Overview of the Doctorate Program Discussion

• Context of the conversation regarding various doctorate programs.

• Clarification on online transitional doctorate program available after teaching a cohort.

Accreditation Status

• Current Institutions:

  • ACOM in Houston

  • Not currently CAB approved.

  • History of previous approval, currently in the process of reapplying.

  • Expressed confidence in resolving this issue.

  • THSU (Texas Health and Science University)

  • Also noted as not CAB approved.

• CAB Approval Importance:

  • Essential for those considering practicing in California due to state-specific requirements.

  • Must attend a CAB approved institution to meet California licensing exam standards.

Enrollment and Fee Waivers

• Institutions have agreed to waive admissions and transfer evaluation fees.

• Current assessment of online curriculum offerings from institutional discussions indicates:

  • THSU claims 10% of their curriculum is online.

  • Actual curriculum availability may be higher than listed.

• Trimester System: Current status allows all questioned elements to be addressed quickly.

• Key Dates:

  • Last day of instruction set for December 14.

  • Potential for extended deadlines for makeups or recordings to end of calendar year.

  • Teach-out registration contingent on partner institutions opening registrations post-November.

Transition Plans and Student Advice

• Students considering transfer to THSU or similar programs should:

  • Understand implications of CAB approval for future practice, especially if considering California.

  • Assess prior credits and coursework to ensure alignment with new programs.

  • Awareness of timelines regarding available curricula and registration processes.

• Challenge Exam Opportunity:

  • Exam options available to ensure transferred credits are recognized.

  • Complete challenge exams before the last day of instruction to avoid academic record holds.

• Emphasis on comprehensive advising sessions to navigate transitions.

Specific Situational Clarifications

• Questions raised regarding operational status of the Austin campus:

  • Noted that the AIMC is confirmed to close due to financial reasons.

  • There may be options for virtual participation in programs.

  • Specific arrangements depend largely on individual academic paths and programs.

• Ability to complete externship hours with a degree path despite closure.

Educational Standards and Licensing Exam Regulations

• California's Unique Regulations:

  • Must possess an entry-level master's from a state-approved school to qualify for the licensing exam.

  • Importance of educational prerequisites enforced by California state licensing boards.

  • Hard stance on admissions at California approved schools for future applicants.

Participating Institutions and Teach-Out Arrangements

• Various inquiries about the teach-out agreement and potential partner schools (e.g., Houston).

• Teach-out typically allows students already within a specified percentage of their program to transition flexibly to another institution.

• Area of concern includes finding solutions for maintaining relevant clinical experiences for students.

Communication and Student Support

• Communication from administrators continues to stress clarity and transparency regarding transitions.

• Acknowledgment of student hardships during this time, with promises to keep providing updates.

• The importance of cross-institutional coordination to ensure smooth transitions for students in programs across campuses.

Financial Considerations and Institutional Operations

• Financial challenges outlined concerning operational closures.

• Discussion of long-term sustainability and interest in maintaining acupuncture education in Texas:

  • Noted that while there is interest in Central Texas, challenges are evident in sustaining operational funding and community support.

  • Mention of prior institutions struggling with similar closures (OCOM, AOMA) adding context to current situations.

Summary of Recommendations

• Students encouraged to actively pursue advising regarding credit transfers and campus transitions.

• Immediate actions suggested include:

  • Completing challenge exams promptly.

  • Confirming any possible externships or alternative clinical opportunities prior to program conclusion.

• Final comments reinforced the need for composure and keeping open lines of communication for future developments regarding institutional statuses and program offerings.

Conclusion

• The session concluded with best wishes for student adaptability in navigating these evolving circumstances, underscoring the complexity of academic transitions impacted by institutional closures and accreditation procedures.