Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

A Comprehensive Integrative Health Education

The Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program provides extensive leadership training in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, integrating classical principles of Chinese medicine with evidence-based standards of contemporary healthcare. Students in this program must dually enroll in a Master of Acupuncture program, earning two advanced degrees in four years. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for national board exams and apply for licensure.

Become An Integrative Healthcare Leader

The New England School of Acupuncture is the nation’s first professional acupuncture school, renowned for its leadership and innovation in integrative health education.

#1

In New England

NESA is consistently ranked among the top acupuncture schools in the country and is currently ranked first in the region by College Factual.

$120K

Per Year

Average annual salary for acupuncturists, compared to $84K average nationally, per the Massachusetts OEWS.

50+

Years of Healing

Since its founding in 1975, NESA has led the way in professional education for practitioners of traditional medicine.

Two Campuses. One Premier Education.

Choose to pursue your acupuncture degree on our Boston campus or Worcester campus. At either location, some coursework is completed online during live, synchronous sessions. Some coursework will be in-person to provide hands-on learning experiences, faculty mentorship, peer collaboration, and clinical training.

Modern healthcare clinic reception area with wooden front desk, anatomical models, and hallway leading to exam rooms.

Boston

Designed for working professionals and career changers needing maximum flexibility, students based on the Boston campus will take online courses in the evenings and in-person courses on the weekends. Located in the heart of the Longwood Medical Area, this campus features a brand-new, on-site Acupuncture Treatment Center.

Worcester

Immerse yourself in the academic experience on the Worcester campus. All courses, including online and in-person, are held on weekdays during daytime hours. This is NESA’s central campus and features our Acupuncture Treatment Center, which is open to the public, and Chinese herbal dispensary.

A Flexible, Hybrid Learning Experience

Earn your Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in a way that accommodates your schedule and career goals. Contact your Admission Counselor to learn more about the options.

Find Your Counselor

Japanese Acupuncture Styles Concentration

Discover a gentle, precision-based approach to healing that emphasizes patient comfort, subtle diagnostic techniques, and refined treatment methods. This optional concentration can be completed concurrently with the core curriculum.

Explore the Curriculum

On-Site Training

Gain hands-on experience at our on-campus Treatment Centers, one in Worcester and another in Boston. Treat diverse patient populations under the mentorship of expert, licensed faculty.

See Our Treatment Centers

Careers in Action: NESA Alumni Making Their Mark

Explore some of the roles graduates from our doctoral program have attained.

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

New England Acupuncture & Oriental Herbal Services
Owner

Lotus Acupuncture and Wellness
Founder & Chief Provider

Akasha Studio
Clinical Director

Tai Chi Acupuncture & Wellness Center
Acupuncturist

Remedy Place
Owner

Tortuga Integrative Acupuncture Medicine

Meet the Sports Acupuncturist Helping Athletes Stay in the Game

With more than 25 years of experience in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, George Leung, ’08, eases sore muscles, heals overuse injuries, and alleviates joint pain to keep Boston’s athletes and artists at peak performance. He treats a diverse range of athletes: world-class equestrians, Olympic figure skaters and hockey players, Boston Ballet dancers, Boston Marathon runners, and MLB and NFL athletes.

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