How to Be Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 28, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) is a post-graduate degree program that prepares practitioners to become highly knowledgeable in the field of holistic healing. This degree program provides the necessary training and experience required to become an expert in traditional Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and other practices. The DAOM program is designed to give practitioners a comprehensive understanding of the body's energy systems and how these systems can be used to treat imbalances and illnesses.

The in-depth knowledge and clinical experience gained through a DAOM program can help practitioners diagnose and treat a wide variety of physical, mental, and emotional issues. Furthermore, the DAOM program can provide practitioners with the skills needed to address the root causes of illnesses and provide lasting relief for their patients.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a DAOM is earning a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. Most DAOM programs require applicants to have a minimum of a bachelors degree in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, or physiology.
Take the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Certification Exam. The NCCAOM certification exam is the standard certification required to practice acupuncture and oriental medicine. This exam must be passed in order to be eligible to enter a DAOM program.
Enroll in an Accredited DAOM Program. Once you have passed the NCCAOM certification exam, you can then enroll in an accredited Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program. Most programs are designed to be completed in two to three years.
Complete Clinical Requirements. During the course of your studies, you will need to complete a certain number of clinical hours in order to graduate from the program. During this time, you will be able to gain hands-on experience treating patients under the supervision of experienced practitioners.
Graduate from Program and Receive Degree. Upon successful completion of the program and all clinical requirements, you will receive your Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. At this point, you will be eligible to practice acupuncture and oriental medicine in most states.

Staying up to date and capable as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) requires a commitment to learning and keeping up with advances in the field. This is essential in order to provide the best care for patients. To do this, DAOMs should stay abreast of new research, attend continuing education courses, and network with other practitioners in the field.

DAOMs should stay current on the latest evidence-based treatments and techniques, as well as any changes in guidelines or regulations from governing bodies. All of this will help maintain a high level of knowledge and expertise, which will benefit both the doctor and the patient.

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Job Description

Acupuncturist: an individual who specializes in the practice of acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine that focuses on the insertion of thin needles into the body to stimulate energy pathways, relieve pain, and restore balance.
Herbalist: an individual who specializes in the use of herbal remedies and natural healing techniques to promote health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner: an individual who specializes in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, which is based on ancient principles of holistic healing and incorporates a variety of modalities such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine.
Oriental Medicine Educator: an individual who specializes in teaching and educating others about the principles, theories, and practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
Research Scientist: an individual who specializes in the research and development of new treatments, therapies and products related to traditional Chinese medicine.
Health Care Administrator: an individual who specializes in the management and supervision of health care providers, including acupuncturists, herbalists, and other practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.
Consultant: an individual who specializes in providing advice and consulting services related to traditional Chinese medicine.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Diagnosis and treatment of disease and dysfunction using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, tuina (Chinese medical massage), dietary therapy, and other TCM modalities.
Application of the biomedical model of diagnosis and treatment, including the clinical use of Western medical tests, pharmaceuticals, and other conventional treatments.
Utilization of research methodology to evaluate and improve patient care.
Management of acupuncture clinics and teaching of other health care professionals.
Professional ethics and standards of practice.
In-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the medical sciences.
Knowledge of the philosophical principles underlying TCM diagnosis and treatment.
Ability to integrate TCM diagnosis and treatment with conventional Western treatments.
Understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual factors influencing health and wellness.
Comprehensive knowledge of TCM herbs, formulas, and their pharmacological actions.

The Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) is a highly specialized degree that requires a great deal of dedication and skill. The degree focuses on the study and practice of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and other Chinese medical therapies to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these treatments, practitioners can diagnose and treat a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional issues.

A DAOM graduate is skilled in combining traditional Chinese medical practices with modern diagnostic tools to provide comprehensive care for patients. they possess a deep knowledge of the body's energy pathways and how to manipulate them to restore balance and promote healing. This expertise allows them to effectively assess and treat illnesses in a holistic manner.

With their advanced knowledge and skills, DAOM graduates are able to provide effective care to their patients and improve their quality of life.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?
What do you consider the most important aspects of successful patient care?
How do you ensure that each patient is receiving the best treatment possible?
Describe your experience working with patients with complex medical histories.
What techniques do you use to address patient pain and discomfort?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advances in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?
How would you handle a situation where a patient disagrees with your treatment plan?
What strategies do you employ to build trust and rapport with patients?
How do you balance the need for evidence-based treatments with the patients preference for traditional Chinese Medicine approaches?
What experience do you have working in a collaborative healthcare setting?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer software. Software programs used to store, analyze, and manipulate data. (eg: Microsoft Office Suite)
Electronic medical record (EMR) system. A digital system used to store patient medical records. (eg: Epic)
Diagnostic tools. Tools used to diagnose patients and review their health status. (eg: X-ray machines, MRI scanners)
Herbal medicines. Plants and plant extracts used in traditional Chinese medicine. (eg: ginseng, ginger, licorice root)
Acupuncture needles. Thin needles used in acupuncture treatments. (eg: stainless steel needles)
Moxibustion tools. Tools used to heat acupuncture points to stimulate the bodys qi. (eg: moxa sticks, moxa cones)
Cupping sets. Sets of cups and other tools used in cupping therapy. (eg: fire cupping, sliding cupping)
Gua sha tools. Tools used to scrape the skin in gua sha treatments. (eg: jade scrapers, horn scrapers)
Tui na tools. Tools used in tui na massage therapy. (eg: rolling tubes, knuckle massagers)
Dietary supplements. Vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements used to support health and wellness. (eg: omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM)
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
American Board of Oriental Medicine (ABORM)
World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Association of Boards of Acupuncture (NABAA)
Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMACA)
British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA)
International Society for the Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ISSTCM)

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Common Important Terms

Acupuncture. A practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to help improve health and well-being.
Oriental Medicine. A system of healthcare that includes practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and nutrition. It is based on ancient Chinese medical principles and has been practiced for thousands of years.
Qi. Also known as Chi, this is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body and is believed to be responsible for health and well-being.
Herbal Medicine. The use of plants or plant extracts to treat medical conditions. It is one of the most commonly used therapies in Oriental medicine.
Cupping. A technique used in Oriental medicine that involves placing glass cups on the skin and creating a vacuum to draw the skin and underlying tissues up into the cup.
Moxibustion. A technique used in Oriental medicine that involves burning an herb called moxa on or near the skin to stimulate circulation and promote healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program?

The Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program is a three-year program that integrates advanced clinical training, research, and scholarship to provide practitioners with the skills and expertise to serve as leaders in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

What are the admission requirements for the DAOM program?

Applicants to the DAOM program must have a master's degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine from an accredited institution, a minimum of three years of professional clinical experience, and a passing score on the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams.

What courses are included in the DAOM program?

The DAOM program consists of a combination of didactic courses and clinical practicum. Course topics include advanced clinical therapies, research methodology, evidence-based practice, Chinese herbal medicine, and clinical management.