Acupuncture Upgrading Training Course (AUTC)

10 Jul 2000

The Ministry of Health has appointed two main local TCM schools, the Singapore Chinese Physicians Training College (SCPTC) and the Singapore Chinese Medical Studies (SCMS) to conduct the Acupuncture Upgrading Training Course (AUTC) in preparation for the Common Acupuncture Qualifying Examinations (CAQE). This is a special arrangement during the transitional period in preparation for the registration of acupuncturists.

As announced on 28 December 1999, the following categories of persons practising acupuncture will be required to attend AUTC in preparation for CAQE to be conducted during the transitional period:

Persons not in possession of any qualification recognised by the TCM Practitioners Board and who have been practising acupuncture continuously after 1 Jul 1990; or

Persons in possession of local TCM certificate/diploma recognised by the TCM Practitioners Board, after 1 July 1995 and who have been practising acupuncture continuously after 1 Jul 1995.

Other persons who are practising acupuncture and are interested to attend the AUTC will also be welcome to do so.

The AUTC course syllabus and course structure were formulated and developed by the AUTC Implementation Committee with inputs from TCM experts from China. Members of the Committee comprised 4 representatives from the local TCM community and a representative from the Ministry of Health.

The AUTC will be conducted on part-time basis in the evenings or afternoons over a nine month period for the convenience of those who are currently practising acupuncture.

SCPTC and SCMS plan to commence the AUTC classes on 12 Sep 2000 and 11 Sep 2000 respectively. The two schools may consider opening more AUTC classes in early 2001 if there is a demand to meet the deadline of the transitional period.

Persons required to attend the AUTC are urged to attend the course as early as possible as the transitional period will end on 1 Jan 2002. After this transitional period, only those with recognised qualifications will be registered, and only duly registered persons with a valid practice certificate will be allowed to practise acupuncture.

Details on the AUTC classes can be obtained from the following:

Singapore Chinese Physicians Training College (SCPTC)

Chung Hua Free Clinic Level 3

640 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh

Singapore 319522

Tel: 2503088

Fax: 3569901

Singapore Chinese Medical Studies (SCMS)

25A Geylang Lorong 22

Singapore 398682

Tel: 7485022

Fax: 7483795