Domestic students

GENERAL ENTRY CRITERIA – ALL PROGRAMMES OFFERED

NZCCM undertakes to train practitioners to a high international standard of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Western Massage Therapies. Applicants to NZCCM programmes should possess the personal and professional qualities appropriate to be a competent and ethical healthcare provider.

All applicants must be onshore in New Zealand for attendance purposes; this is irrespective of the delivery mode for the programme of study for which the student intends to enrol.

Applicants must declare any health issues or disability on a path towards confident, independent professional practice to allow NZCCM to consider whether appropriate support can be provided, and the likelihood of the applicant’s ability to meet professional requirements and practice independently on completion of the programme.

Police Vetting is a compulsory part of our admissions process for applicants entering clinical placements or other regulated settings.

Applicants are required to submit a Consent Form for Police Vetting, and any associated costs for vetting are the responsibility of the applicant, unless specified otherwise by NZCCM.

• Domestic Students and APL applicants will be subject to New Zealand Police Vetting, and where applicable, overseas police clearances if they have resided overseas.

Police Vetting Decision Flowchart

* Applicants with a previous or outstanding criminal record may be unable to register with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand.

** For TCM students, refer to the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand Registration Standards as the responsible authority.

All programmes at NZCCM are taught and assessed in English. Therefore, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language competence to undertake tertiary-level education in New Zealand.

• Domestic applicants who are not native English speakers must:
  • Meet the New Zealand University Entrance English language requirements; or
  • Provide evidence of three (3) years of full-time study in a New Zealand secondary school; and
  • Hold a minimum of a Level 5 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

Students’ English language proficiency includes speaking, reading, writing, and listening, and must be appropriate to the level of the programme to support their academic success.

Readiness for Registration with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand (CMCNZ)

Ongoing assessment of students’ communication ability forms part of determining readiness for registration and professional suitability. The CMCNZ requires that applicants for registration demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and safely in English as a condition of registration.

Meeting the CMCNZ’s English Language Requirement is essential for eligibility to register and practise as a Chinese Medicine practitioner in New Zealand as stipulated below. Students whose first language is not English and who have completed fewer than three or four years of full-time higher education in New Zealand may need to meet the CMCNZ English language proficiency requirements, specifically Pathway 6.

CMCNZ Pathway 6

By the end of the programme, graduates are expected to have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic module):
  • Speaking: 6.5
  • Listening: 6.5
  • Writing: 6.5
  • Reading: 6.5
• Occupational English Test (OET) (any of the health practitioner modules): A minimum C+ score in each of the four bands (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
• Pearson English Language Test (PTE) Academic: Pass with a minimum of 58 in each section.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT):
  • Speaking: 22
  • Listening: 23
  • Writing: 26
  • Reading: 23
• New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5) (Academic)

Interview

Applicants will be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for the programme and to ensure that there is a match between the learner, the learner’s employment and future goals, and the programme.

Where face-to-face interviews are not possible, remote applicants will be required to use technology such as videoconferencing.

During the interview, the applicant will be assessed against the following aspects to determine admission to the programme:

• Motivation to undertake the programme.
• To ensure applicants are well informed about the programme demands and requirements.
• To counsel the applicant on the appropriate choice of courses for the programme.
• To determine that the programme is appropriate for the applicant’s needs and/or proposed career path.
• English language requirements.
• Written disclosure of any criminal convictions, current/past record.
• To determine if any specific support is needed.

Appeal Against Non-selection

Any applicant who is refused permission to enrol or who objects to any condition of enrolment imposed can, within 10 working days of being notified of the decision, appeal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer.

Academic Requirements:

The minimum age to enter this programme is 20 years.

The minimum entry qualification for the Master of Chinese Medicine is a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture or equivalent (to a bachelor’s degree listed at level 7 on the NZQF).

Admission as an individual to a master’s degree is based on the evaluation of documentary evidence (including the academic record) of the individual applicant’s ability to undertake postgraduate study in the specialist field of Chinese Medicine.

Applicants to the Master of Chinese Medicine (MCM) programme must hold a bachelor’s degree with either a major in Herbal Medicine or Acupuncture with at least 360 credits or equivalent (equivalent means a level 7 Diploma in Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine with at least 360 credits with a minimum recent continuous five years of relevant working experience) from institutions either in Aotearoa New Zealand or abroad.

To meet the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand (CMCNZ)’s standards for registration as a Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner upon graduation, students holding different bachelor’s or Diploma (level 7) qualifications need to enrol in specific study pathways to fulfil the 180 credits requirement for the MCM programme.

