Hybrid Distance Learning

Earn your Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine with the flexibility of online learning—without sacrificing the hands-on training essential to becoming an exceptional practitioner.

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine’s Hybrid Distance Learning Program combines the convenience of live online instruction with immersive, in-person clinical training. Designed for motivated students who need greater flexibility, our hybrid format allows you to receive the same high-quality education, faculty mentorship, and collaborative learning experience as students attending classes on campus.

Our comprehensive Learning Management System serves as your virtual campus, providing one convenient location to access everything you need for success, including:

  • Live online classes with experienced faculty
  • Course materials and recorded resources
  • Assignments, quizzes, and examinations
  • Class discussions and collaborative learning
  • Direct communication with instructors and classmates
  • Grades, feedback, and academic progress
  • Student resources and support services

A Connected Learning Experience

Unlike self-paced online programs, Dragon Rises’ hybrid curriculum is delivered live and in real time. Distance learning students attend classes alongside their on-campus classmates, following the same academic calendar, course schedule, assignments, examinations, and learning objectives.

This synchronous format fosters meaningful interaction with faculty and peers while providing the structure, accountability, and support needed for academic success. Students benefit from an engaging educational environment that builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and prepares graduates for professional practice.

Hands-On Clinical Training

Because excellence in East Asian Medicine requires practical experience, students enrolled in the Hybrid Program attend one weekend each month at our Bradenton, Florida campus for hands-on instruction.

During these in-person sessions, students develop and demonstrate essential clinical skills under the supervision of experienced faculty. Practical training includes acupuncture techniques, diagnostic methods, patient assessment, treatment protocols, and other competencies that are fundamental to safe and effective patient care.

Weekend sessions are typically held on Saturdays and Sundays and generally run from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM or 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, depending on the course schedule. The total number of practical training hours is equivalent to those completed by students in the traditional on-campus program.

The Best of Both Worlds

Dragon Rises’ Hybrid Distance Learning Program offers students the flexibility to pursue their education while maintaining work and family responsibilities, without compromising the rigorous clinical training, faculty mentorship, and collaborative learning experience that distinguish our graduates.

For students with Florida residency, our hybrid program allows you to pursue your passion for East Asian Medicine while receiving the comprehensive education and hands-on experience needed to become a confident, compassionate healthcare professional.

Your future in integrative healthcare starts here—with the flexibility you need and the education you deserve.

 

 

Admissions requirements and admissions criteria are identical for campus-based and online/hybrid modalities, with one addition: Distance Education students must have a Florida address as their address-of-record when applying and provide proof of residency with qualifying documentation as stated on the DRCOM proof of residency form.

Students must be enrolled in the online version of the combined Bachelor of Health Sciences – Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine program to take online courses.

New classes begin each Semester. Admissions applications received after the beginning of the semester will be considered on an individual basis. The applicant must submit the following to the Dragon Rises College Admissions Office:

    • A completed application, with a $50 application fee. This fee is non-refundable.
    • A word-processed document containing relevant biographical data, basic philosophy of healthcare, and a statement relating how the applicant became interested in the field of acupuncture and natural healthcare.
    • Two recent passport photos.
    • Copy of driver’s license and social security card or passport.
    • Proof of Florida residency
    • Resume or CV
    • Copy of any professional licenses held.
    • A signed Applicant’s Health Certification form.
    • FL Proof of Residency Form and supporting proof documentation ***For Out-of-State Students only
    • Two Personal Reference Forms mailed directly to the College.
    • Official transcripts from all academic institutions previously attended, sent directly to the College. Foreign transcript documents written in a language other than English must include the original, a notarized English translation, and an evaluation by the credential evaluation service, sent directly to the college.

Once all admissions documents have been received, a representative of the College will schedule an online personal interview with the College Admissions Committee members at a mutually convenient time.

Once a student is accepted by the College, the institution will schedule an online enrollment appointment . During this appointment the admissions staff will guide the enrollee through the enrollment paperwork and ensure that the student has a complete understanding of the academic programs, the program costs, program timelines and the method of delivery. The institution will collect the $75.00 enrollment fee at this time payable by credit or debit card. The student will sign the enrollment agreement and other required paperwork electronically. Students will be explicitly advised of the on-campus attendance requirements for hybrid courses.

