Chinese medicine is the treatment of disorders and illness using medicinal substances that come from different sources such as roots, flowers, seeds and leaves of plants. It also includes other therapies such as acupuncture, cupping (applying a heated cup to the skin to create suction) and tui na (remedial massage).

The emphasis is on the integration of Chinese medicine and western medical sciences, working together with the health community to provide the public with the best possible treatment. Advanced clinical training is provided in Australia and China to broaden your clinical experience.

Graduates will be able to practise Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture at an internationally accepted level, with the capacity to launch careers in independent practice, or working within healthcare organisations as a Chinese medicine practitioner registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Career Outcomes

Chinese medicine practitioners work with patients to prevent and alleviate health problems using a range of treatment options including Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.

They assess patients by checking their pulse and tongue, and observing abnormalities in sleep, appetite, perspiration and body temperature. From this, they develop treatment plans.

Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies in Australia and globally.

Graduates will be able to practise Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture at an internationally accepted level.

You could go on into:

• independent practice
• work in a multidisciplinary healthcare clinic as a registered Chinese medicine practitioner
• academia
• industry and/or government in a health and medical research position

Chinese medicine has been regulated in Victoria since 2000 and nationally since July 2012. Employment opportunities are expected to increase with the national mandatory registration.

Professional recognition and accreditation

This double degree is fully accredited by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.

It is also recognised by the following major Chinese medicine associations in Australia:

• Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association Ltd
• Australian Natural Therapists Association
• Federation of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Societies of Australia Ltd