Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC)

Build on your bachelor’s degree to earn a combined Master of Acupuncture (MAC) or Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAC CHM) and Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC). Earn your master’s degree in just three years, then complete your doctorate in the fourth year.

First-Year Experience

• learn foundational theories and principles of both Eastern and Western medicine
• observe and assist with the delivery of patient care
• practice clinical skills and develop basic professional competencies with a special emphasis on acupuncture needle techniques
• explore the Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) Specialization introductory course

Second-Year Experience

• learn to formulate diagnoses and treatment plans
• manage and deliver patient care as an intern
• integrate more advanced concepts of Eastern and Western medical theory with the foundational theories and principles from your first year of study
• develop advanced professional competencies related to the practice of acupuncture
• explore approaches to integrative pain management

Third-Year Experience

• immerse yourself in the renowned clinical settings of MCPHS affiliates—top hospitals and medical centers in Boston and the New England region
• deliver patient care under the direct supervision of senior faculty and experienced practitioners in a variety of external placements
• gain a working knowledge of the management tools and techniques necessary for running an acupuncture practice

Fourth-Year Experience

• engage in practice-based learning and research competencies to support evidence-based practice
• train in advanced diagnostics
• learn to deliver collaborative care multi-disciplinary environments and clinical settings

Those who have completed a master’s level program in acupuncture or acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are 20-credits away from earning their Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC).

Students that have not completed a course in chemistry as part of their master's level program in acupuncture or acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine must complete a course in chemistry as part of their degree completion program.

First-Semester Experience

• develop skills to create and evaluate research
• learn to communicate and collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers
• explore models of integrative care with a focus on pain management
• work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop patient-centered treatment plans as part of our interactive, virtual clinical experiences

Second-Semester Experience

• pursue improvement, innovation, and collaboration in integrative healthcare
• gain an understanding of today’s patient-centered policies and practices
• build on knowledge of integrative care as a means for pain management
• continue to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop patient-centered treatment plans as part of our interactive, virtual clinical experiences