Pathways:

• Pathway 1: Domestic students with a bachelor’s degree or a level 7 Diploma in Chinese Medicine (Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture) may be eligible to register with CMCNZ as acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners. They enrol in the standard pathway to complete 180 credits, including two compulsory courses: MCM801 & MCM808.
• Pathway 2: Domestic students with a bachelor’s degree or Diploma (Level 7) majoring in Acupuncture who have never studied individual herbs and formulas must enrol in MCM807, MCM804, MCM812, MCM902, MCM801, and MCM808 plus additional elective courses to complete 180 credits.
• Pathway 3: Domestic students with a bachelor’s degree or Diploma (Level 7) majoring in Acupuncture who have studied individual herbs and formulas must enrol in MCM804, MCM812, MCM902, MCM801, and MCM808 plus elective courses to complete 180 credits.
• Pathway 4: International students with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Acupuncture who have never studied herbs/formulas must enrol in MCM807, MCM804, MCM812, MCM902, MCM801, and MCM808 plus elective courses to complete 180 credits.
• Pathway 5: International students with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Acupuncture who have studied herbs/formulas must enrol in MCM804, MCM812, MCM902, MCM801, and MCM808 plus elective courses to complete 180 credits.
• Pathway 6: International students with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Chinese Medicine must enrol in MCM812, MCM902, MCM801, and MCM808 plus elective courses to complete 180 credits.

English Language Entry Requirements:

Applicants must have sufficient competence in English to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English.

If a domestic student is not a native English speaker, they must demonstrate that their command of English meets New Zealand university master’s degree entrance requirements or provide evidence of:

• Three years of full-time study at a New Zealand school, and
• Completion of at least a Level 5 qualification on the NZQF.

Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency. An IELTS Academic test score with an average of 6.5 and no band less than 6, or equivalent, is required.

Enrolment Approval:

Final approval is made by the Programme Management Committee and is subject to:

• Verification of documents
• Capability to complete the programme
• Availability of programme places

General Requirements:

• Applicants must demonstrate appropriate motivation, attitudes, and attributes to successfully study in this programme.
• Applicants must be physically capable of completing the programme.
• Applicants must be independently mobile and not require assistance from another person or device to undertake clinical practice experience.

Academic Requirements:

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a major in Herbal Medicine or Acupuncture with at least 360 credits, or equivalent.
• Equivalent qualification: a Level 7 Diploma in Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine with at least 360 credits and a minimum of five recent continuous years of relevant working experience.
• The minimum age to enter this programme is 20 years.
• Applicants must supply names and contact details for two referees (not family or next of kin).
• Applicants must declare any health issues or disabilities for NZCCM to assess the possibility of support and ability to meet professional requirements.
• Applicants must consent to a Police Vetting check.
• Applicants will be required to disclose criminal convictions and complete safety checks under the Children’s Act 2014 (VCA Act).

English Language Entry Requirements for International Students:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language competency equivalent to New Zealand University Entrance requirements.
• Minimum IELTS Academic test score: 6.0 overall, with no band score lower than 5.5.
• Test results must be from one test, current, and taken within two years of the application date (or an NZQA-recognised equivalent test).

General Requirements:

Candidates must demonstrate they meet the University Entrance requirements as defined by NZQA or fulfil one of the following modes of entrance:

• Admission at an equivalent level
• Special Admission
• Discretionary Entrance

Standard Entry Requirements:

NCEA Level 3:

• Three subjects at Level 3, made up of:
  • 14 credits each in three UE-approved subjects
• Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above:
  • 5 credits in reading
  • 5 credits in writing
• Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above:
  • Achievement standards – specified achievement standards through a range of subjects
  • Unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all required)

Cambridge International Examinations:

• 120 points on the UCAS Tariff at A or AS level from NZ syllabus groups (excluding Thinking Skills), with a minimum grade of D in three syllabus groups
• Minimum D pass in IGCSE or GCSE Mathematics or any Mathematics passed at AS level
• Minimum E pass in any AS English

Other Qualifications:

May be deemed equivalent to the university entrance standard either on their own or in combination with NCEA (as specified by the NZ Universities Vice Chancellors Committee).

Special Admission and Mature Entry:

• Persons aged 20+ who are NZ/Australian citizens or permanent residents may enrol without University Entrance at the discretion of the Programme Management Committee (PMC).
• Applicants who do not meet all the entry requirements should contact NZCCM to explore options.
• Subject to NZCCM Academic Board approval, applicants may be admitted if PMC believes they have reasonable prospects of success and meet the English language entry requirement.

Discretionary Entrance:

• Available to NZ or Australian citizens/permanent residents under 20 years old
• Must have a minimum of 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA
• Must meet literacy and numeracy requirements for University Entrance
• Requires a reference from a school principal or suitable person, and an interview
• Students who studied Year 13 beyond 1 June are ineligible to apply in the same year but may apply for mid-year admission the following year

Additional Admission Requirements:

• Domestic students who are not native English speakers must meet NZ University Entrance English language standards, or provide proof of two years of full-time study in a NZ school and completion of NCEA Level 2
• Applicants must declare health issues or disabilities on the Enrolment Form/Health Declaration. These will be discussed during the interview for NZCCM to assess possible support and future independent practice ability
• Applicants must declare any criminal or pending criminal convictions

Assessment of Prior Learning (APL):