TUITION

Program Costs:

The tuition is $7,500 per semester for students enrolled full time. For part-time students enrolled in 8.99 credit hours or less, the tuition is $4,500 (60% of full-time) tuition per semester. Tuition and fees for campus-based or online/hybrid courses are the same, including an additional $250 per semester Technology Fee for all students, regardless of full- or part-time status. Tuition increases may occur annually and the second and subsequent years may include a tuition increase; students will be notified of any tuition increases in a timely fashion. Total tuition increases may also occur if the student falls behind, is required to take additional classes or if additional hours are approved by regulatory agencies.

Tuition costs include the cost of course learning materials (including textbooks), uniforms, student ID, laboratory supplies, and student acupuncture kits used in the classroom. Learning resources and or learning materials are supplied by the College and may be in the form of hard copy textbooks, e-books (digital), or other electronic documents or activities on the Learning Management System. Clinic acupuncture supplies (needles, moxa, salves, etc.) are not included in tuition as selection and use of these types of items depend on student preference.

Payment is due for each semester during the designated registration period. Any other financial arrangements will need to be approved by the Director. Students withdrawing from the program will be liable for the full cost of the last semester attended past the drop period. They will not be liable for the remainder of the program after withdrawal.

No tuition adjustments will be made for transfer credit(s), but if transfer credits are granted, the student will not be required to take those classes. Additional program fees total $3,055.00. See the Fees breakdown below for more information. The Full Cost of Attendance is $78,055.

Fee
Amount
Description
Application Fee
$50
With initial application, nonrefundable
Enrollment Fee
$75
One-time enrollment fee, nonrefundable after 5 days
Annual OSHA/HIPPA Training
$50
Per year, paid in Fall Semester.
Student Government Fee
$15
Per semester, for all students
Technology Fee
$250
Per semester, for all students
Graduation Fee
$130
One-time fee, 9th semester for 10th semester graduation
Textboooks
$0
Included in tuition
Scrubs (uniform)
$0
Included in tuition
Student Classroom Acupuncture Kit
$0
Included in tuition
Additional Fees
(under certain circumstances)
Return check fee
$35
Fee for checks which are not processed by the bank
Clinic Acupuncture Supplies
$100
Costs vary based on student selection/preference
Student Security Card Replacement
$25
Fee for issuing a replacement student security card
Additional Clinic Hours
$50/hr
See Student Handbook, page 7, for full details
Course Audit Fee
$200/credit hour
Requires approval before Semester start
Official Transcript Fee
$10
Per requested copy after 3 copies

There are technological requirements specific to DE students, including:

  1. Laptop or desktop computer (required for all programs at Dragon Rises, not specific to DE)
  2. Internet access (reliable, landline-based is preferable, but a cellular connection can suffice if limited options)
  3. DragonRises email access * (will be issued upon enrollment; we use the Google Workspaces framework for email communications)
  4. Populi access * (will be issued upon enrollment; our primary Student Information system (SIS0 and Learning Management System (LMS))
  5. Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs access (both available through DRCOM. Contact IT for access if you have issues)

 

* – DRCOM IT Support can help you access the software titles included with Dragon Rises credentials. It is highly recommended you use a properly configured desktop or laptop computer to ensure a reliable learning environment.

If you choose to add these to your mobile devices for ease of access, be aware that there are far too many mobile device manufacturers and models for DRCOM to be able to offer support.

The Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization degree is a fully-accredited program by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), just the same as our on-campus programs are accredited, although ACAHM does not accredit Bachelor’s-level programs.

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine and its following program are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):
– (1) Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization
The program listed above may offer courses via distance education. ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor level. Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM directory.

ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners.

ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; https://acahm.org

Public Disclosure Statement Effective as of 30 August 2023.

 

Licensure

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE), Florida Department of Education to award the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degrees. License number 2425. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, phone (850) 245-3200.

