Master of Acupuncture (MAC)

New England School of Acupuncture

Location: Worcester
Start Term: Fall

Prepare for licensure and practice at the nation’s first acupuncture school—the only accredited acupuncture and herbal medicine institution in Massachusetts.

Traditional Medicine Integrated with Contemporary Health Sciences

In this 32-month course of study at the Worcester campus of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, you receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training under the direct supervision of our full-time faculty. When you complete our Master of Acupuncture program, you are equipped to deliver care in a variety of settings, from single-provider practices to hospitals and medical centers. You also are eligible to take the national board exams and apply for licensure.

Your 32-Month Journey

Our engaged and highly motivated students, renowned faculty, and deep connections to renowned medical institutions all contribute to an exceptional learning environment.

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

MCPHS Worcester: Master of Acupuncture (MAc)

You will be working directly with patients through immersive clinical experience and collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to deliver a truly integrative treatment plan.
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Doing Well While Doing Good

Professional success and personal satisfaction go hand-in-hand for MCPHS acupuncture graduates.

BCBS of Massachusetts offers acupuncture coverage

In launching its coverage, the state’s largest health plan provider Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) created significant new recognition and opportunities for acupuncture practitioners.

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$68k average salary

Acupuncturist compensation reported by ZipRecruiter.com in 2022.

Pop-up clinic to heal the healers

Gina Girouard MAc ’19, Clinical Director of Acutherapy for Healing Inc., and Jimmy Chung Duong MAOM ’15, Chief Clinical Officer of New England Wellness Solutions, delivered relief from pain, stress, and insomnia to frontline COVID workers.

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Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) Specialization


As part of your Master of Acupuncture degree at MCPHS, you have the option of adding a JAS specialization to your course of study. JAS emphasizes palpation (i.e., touch) as part of the diagnostic and treatment processes. JAS includes the use of very thin needles as well as non-needling techniques, so it is particularly well-suited for treating children and beneficial for patients of all ages who require especially gentle treatments.