In December 1996, the Royal University of America in Los Angeles, California merged with Dongguk University and officially changed its name to Dongguk–Royal University (DRU). This merger is the first of its type in the world–no other Korean university has ever acquired a foreign university or college. For Dongguk University, the merger marks a historic milestone in its efforts to diversify and internationalize its academic programs and research facilities. DRU will continue to focus on the study of Oriental medicine. However, its curriculum has been significantly upgraded in line with Dongguk University's emphasis on modernizing Oriental medical practices and integrating Western and Oriental schools of medicine. DRU's academic program leads to a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. The nationally accredited and state-authorized Master's program is offered in three languages: Korean, English and Chinese, providing unprecedented opportunities for American, Korean and Chinese students interested in studying the art of Oriental medicine and acupuncture.
DRU is home to the School of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture and to the Oriental Medical Center (OMC). The School of Oriental Medicine offers a 4-year course of study leading to a Master of Science Degree in Oriental Medicine. The Master of Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NASCAOM); it is also authorized and approved by the State of California Education Code and by the Medical Board of California's Acupuncture Committee. DRU is a standing member of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Successful completion of DRU's Master of Science in Oriental Medicine program qualifies graduates to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination, which consists of written and practical portions. Graduates who pass both portions of the licensing examination receive the title ‘LAc’ (Licensed Acupuncturist) and are licensed by the State of California to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the State.
DRU is approved by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service for attendance by non-immigrant foreign students. That simplifies visa paperwork for foreign students wishing to enter the program. Foreign students need only provide: (i) official transcript evaluations (professionally translated and evaluated for degree equivalency); (ii) a certificate of account balance; and (iii) all 1–20 form(s) issued by US schools previously attended, if any. Further facilitating attendance by foreign students is the fact that the Master's program is offered in three languages–Korean, Chinese and English. One of the aims of DRU is to provide students with a multi-cultural, international environment that will enrich their educational experience by exposing them to new viewpoints and ideas. While instruction is offered in Korean and Chinese as well as in English, all students are encouraged to develop English proficiency in order to further their scholastic and communications skills.
The Master of Science program is intense and generally requires 1690 h of classroom instruction and 810 h of clinical internship. The curriculum is divided into the following major areas of study: Western Sciences Requirement (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology); Western Medicine (620 h required); Oriental Medicine (710 h required); Herbology (300 h required); Ethics and Management (60 h required); and Clinical Internships (810 h required). The above areas include classroom instruction and clinical practice in ‘Pharmacology, Acupuncture and Tui-na (traditional Chinese massage therapy)’. While the program typically takes 48 months (4 years) to complete, matriculating students with a premed background who satisfy the Western Science requirements may qualify for an accelerated, 36 month program.
Students have the option of satisfying up to 200 of their required 950 clinical internship hours through ‘externships’ at any of a host of private medical clinics owned and operated by DRU alumni. Externships accomplish the same educational objectives as internships; students learn how to skillfully apply theories and techniques learned in class. Moreover, they also get an opportunity to see how a successful private clinic is managed and operated. Externships provide a uniquely valuable educational experience for students planning to open their own private clinic.
Most of the program's clinical internship requirements are fulfilled at the OMC located on DRU's campus. The OMC provides low cost acupuncture and other Oriental medical services to the citizens of Los Angeles. It is organized around three departments: Acupuncture, Tui-na (Chinese massage therapy) and Internal Medicine. Doctors and clinical instructors head each department. Their duties include supervising the practical clinical training of student interns and providing interns with specialized instruction. The OMC includes a herbal pharmacy with a stock of 400 different herbs and other medical supplies, including herbal extraction and packing machines. All herbal prescriptions are filled in the pharmacy.
DRU's superb faculty and curriculum ensure that students will acquire the necessary skills to diagnose their patients' ills accurately and to formulate proper treatment plans for their patients. DRU places great emphasis on providing students with a sound grounding in medical ethics and an intimate understanding of state and federal laws regulating the medical profession. The emphasis on ethics and law serves above all to protect patients. However, it also protects graduates during their professional careers, and maintains the integrity of the Oriental medicine profession.
Applications for admission are accepted throughout the academic year. Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis and new students are accepted at the beginning of each quarter. Applicants are required to submit the following documents to the office of admissions: (i) two letters of recommendation; (ii) sealed official transcripts from all undergraduate schools attended, foreign as well as domestic; (iii) a personal statement, 1–2 pages in length, describing the applicants academic and personal achievements; (iv) a completed and signed application for admission; (v) three recent, passport-size photographs of the applicant; and (v) a US$100.00, non-refundable application processing fee.
Individuals or institutions wanting more information about any of the programs or facilities of DRU should call, write or fax the DRU.