Program Overview

Hybrid Distance Learning

Earn your Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine with the flexibility of online learning—without sacrificing the hands-on training essential to becoming an exceptional practitioner.

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine’s Hybrid Distance Learning Program combines the convenience of live online instruction with immersive, in-person clinical training. Designed for motivated students who need greater flexibility, our hybrid format allows you to receive the same high-quality education, faculty mentorship, and collaborative learning experience as students attending classes on campus.

Our comprehensive Learning Management System serves as your virtual campus, providing one convenient location to access everything you need for success, including:

  • Live online classes with experienced faculty
  • Course materials and recorded resources
  • Assignments, quizzes, and examinations
  • Class discussions and collaborative learning
  • Direct communication with instructors and classmates
  • Grades, feedback, and academic progress
  • Student resources and support services

A Connected Learning Experience

Unlike self-paced online programs, Dragon Rises’ hybrid curriculum is delivered live and in real time. Distance learning students attend classes alongside their on-campus classmates, following the same academic calendar, course schedule, assignments, examinations, and learning objectives.

This synchronous format fosters meaningful interaction with faculty and peers while providing the structure, accountability, and support needed for academic success. Students benefit from an engaging educational environment that builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and prepares graduates for professional practice.

Hands-On Clinical Training

Because excellence in East Asian Medicine requires practical experience, students enrolled in the Hybrid Program attend one weekend each month at our Bradenton, Florida campus for hands-on instruction.

During these in-person sessions, students develop and demonstrate essential clinical skills under the supervision of experienced faculty. Practical training includes acupuncture techniques, diagnostic methods, patient assessment, treatment protocols, and other competencies that are fundamental to safe and effective patient care.

Weekend sessions are typically held on Saturdays and Sundays and generally run from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM or 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, depending on the course schedule. The total number of practical training hours is equivalent to those completed by students in the traditional on-campus program.

The Best of Both Worlds

Dragon Rises’ Hybrid Distance Learning Program offers students the flexibility to pursue their education while maintaining work and family responsibilities, without compromising the rigorous clinical training, faculty mentorship, and collaborative learning experience that distinguish our graduates.

For students with Florida residency, our hybrid program allows you to pursue your passion for East Asian Medicine while receiving the comprehensive education and hands-on experience needed to become a confident, compassionate healthcare professional.

Your future in integrative healthcare starts here—with the flexibility you need and the education you deserve.

What's Different?

 

 

Admissions

Admissions requirements and admissions criteria are identical for campus-based and online/hybrid modalities, with one addition: Distance Education students must have a Florida address as their address-of-record when applying and provide proof of residency with qualifying documentation as stated on the DRCOM proof of residency form.

Students must be enrolled in the online version of the combined Bachelor of Health Sciences – Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine program to take online courses.

New classes begin each Semester. Admissions applications received after the beginning of the semester will be considered on an individual basis. The applicant must submit the following to the Dragon Rises College Admissions Office:

    • A completed application, with a $50 application fee. This fee is non-refundable.
    • A word-processed document containing relevant biographical data, basic philosophy of healthcare, and a statement relating how the applicant became interested in the field of acupuncture and natural healthcare.
    • Two recent passport photos.
    • Copy of driver’s license and social security card or passport.
    • Proof of Florida residency
    • Resume or CV
    • Copy of any professional licenses held.
    • A signed Applicant’s Health Certification form.
    • FL Proof of Residency Form and supporting proof documentation ***For Out-of-State Students only
    • Two Personal Reference Forms mailed directly to the College.
    • Official transcripts from all academic institutions previously attended, sent directly to the College. Foreign transcript documents written in a language other than English must include the original, a notarized English translation, and an evaluation by the credential evaluation service, sent directly to the college.

Once all admissions documents have been received, a representative of the College will schedule an online personal interview with the College Admissions Committee members at a mutually convenient time.

Once a student is accepted by the College, the institution will schedule an online enrollment appointment . During this appointment the admissions staff will guide the enrollee through the enrollment paperwork and ensure that the student has a complete understanding of the academic programs, the program costs, program timelines and the method of delivery. The institution will collect the $75.00 enrollment fee at this time payable by credit or debit card. The student will sign the enrollment agreement and other required paperwork electronically. Students will be explicitly advised of the on-campus attendance requirements for hybrid courses.

