GROVE  

Where practitioners take root and rise.

 

 

Graduate
Residency for
Ongoing learning,
Vital skills and
Exam success

GROVE is the Post-Graduate Mentor and Leadership Experience in Classical Five-Element Acupuncture (CF-EA) at the Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture. This residency is designed to support recent graduates transition into clinical practice through structured mentorship, supervised sessions, and opportunities to assist in clinic operations.

Key features include:

• Weekly 2-hour mentorship sessions
• Hands-on clinical experience under licensed supervision
• Support for professional growth in alignment with ACAHM standards
• Resources for board exams preparation
• 6-9-month timeline with the possibility of an extension
• Rotating cycles for cohort start dates

Rooted in the original teachings of Professor J.R. Worsley, this path provides a supportive, supervised environment for deepening clinical skills, maintaining momentum, and preparing for independent practice.

Now is your time:
Take Root and Rise!
Apply Here

 

Objectives:

• Maintain and refine clinical skills through supervised patient care.
• Provide step-by-step guidance for building a sustainable acupuncture practice while pursing licensure.
• Deepen diagnostic and treatment skills through focused practice in:
  • Point location
  • Pulse diagnosis
  • Rapport building
  • Treatment planning
  • Case studies
  • COSE 
• Group mentoring
• Offer opportunities for post-graduates to mentor current clinic students.
• Prepare and inspire future teachers and leaders in the CFEA lineage.
• Provide TCM study support/guidance as graduates prepare to take board exams.

Residents who complete this program may be eligible to begin teaching and supervising at ITEA on an accelerated path. 

Structure:

This post-graduate mentorship opportunity will be offered as two paths:

1. Post Graduate Residency
2. Leadership Experience

1. Post-Graduate Residency

• All residents will treat 2-3 patients per week independently in the clinic, with a licensed supervisor present on-site and available for:
  • Pulse and point checks
  • Treatment planning support
  • Clinical guidance and feedback
• Treatments will be scheduled for 1.5 hr time blocks
• Weekly 2-hour online meeting sessions with a GROVE Leader will provide space for:
  • Case review and discussion
  • Addressing clinical concerns
  • Problem-solving and clarification
  • Emotional and professional support
  • Business planning
  • Marketing and branding
  • Website development
  • Office setup and logistics
  • Patient communication and retention
  • TCM and Point Location Board Prep

2. Leadership Experience 

All Leadership Experience residents participate fully in the above Residency path, in addition to:

• Mentoring current clinic students.
• Grand Rounds w/Supervisors available.
• Opportunities to check points during regular clinic hours for current clinical interns after successful completion of qualifying assessments

Sample Schedule:

Week 1: Clinical Work — Case Presentation

Week 2: Practice Management — Office Set-Up and Logistics

Week 3: Clinical Work — COSE Review

Week 4: TCM Board Prep — Review concepts for NCBAHM exams, address questions, provide guidance