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We believe that the traditional art of Chinese medicine offers a potent approach to health and healthy living for all peoples. It is our aim at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences to promote the wisdom of the Chinese medical tradition, and to educate healers to be capable partners in an integrated medical system in which traditional Chinese medicine plays a vital role. The motto of the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences, as stated by the Yellow Emperor himself concerning the practice of the superior physician, is "through oneself know others (yi wo zhi bi) It is only through exploration of the inner reaches of one's own heart, mind and physical self that one is fully able to understand and sympathize with those in need. In this way, the physician is able to appropriately treat and guide patients to a state of greater health. The Academy currently offers four Diploma programs in traditional Chinese medicine including a 5-year program:
With a written history of over 2500 years, Chinese medicine encompasses a truly vast field of knowledge. Those individuals who choose to study Chinese medicine will find that their study will last an entire lifetime, and, even then, seems not yet fully complete. The program of study at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences has been designed, to as large a degree as possible, to match similar programs of study at Chinese medicine universities in the People’s Republic of China. These PRC university programs are generally 5 or 6 years in length and extremely comprehensive, encompassing not only all modalities of Chinese medicine: acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tui-na massage, qi-gong therapy, diet therapy, but also related Western medicine topics. In tailoring such programs to suit the North American post-secondary education system, a major obstacle has obviously been condensing a large amount of teaching into an appropriate program length. In remaining true to our commitment to the fidelity of Chinese medicine to its tradition, the Academy determined that in order to maintain a program length equivalent to other North American colleges of Chinese medicine, it was necessary to include a total number of teaching hours far in excess of those offered at most of these North American colleges. We feel it is a grave error to compromise the tradition of Chinese medicine in the name of economy: either financial economy or economy of effort. Our program is comprehensive, rigorous and challenging. Our goal is to produce TCM doctors of worth. As such, we require the student who not only seeks excellence, but also is serious, committed and diligent.
Biography Warren Fischer, Dr. TCM Founder and Dean Dr. Fischer’s path to Founder and Academic Dean of the Academy of Classical Oriental Science (ACOS) is rich and storied. His interest from an early age in medicine and the internal workings of the body gradually drew him away from the fine arts of drawing, painting and sculpting toward the sciences of biology, chemistry and physics. Dr. Fischer received the Biology Award and also the French Government Award for excellence in French language, prior to accepting an entrance scholarship to McGill University where he completed fourth year French language in year one, leaving the remaining years to complete the Honours Biochemistry program of study. Dr. Fischer’s natural talent in for languages, coupled with a strong desire for a university course not beginning with ‘bio’ or ending with ‘chemistry’, led him to choose Chinese language as a fourth year elective. It was not long before he, with his innate interest in medicine, recognized the Chinese language as the key that would open the lock of impenetrability between Caucasian Canada and the then enigma of acupuncture, glimpsed only among the Chinese Canadians in Montreal’s Chinatown. Dr. Fischer’s instinct to go to the source of TCM took him to the renowned Beijing University, where he enrolled first in a further year of language studies tailored to TCM specialties, and then in a five-year program in TCM, where he was the only foreign student in a class of forty native Chinese. Fully immersed, with classes 6 days per week, 10 months per year, his language skills flourished, as he eagerly looked past the words to the vast wealth of knowledge behind them. Combined with his well-developed student skills, his burgeoning language skills unearthed a latent passion in the Meridians Course, where he outscored all of his Chinese classmates. He was equally at home in the laboratories which complemented lecture courses. The unending streams of patients in the teaching clinics and hospitals were a continuous source of learning, as were teachers outside the university in the fields of Taijiquan, martial arts and Qigong. Although the evacuation of foreign students following the Tiananmen Square massacre cut short his fourth year of studies, his determination took him back to Beijing by September, despite the establishment of martial law in the city. Dr. Fischer became the first Canadian to graduate from the standard five-year program of studies in TCM of the People’s Republic of China. Six years in China had come and gone quickly. As difficult as it was to accustom himself to life within the Chinese culture, it was just as difficult to leave it, having had the seeds of this ancient culture sown and cultivated in his heart and mind. Dr. Fischer now recognizes that he truly grew up in China, as he had grown into a person whose mind now bridged two cultures. Back in Canada, Dr. Fischer’s TCM practice grew quickly, fuelled by the testimonies of those who had been helped. He was discouraged, however, by the level of knowledge and skills of his Caucasian colleagues who had received their TCM education in North America. He was stirred to ensure that the medicine was competently practised and accurately represented to the public. In this way, it would grow into a strong and effective profession, as it is in China. Dr. Fischer realized that the present day higher education in TCM in the People’s Republic of China, with its heavy emphasis on integration with modern science, is at all times linked to classical writings, the Yellow Emperor’s Internal Canon, in particular. Dr. Fischer knew that the knowledge contained in the classical writings is important; however, the greatest hurdle of the Western mind to the study of TCM is not simply access to the knowledge, but the ability to explore and model the Chinese way of thinking. The native Chinese student of TCM has innate access to this way of thinking, but for the Western student of TCM, this is a field of study in itself. Up to this point, he had always considered the Chinese language to be the key