Can an institution offer courses through distance learning?
The Commission does not currently permit accredited or candidate master’s level programs to offer any part of the curriculum through distance learning methods. Because training in acupuncture and Oriental medicine requires extensive hands-on training, these programs are required to be residential. Under the new educational standards for doctoral programs, a majority of the program must be taken in residence. The Commission has appointed a committee to examine the issue of distance learning, and will consider proposals from institutions interested in offering a portion of the program through distance learning. It should be noted, however, that an accrediting body’s authority to allow programs to incorporate distance learning into educational programs whose students are eligible for financial aid ultimately depends on the accrediting body’s obtaining permission from the U.S. Department of Education.
