsa.ed.gov
• How do I get patients in the clinical internship?

         Patients are seen in clinical internship through both the efforts of the administrative marketing team, as well as their               own recruitment efforts.