Acupuncture advice - AFCI vs McMaster School

Hi All,

I'm new to the forums, I'm a physio student in my final year of study at McGill about to graduate in November. I am very interested in pursuing continuing education in acupuncture. My research has me leaning towards the program at the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute or the McMaster University contemporary medical acupuncture program. What I've noticed a few people have done is take the first level course with AFCI and complete the program at Mac after, but I don't know why they did this.

So basically I'm looking for some advice from anyone who has taken courses from either program. Is one substantially different or better than the other? Should I go for the Mac program or the AFCI program? Or do level one at AFCI then do the MAC program? Any input from my fellow PTs would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!!

Leon

Hi Leon,
I have taken most of the AFCI courses so can speak to that but really don't know much about the Mac program. The AFCI Part 1, 2A & 3A are a great introduction and I recommend you take them and then write the exam. This gives you a "CAFCI" certification and more importantly, a billing number with WSIB. If you see WSIB patients I don't know if they accept the MAC program qualifications or not. Might be something to check out. One of the other reasons I like AFCI is because they give you all the boring class lectures on DVD first so when you finally get to the class it's all practical. I use AP all the time and highly recommend the technique. Hope this helps and Good luck on your final exams!

- - - Updated - - -

Hi Leon,
I have taken most of the AFCI courses so can speak to that but really don't know much about the Mac program. The AFCI Part 1, 2A & 3A are a great introduction and I recommend you take them and then write the exam. This gives you a "CAFCI" certification and more importantly, a billing number with WSIB. If you see WSIB patients I don't know if they accept the MAC program qualifications or not. Might be something to check out. One of the other reasons I like AFCI is because they give you all the boring class lectures on DVD first so when you finally get to the class it's all practical. I use AP all the time and highly recommend the technique. Hope this helps and Good luck on your final exams!

Yes, perhaps someone who has taken the Mac course can post here in regards to it's recognition. Also, for those of us outside Ontario, what does WSIB mean? Worksite something or ruther board?

I can't imagine Mac would put together a course that is not recognized, as they are a well respected institution. However, it would be great if someone in the know enlightened us!
Crystal