Sacred Patterns Acupuncture: Becoming a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) in New Mexico.
Sacred Patterns Acupuncture, located in Albuquerque, NM, is led by Dr. Andrew Moser, DOM, MBA, a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) in the state of New Mexico. In this article, we will discuss the benchmarks required to become a DOM in New Mexico and the scope of work allowed for practitioners in this field.Education and Training Requirements
To become a DOM in New Mexico, one must first attend and graduate from an accredited acupuncture school. Dr. Moser had the opportunity to be a part of the last graduating class from Southwest Acupuncture College (SWAC) in Santa Fe, NM. However, it is worth noting that this has left a deficit in the state, making it more challenging for new practitioners to enter the profession.Within the acupuncture program, two degrees are required: a Masters of Acupuncture and a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization. These degrees are combined to form the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (M.S.O.M.). Students undergo extensive training, receiving a total of 3,045 hours of instruction in acupuncture, herbal medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, and exercise/breathing therapy.
Additionally, there is a robust requirement of Western biomedical classes, including medical terminology, biology, anatomy and physiology, CPR, Western physical exams and lab diagnosis, Western pathology and diagnosis, clinical counseling, pharmacology, public health, practice management/medical ethics, emergency medicine and traumatology, and OSHA trainings. Dr. Moser also completed two years of Western Pre-Med classes at CNM before attending SWAC.
It is important to highlight that while many states only require training in acupuncture, New Mexico's DOM title is granted due to the comprehensive understanding provided by the herbal component, which involves 570 hours of training. This requirement sets New Mexico apart and provides a deeper knowledge of the medicine.
National Board Exams
After graduation, aspiring DOMs must pass a series of nationally required NCCAOM board exams. These exams cover four areas: Western Biomedicine, Chinese Herbs, Acupuncture, and Theory. Each exam consists of 100 questions and covers a vast amount of information. These exams are taken at high-stakes test-taking facilities such as Pearson Vue.New Mexico State Licensure
To obtain New Mexico State Licensure, individuals must pass all the NCCAOM board exams. Once these exams are successfully completed, candidates can sit for the State Board, a practical exam. During this exam, two judges observe the candidate as they perform intake, vitals, palpatory exams, observations, diagnosis, provide supporting evidence, treatment principles, acupuncture points, other modalities, describe any contra-indications, and give a Chinese herbal prescription within a 45-minute time span. The State Board ensures that practitioners meet important benchmarks, prioritize patient safety, and observe any red flags.Scope of Work for DOMs in New Mexico
Once granted the license of Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) in the state of New Mexico, practitioners are authorized to perform a wide range of treatments and services. These include acupuncture, making a Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis, administering moxibustion, applying bodywork like Tui Na (massage), Gua Sha (scraping), and cupping, prescribing Chinese herbal formulas and other supplements, and making dietary/lifestyle suggestions. DOMs are highly trained, educated, and board-certified practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Oriental Medicine. They are capable of treating a diverse array of conditions beyond what Dry Needling can address. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and what makes a Doctor of Oriental Medicine unique, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Andrew Moser at 505.317.9915 or email info@DrMoser.org.Thank you for your interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine!
- Dr. Andrew Moser, DOM, MBA