to the treasure trove of Chinese medicine. He now realized that even the idea of a key was a western one; a more accurate analogy is a Chinese puzzle box, in which it was first necessary to have the language, and then the way of thinking in order to gain access to the wealth that TCM has to offer. With a firm foundation in western biosciences, and having undergone the process of learning the Chinese way of conceptualizing with a western mind, Dr. Fischer realized he was uniquely positioned to lead other western minds on a similar journey. Nelson’s Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences was conceived using this approach, and now offers a depth of instruction simply not available anywhere else in North America. Dr. Fischer’s advocacy for TCM in the West extends beyond ACOS. In 1999, he was appointed by the British Columbia Minister of Health as a member of the inaugural Board of the College of Traditional Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA). During his three years on the Board, the membership was registered; the first examinations sat; and, the bylaws of the College drafted and approved. British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in North America to license the entire profession of TCM, rather than just acupuncture only. Dr. Fischer has recently been appointed to the new Expert Committee for the Development of a Competency Profile for the Practice of Acupuncture, which will develop national entry-level competencies for acupuncture across Canada. Claire Davison-Williams, ID, MA (Applied Communications), Instructor Claire has over twenty years experience in the education and social service fields as a coordinator of public legal education programs; an HIV/AIDS coordinator and trainer; an instructor of employability skills; and as the former Associate Dean and Registrar of ACOS. Claire also has training in adult education/instruction, curriculum design and a background in healthcare studies. Claire's MA work was concentrated in online communications and cultural studies, with a specific thesis focus on post-modern identity and online spiritual communities. She loves writing, teaching...and ACOS students. Mary DeVan, M.A., Instructor Warren Fischer, BSc, M.D. (China), Dr. TCM, Dean, Instructor Jennifer Gawne, ACOS Administrator, R.TCM.H, Dip. (TCM), Instructor Jennifer is the newly appointed Administrator of the Academy and a proud ACOS alumnus. Jennifer is pleased to wear many hats around the school, overseeing the administration of the Academy, running the Campus Bookstore and Herbal Dispensary and teaching. Jennifer’s desire to provide service to others has been deepened by her study and practice of Chinese Medicine. A favorite aspect of Jennifer’s work is the time spent with students who are observing in the herbal dispensary. Jennifer is honored to take on the role of administrator and as with her predecessor Jennifer is dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful learning environment at the Academy. Kirsty Holt, BSc.Kin., R.M.T, Instructor Juan Huang, BSc (TCM), M.D. (China), Ph.D., R.TCM.P, Instructor Trevor Janz, M.D., Instructor Regula Langenegger, Registrar Born and raised in Switzerland, Regula’s professional background has been in administration for over 14 years. Her personal interest in alternative health medicine and her understanding of what it means to be a post-secondary student makes her the perfect fit for the position of Registrar. Always interested in expanding her knowledge and education, Regula has studied Swiss Law at University of Fribourg and as well as Ayurvedic massage and has taught yoga and breathing techniques. Regula has traveled all over the world and is fluent in 3 languages. Regula’s calm and friendly communication style and her commitment to first-class education is a tremendous benefit to the Academy and its students. Jo-ann Van Allen, R.TCMP, Instructor Kevin Wallbridge, BA, Instructor
The Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences is located in a spacious heritage building, whose tall, turn of the century ceilings originally housed the MacDonald Jam Factory. Our full service campus has all the facilities required for an advanced course of study, and an intimate campus community, including:
Adjoining the Academy are our thriving Outpatient and Student Clinics, which provide students with extensive and crucial practical experience, as well as offering the community of Nelson an excellent level of health care, which includes a confidential addictions clinic. 2008-2009 TUITION - ALL PROGRAMS Effective July 15, 2008
For example: Year one tuition - 51 credits @ $200.00 per credit = $10,200.00 - 51 credits is equal to 765 in-class hours. For other calculations, please see the total credits for the program you are interested in. Over the course of delivery of any program, an increase of per credit tuition may occur.
ACOS Scholarships & Student Aid
ACOS is registered with the Saskatchewan CASS Program as a Learning Activity Provider. Eligible students may be sponsored to take Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our courses are registered with the Saskatchewan CASS Program. Contact us at 1-888-333-8868 to find out how you may be eligible to receive training benefits.
Studying in Nelson BC The community of Nelson reflects the values of TCM like no other in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the edges of Kootenay Lake surrounded by mountains, it's the ideal physical location to learn TCM's lessons in a framework of harmony. The culture of Nelson is a vibrant, open community that celebrates all walks of life. Open minds and hearts thrive in Nelson, which makes ours the ideal community to study what is your passion in life. Ranked the number one small town arts community in Canada, Nelson boasts a charming turn-of-the-century atmosphere with over 350 preserved heritage buildings. The Academy shares the community with three other post-secondary institutions, resulting in an abundance of available student housing in the rental market. The remarkable beauty of the area surrounding Nelson offers nature lovers the opportunity to experience an array of outdoor pursuits, including kayaking, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Students with families find it an exceptional location to raise children. One of the advantages to studying at ACOS is location, location, location! Nelson, BC is a beautiful little mountain town boasting amazing scenery, a vibrant arts culture, great live music venues and world class skiing and mountain biking. If you are going to live and study somewhere for 3-5 years, it may as well be in a fantastic town. Check out these links to area business and activities... (links will open in a new window) |
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