Abstract
BACKGROUND: In contemporary China, acupuncture and moxibustion education is a part of higher education. A complete system of acupuncture education has been established. METHODS: This article provides a detailed account of the curriculum system, teaching mode, practical requirements, the path to obtaining the qualification of a practicing physician, employment situation, and the challenges faced by acupuncture education in the Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina major at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. RESULT: The Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina major at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine covers both university degree education (including international education) and non-degree education. The teaching mode includes both online and offline teaching. The majority of acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners have undergone rigorous and systematic university training, obtained a university diploma, and passed the examination for practicing Chinese medicine physicians to become licensed acupuncturists. Academic groups of acupuncture regularly hold various forms of continuing education and exchanges in acupuncture. Participation in continuing education is a necessary condition for practitioners to renew their licenses and also provides learning opportunities for non-degree education enthusiasts of acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS: Taking Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine as an example, the acupuncture education system in China ensures the educational quality and high-level development trend of the acupuncture profession and is also an important participant in the global exchange of acupuncture.