Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAC CHM)

New England School of Acupuncture

Location: Worcester
Start Term: Fall

Gain the knowledge, training, and competencies required to provide highly skilled care to patients of all ages and receive specialized training in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM).

Acupuncture Studies Integrated with Chinese Herbal Medicine Training

In this three-year course of study at the Worcester campus of the 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. 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.

Your Three-Year 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 (including needling) and develop basic professional competencies with a special emphasis on acupuncture needle techniques and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM)
  • 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 and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM)
  • explore and apply approaches to acupuncture-based integrative pain management (IPM)

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

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.
MCPHS Acupuncture

Enhance patient outcomes with Chinese herbal medicine

Safely and effectively recommend Chinese herbal medicine formulations to expand your services.

Acupuncture professionals in increasing demand

The field of acupuncture will see sustained job growth as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) becomes increasingly integrated into Western healthcare systems.

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Evidence-based care

Evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal formulations through the review of current research and utilize evidence to improve patient care.

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.