• Applicants who believe they already have the experience/knowledge may apply for APL by submitting a form and paying the $100.00 application fee
• If approved, this may reduce the number of required courses for the qualification
• Applicants with an overseas-recognised Level 7 degree and a minimum of four years’ full-time study may apply for APL/RPL credit recognition of up to two-thirds of the degree credits:
  • Up to 240 credits for the three-year BHSc (Acupuncture)
  • Up to 320 credits for the four-year BHSc (Chinese Medicine)
• All candidates must complete the following courses:
  • PMP 1, PMP 2, PMP 3
  • BMS 4, BMS 5
  • CMP 3 (for Acupuncture major)
  • CMP 5 (for Chinese Medicine major)

Entry Requirements for New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage (Level 6)

• Applicants must hold the New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5) [NZQA Ref #2740]
  or demonstrate an international/national equivalent qualification endorsed by professional membership or current through an annual practicing certificate.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have passed at least 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 in one year or equivalent, preferably including Biology.
• Applicants must have no communicable diseases or physical/psychological impairments that may adversely affect their ability to undertake the programme or work in a clinical setting.
• Applicants must be able to communicate in English.
  • International students or residents whose first language is neither English nor Māori must have a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5, or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
• Enrolling students must hold a current workplace first aid certificate or sign a declaration that one will be obtained before entry into the clinical placement component.
• Enrolling students must sign a health declaration stating they have no known physical disability or mental illness that will materially affect their ability for clinical practice in a healthcare context in NZ.
• All applicants must undergo an interview to confirm their suitability for the programme.

Provisional Entry

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria but present evidence of their ability to succeed (e.g., maturity, life experience, or other study), are enthusiastic and motivated to achieve, and provide evidence of prior learning and experience will be considered.

This does not override the requirement to hold the NZ2740 qualification or an international/national equivalent that has been practiced within the last 3 years to confirm currency of skills and knowledge to operate within the defined scope of practice.

• Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age, have passed at least 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 in one year or equivalent, preferably including Biology.
• Applicants must have no communicable diseases or physical/psychological impairments that may adversely affect their ability to undertake the programme of study or work with people in a clinical setting.
• Applicants must be able to communicate competently in English.
  • Applicants whose first language is neither English nor Māori must have a minimum overall IELTS score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0, or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.

Provisional Entry

Applicants who do not meet the criteria above but present evidence of ability to succeed (e.g., maturity, life experience, work experience, or other study), or are enthusiastic and motivated to achieve, or provide evidence of relevant prior learning and experience may be accepted at the discretion of the Programme Management Committee.

All applicants must undergo an interview (face-to-face or via video conference) to confirm their suitability for the programme.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted to the NZCEL 5 programme at NZCCM, all candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be aged a minimum of 18 years old at the start of the programme; and
• Have English as an additional language; and
• Be a New Zealand citizen or have a Residence Class Visa (i.e. Resident Visa, Permanent Resident Visa); or
• Hold a student visa.

Note: This programme is solely delivered face-to-face. International students must have a valid visa to enrol in the NZCEL 5 programme. Students are not able to study online from their home country, and student visa holders are not permitted to study this programme solely via online delivery.

In order to be accepted into the NZCEL 5 programme at NZCCM, a candidate must meet one of the following English language requirements:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 with no score below 5.5 (within 2 years); or
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): 50 with no band below 42; or
• NZCEL Level 4 (Academic) (NZQA Ref: 1883) or Level 4 (General) (NZQA Ref: 3669)

Entry Requirements

To be admitted to the NZCEL 5 programme at NZCCM, all candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be aged a minimum of 18 years old at the start of the programme; and
• Have English as an additional language; and
• Be a New Zealand citizen or have a Residence Class Visa (i.e. Resident Visa, Permanent Resident Visa); or
• Hold a student visa.

Note: This programme is solely delivered face-to-face. International students must have a valid visa to enrol in the NZCEL 5 programme. Students are not able to study online from their home country, and student visa holders are not permitted to study this programme solely via online delivery.

In order to be accepted into the NZCEL 5 programme at NZCCM, a candidate must meet one of the following English language requirements:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 with no score below 5.5 (within 2 years); or
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): 50 with no band below 42; or
• NZCEL Level 4 (Academic) (NZQA Ref: 1883) or Level 4 (General) (NZQA Ref: 3669)

The $200 nonrefundable Enrolment Fee for students must be paid when you lodge your enrolment application. This fee is only refundable if your application is declined or your course does not take place.

All course fees are determined by the Board of NZCCM and will be reviewed annually and in line with Tertiary Education Commission guidelines and approval.

Students are required to pay tuition fees in full prior to the commencement of courses.

• Children may not attend class, clinical teaching sessions, or exam areas under any circumstances.
• Any child on campus must be approved in advance and supervised by a responsible adult.
• NZCCM does not provide childcare.
• Contact the Operations Manager if you require support.

Student Support Services

Comprehensive details of the student support services offered are detailed in the Student Handbook that you will receive at Orientation.