Master of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture Studies Integrated with Chinese Herbal Medicine Training

Location: Worcester | Start Term: Fall

In this course of study at the Worcester campus at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, you’ll receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training under the direct supervision of our full-time faculty. Your training in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is integrated with your acupuncture studies at all phases of your education. When you complete the 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.

50

Celebrating 50 years of healing

Established in 1975 as the nation’s first acupuncture school, this year marks NESA’s 50th anniversary.

$ 84K

Average Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an Acupuncturist is $84,260.

#1

A legacy of excellence

NESA consistently tops best-of lists, ranking as the top acupuncture college in the United States, according to Universites.com, and the top acupuncture school in New England, according to College Factual.

Discover the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) at MCPHS

Students engage in hands-on acupuncture work and benefit from safety protocols at MCPHS's New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) in Worcester, MA.

Closeup of a hand tipping herbs onto a scale.

“This is a truly amazing time to enter healthcare. There are ancient traditions undergoing modern scientific testing that have shown their efficacy. The future of healthcare is moving towards centering patients, more integration of care, and being more equitable."
Timothy Sobo, MA '12 | Official Acupuncturist for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Unlocking the Body’s Healing Potential

In Episode 8 of MCPHS Podcast, The Secret to Living to 200, Dr. Maria Broderick shares why she believes integrative medicine is the future of healthcare.

Listen to the Podcast

News & Features

Keep up with the latest news from the New England School of Acupuncture.

A Celebration of Collaboration: April is National Interprofessional Healthcare Month

Caleb Andrew sits with acupuncture needles in his head.

‘It’s Magic’: Acupuncture Brings Relief, Connection to Veterans

Kambrie Clinton, MSOT '25, and Haley Samara, DPT '26, with the group's faculty advisor, Dr. Stephen Cina.

Student Group Practices Interprofessional Skills

Female acupuncture student taking a patients pulse.

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.

See the curriculum

Undergraduate Pathway to Acupuncture

At MCPHS, we offer a time-saving, dual-degree program for undergraduates that leads to a Master of Acupuncture degree.

Health Sciences Pathway: Acupuncture (BS/MAC)

Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAC CHM)