Campus: Worcester Start Term: Fall
As an acupuncturist and oriental medicine specialist, you can treat patients physically, mentally and spiritually. In this program, you’ll build on your previous bachelor’s degree in any field to gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to practice acupuncture and administer herbal medicine as a licensed healthcare provider.
This 36-month, full-time, year-round program offers both classroom and clinical education in Chinese Acupuncture Studies and Chinese Herbal Medicine with an optional sequence of five courses in the Japanese Acupuncture Styles track. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for national board certification examinations in acupuncture and herbs provided by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and to apply for state licensure specifically designated for the practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
We prioritize the review and admission of applications submitted earlier in our rolling admission process, so it is to your advantage to submit your application as soon as possible.
All applicants are automatically considered for scholarship with their application. We have a rolling admission process, and the sooner you submit your application, the more favorably you will be considered both for admission and scholarship.
For admission to the program, an applicant must have:
Additionally, the following courses must be completed either prior to enrollment, or at MCPHS within the Acupuncture curriculum.
**Distance Learning or online courses are not allowed for licensure in MA per Committee on Acupuncture. General Psychology and Microbiology can be taken as online or distance learning courses.
All official college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and supporting materials can be sent to:
Worcester Admission Office 19 Foster Street Worcester, MA 01608 admissions.worcester@mcphs.edu 508.373.5607 or 800.225.5506
SACAS 101
TCM Theory I
4
SACAS 111
Point Location I
2.5
SACAS 121
Materials & Methods I
2
SACAS 131
Living Anatomy I
SAMTP100
Internal Exercise
1
SACLC AA30
Clinical Assistantship I
SASCI 101/110
Anatomy & Physiology I /lab
TOTAL
16.5
SACAS 102
TCM Theory II
SACAS 112
Point Location II
SACAS 122
Materials & Methods II
SACAS 132
Living Anatomy II
SAJAS 100
Introduction to Japanese Acupuncture
SACHM 100
Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine
Clinical Assistantship II
SASCI 102
Anatomy & Physiology II
3
17.5
SAJAS 111
JAS: Root Treatment I
0
SACHM 111
Pharmacopoeia I
SACAS 161/162
Actions & Effects of Points
SACAS 190
Clinical Skills of TCM
SACAS 211
Western Medical Pathology & Pharmacology I
Epidemiology/Biostatistics
Clinical Assistantship III
SASCI 120
General Biology
First Year Comprehensive Examination
18
20
SAJAS 112
JAS: Root Treatment II
SACHM 112
CHM: Pharmacopoeia II
SACAS 171
TCM Etiology & Pathology of Disease I
SACAS 201
Intro to Clinical Internship I
SACAS 212
Western Medical Pathology & Pharmacology II
SARES 100
Research Design & Evaluation
SABUS 121
Practice Management: Marketing
SACLC DA15
CHM Dispensary Assistantship at NESA
Clinical Assistantship IV
1.5
20.5
SAJAS 120
JAS: Local Treatment
SACHM 121
CHM: Formulas I
SACAS 172
TCM Etiology & Pathology of Disease II
SACAS 202
Intro to Clinical Internship II
SACAS 213
Western Medical Pathology & Pharmacology III
SACAS 270
Clinical Theater
Clinical Assistantship V
SASCI 130
Psychology
Second Year Comprehensive Exam
SAJAS 130
JAS: Introduction to Clinical Internship
SACHM 122
CHM: Formulas II
SACHM 130
CHM: Chinese Patent Medicine
SACAS 220
Patient Provider Relationship
SACAS 180
Microsystems
SACLC CAS60
MAOM CHM & JAS Clinical Internship I, II & III
6
16
SAJAS 140
JAS: Shakuju
SACHM 141
CHM: Internal Medicine
CACHM 150
CHM: Formula Writing
SAMTP 130
OM Bodywork
SACAS 231
Clinical Case Management
SACAS 250
Chinese Nutrition
SABUS 122
Practice Management: Business Skills
SASCI 170
MAOM CHM & Dual Clinical Internship IV, V & VI
SACLC OM60
CHM Comprehensive Examination
SACHM 142
CHM: Internal Medicine II
SABUS 123
Practice Management: AOM Professional Issues
SACAS 240
Survey Classic Chinese Medical Texts
SACAS 140
History of Chinese Medicine
SACAS 260
Western Nutrition
SACLC OM60, HM1B60
MAOM CHM & JAS Clinical Internship VII, VIII, IX
14
SACHM 160
CHM: Clinical Pharmacology
Advanced Physiology
CHM Elective 1
CHM Elective 2
SASCI 170*
Microbiology
SACLC OM60, CHM1B60
MAOM CHM & Dual Clinical Internship X, XI, XII
17
13
*If transfer credit is awarded for Microbiology, this course is replaced with a 2-credit elective and the credits for the term and program are reduced by 1.
Total Semester Hours MAOM (CHM and Dual): 151, 158
At the end of your first year, you will have the option to continue to focus on CAS alone, or choose from a variety of tracks to specialize and enhance your knowledge. Students choose from the following, optional tracks:
The Japanese Acupuncture Styles track includes an optional sequence of five courses in Japanese Acupuncture Styles. Typically, Japanese acupuncture uses thinner needles and needling tools and relies more heavily on palpatory technique. Each needle is inserted more superficially and within this style, non-insertive needle techniques can be used. Japanese acupuncture is beneficial for all types of patients, but is especially suited for children. This track is comprised of the core curriculum and courses providing application of two predominant therapeutic styles of Japanese Acupuncture: Meridian 5 Phase and Extraordinary Vessels. Students who complete the Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) track earn a Master of Acupuncture (MAc) with a concentration in JAS. Students complete requirements for graduation in a minimum of 33 months.
The Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) track provides students with extensive training in the use of herbal medicine to treat chronic and acute conditions. Clinical rotations combining Chinese acupuncture and CHM are required for this track and give students the first-hand experience of using Chinese herbs in a clinical setting. Students who complete the Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) track earn a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM). Students complete requirements for graduation in a minimum of 36 months.
Find out what makes this program unique at MCPHS.
Katie Walker, MS, MAOM, Lic. Ac., Dipl. OM shares insight into her career.