Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Acupuncture Program at the Swedish Institute differ from other acupuncture programs?

Is the program accredited?

Will I be licensed when I graduate?

Will my New York State license be valid in other states?

Will I have a degree when I graduate?

How long will it take to complete the program?

When is the application deadline?

What is the schedule of classes?

How much does the program cost?

Does Swedish Institute offer financial aid?

What do I need to know if I am an international student?

May I visit the school and/or observe some classes?

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How does the Acupuncture Program at the Swedish Institute differ from other accredited acupuncture programs?

Our unique program was created under the visionary guidance of the Dean for Academic Affairs, Jeffrey C. Yuen, an 88^th generation Taoist priest and renowned scholar of Classical Chinese Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The historical framework of our program focuses on Classical Chinese Acupuncture as outlined in the ancient texts of Chinese Medicine - the Nei Jing and the Nan Jing. Through the study of these classics, students immerse themselves in the development of Chinese medicine from its roots in Taoism to the current practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the system used in contemporary China.

In addition, our program offers in-depth study of the Secondary Vessels of Acupuncture, with a focus on their use in the treatment of chronic conditions.

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Is the program accredited?

The Swedish Institute Acupuncture program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCST) and by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) which is the recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. (For more information on accrediting and what it means go to Accreditation.)

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Will I be licensed when I graduate?

Graduates from the Acupuncture Program meet the educational requirements for licensure in New York State. In addition, candidates for licensure must pass the Acupuncture Certification Examinations of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the Clean Needle Technique examination. (For more information on licensure go to License Information.)

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Will my New York State license be valid in other states?

Most states require applicants to have passed the NCCAOM examination to receive a license, however, each state has its own requirements for licensure. Information about licensing in other states can be obtained at from a number of organizations; go to License Information to find out more.

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Will I have a degree when I graduate?

Graduates of the Acupuncture Program at the Swedish Institute are awarded a Bachelor of Professional Studies/Master of Science degree in Acupuncture.

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How long will it take to complete the program?

The full-time program is completed in 3 years.

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When is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted for admission in September. For current application due dates go to Admissions.

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What is the schedule of classes?

• Our program meets 5 evenings per week in the first 2 years from approximately 6:00 pm to 9:00 or 10:00 pm.

• There are also occasional weekend and daytime classes throughout the program.

• In addition, there are daytime hours in the clinic for third year students.

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How much does the program cost?

The tuition is based on $310 per credit hour. Tuition is charged based on the number of credit hours taken each semester.

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Does Swedish Institute offer financial aid?

Acupuncture students are eligible for the Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans which are low-interest federal student loans. Grants and loans are also available from NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) and U.S. Dept of Veteran Affairs (VA).

The Swedish Institute also offers interest-free payment plans.

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What do I need to know if I am an international student?

The Swedish Institute welcomes international students and we have students attend from all over the world. International students must attend school full-time.

Some of the concerns of international students are:

1. Student visa

We will issue an I-20 to international students for the purpose of obtaining an F-1 visa. An I-20 is issued after an applicant has been accepted into the program and then has registered with a $500 deposit.

If you are on a visitor’s visa, returning to your country is usually the quickest way to obtain an F-1 visa, however you can apply for a change of status using the I-539 form found at www.uscis.gov. You cannot start school until the change of status has been approved. This could take anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months. It is very unpredictable. If you are on a working visa, you also need to apply for a change of status but you are permitted to start school while the change is pending. If the change were to be denied, you would not be able to continue. There is detailed information about obtaining a visa at www.travel.state.gov/visa. If you are currently in the U.S. with an expired visa, you would not be able to receive a student visa.

2. Transfer with a visa status

You can transfer from another school as long as you have an F-1 visa. You will need to obtain a transfer form from our Admissions Office to bring to the school at which you are currently enrolled. That school will then release you from SEVIS and we will enroll you. If you have an M-1 visa, you would need to return to your country to obtain the F-1.

3. Requirements for students educated outside of the United States
You will need to:

• Provide certified translation(s) in English of high school or college transcripts, and an evaluation of the transcript to show equivalency to U.S. educational standards. Swedish Institute recommends Globe Language Services, 319 Broadway, NY, NY 10007, 212-227-1994, www.travel.state.gov/visa, however any established agency is acceptable.
• Provide an Ability-to-Pay statement. (See below.)
• Take the TOEFL test if English is not your native language and you have not taken 24 or more college credits taught in English. You must receive a score of 72 on the IBT test with the following minimums in each subject: 16 in Listening, 14 in writing, 19 in reading and 19 in speaking. For more information, see www.toefl.org.

4. Ability-to-Pay statement

An Ability-to-Pay statement is documentation that you have the funds to pay for your education. Prior to receiving your I-20, you will need to submit documentation that shows your ability to pay for tuition, books and materials, and living expenses for at least one year. An Admissions Advisor can help you determine the amount depending on the program you are enrolling in. Documentation of your ability to pay can include a bank statement or a letter from the bank showing the amount in U.S. dollars. If you do not personally have the resources, you will then need to provide a notarized letter from a willing guarantor (a parent, guardian, attorney, etc.) stating that they will accept financial responsibility for your expenses. The guarantor will also need to provide documentation of their ability to pay in the form of a bank statement or a letter from an employer showing stable employment and the amount that your guarantor earns.

5. Practice after graduation

All international students are eligible to apply for one year of Optional Practical Training after graduation. As a graduate of the Acupuncture Program you can also apply for a NYS license and work after that for one year as long as you obtain a valid working visa.

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May I visit the school and/or observe some classes?

Absolutely. Please call the Admissions Office at
212-924-5900 ext. 125 to make arrangements for a tour of the school or to schedule class observations.

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