Tuition & Fees

TUITION

Program Costs:

The tuition is $7,500 per semester for students enrolled full time. For part-time students enrolled in 8.99 credit hours or less, the tuition is $4,500 (60% of full-time) tuition per semester. Tuition and fees for campus-based or online/hybrid courses are the same, including an additional $250 per semester Technology Fee for all students, regardless of full- or part-time status. Tuition increases may occur annually and the second and subsequent years may include a tuition increase; students will be notified of any tuition increases in a timely fashion. Total tuition increases may also occur if the student falls behind, is required to take additional classes or if additional hours are approved by regulatory agencies.

Tuition costs include the cost of course learning materials (including textbooks), uniforms, student ID, laboratory supplies, and student acupuncture kits used in the classroom. Learning resources and or learning materials are supplied by the College and may be in the form of hard copy textbooks, e-books (digital), or other electronic documents or activities on the Learning Management System. Clinic acupuncture supplies (needles, moxa, salves, etc.) are not included in tuition as selection and use of these types of items depend on student preference.

Payment is due for each semester during the designated registration period. Any other financial arrangements will need to be approved by the Director. Students withdrawing from the program will be liable for the full cost of the last semester attended past the drop period. They will not be liable for the remainder of the program after withdrawal.

No tuition adjustments will be made for transfer credit(s), but if transfer credits are granted, the student will not be required to take those classes. Additional program fees total $3,055.00. See the Fees breakdown below for more information. The Full Cost of Attendance is $78,055.

Fee
Amount
Description
Application Fee
$50
With initial application, nonrefundable
Enrollment Fee
$75
One-time enrollment fee, nonrefundable after 5 days
Annual OSHA/HIPPA Training
$50
Per year, paid in Fall Semester.
Student Government Fee
$15
Per semester, for all students
Technology Fee
$250
Per semester, for all students
Graduation Fee
$130
One-time fee, 9th semester for 10th semester graduation
Textboooks
$0
Included in tuition
Scrubs (uniform)
$0
Included in tuition
Student Classroom Acupuncture Kit
$0
Included in tuition
Additional Fees
(under certain circumstances)
Return check fee
$35
Fee for checks which are not processed by the bank
Clinic Acupuncture Supplies
$100
Costs vary based on student selection/preference
Student Security Card Replacement
$25
Fee for issuing a replacement student security card
Additional Clinic Hours
$50/hr
See Student Handbook, page 7, for full details
Course Audit Fee
$200/credit hour
Requires approval before Semester start
Official Transcript Fee
$10
Per requested copy after 3 copies
Technology Requirements

There are technological requirements specific to DE students, including:

  1. Laptop or desktop computer (required for all programs at Dragon Rises, not specific to DE)
  2. Internet access (reliable, landline-based is preferable, but a cellular connection can suffice if limited options)
  3. DragonRises email access * (will be issued upon enrollment; we use the Google Workspaces framework for email communications)
  4. Populi access * (will be issued upon enrollment; our primary Student Information system (SIS0 and Learning Management System (LMS))
  5. Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs access (both available through DRCOM. Contact IT for access if you have issues)

 

* – DRCOM IT Support can help you access the software titles included with Dragon Rises credentials. It is highly recommended you use a properly configured desktop or laptop computer to ensure a reliable learning environment.

If you choose to add these to your mobile devices for ease of access, be aware that there are far too many mobile device manufacturers and models for DRCOM to be able to offer support.

Accreditation

The Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization degree is a fully-accredited program by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), just the same as our on-campus programs are accredited, although ACAHM does not accredit Bachelor’s-level programs.

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine and its following program are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):
– (1) Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization
The program listed above may offer courses via distance education. ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor level. Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM directory.

ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners.

ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; https://acahm.org

Public Disclosure Statement Effective as of 30 August 2023.

 

Licensure

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE), Florida Department of Education to award the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degrees. License number 2425. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, phone (850) 245-3200.

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