Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

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.

Learn more about the Master in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program.

Priority Application deadline: May 1

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:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended
  • A genuine and thoughtful interest in the study and practice of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine

Additionally, the following courses must be completed either prior to enrollment, or at MCPHS within the Acupuncture curriculum.

  • General Psychology (3 credits)
  • General Biology (3 credits)**
  • Microbiology with lab (3 credits)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (6 credits)**

**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

 

 

We are now offering ‘On-The-Spot Admission’ appointments in Worcester for entry to the Fall 2017 semester. Your visit will include:

  • Tour of classrooms, treatment rooms, acupuncture supply store, & Herbal Medicine Center
  • Sit in on a current Acupuncture class (offered Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
  • Interview with faculty/staff
  • On-the-spot admission discussion with Admissions (please bring copies of all college transcripts)
  • Free Acupuncture treatment

Taking advantage of this opportunity will give you the chance to make a strong, positive impression while we review your file and make an admissions decision on the spot!   

Please email Jennifer Melendez at jennifer.melendez@mcphs.edu or call 774.243.3467 to schedule a date and time.

Year I-Fall

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SACAS 101

TCM Theory I

4

4

SACAS 111

Point Location I

2.5

2.5

SACAS 121

Materials & Methods I

2

2

SACAS 131

Living Anatomy I

2

2

SAMTP100

Internal Exercise

1

2

SACLC AA30

Clinical Assistantship I

1

1

SASCI 101/110

Anatomy & Physiology I /lab

4

2.5

TOTAL

16.5

16.5


Year I-Spring

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SACAS 102

TCM Theory II

4

4

SACAS 112

Point Location II

2.5

2.5

SACAS 122

Materials & Methods II

2

2

SACAS 132

Living Anatomy II

2

2

SAJAS 100

Introduction to Japanese Acupuncture

1

1

SACHM 100

Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine

2

2

SACLC AA30

Clinical Assistantship II

1

1

SASCI 102

Anatomy & Physiology II

3

3

TOTAL

17.5

17.5


Year I-Summer

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SAJAS 111

JAS: Root Treatment I

0

2

SACHM 111

Pharmacopoeia I

4

4

SACAS 161/162

Actions & Effects of Points

3

3

SACAS 190

Clinical Skills of TCM

2

2

SACAS 211

Western Medical Pathology & Pharmacology I

3

3

Epidemiology/Biostatistics

2

2

SACLC AA30

Clinical Assistantship III

1

1

SASCI 120

General Biology

3

3

First Year Comprehensive Examination

0

0

TOTAL

18

20


Year II-Fall

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SAJAS 112

JAS: Root Treatment II

0

2.5

SACHM 112

CHM: Pharmacopoeia II

4

4

SACAS 171

TCM Etiology & Pathology of Disease I

3

3

SACAS 201

Intro to Clinical Internship I

2.5

2.5

SACAS 212

Western Medical Pathology & Pharmacology II

3

3

SARES 100

Research Design & Evaluation

3

3

SABUS 121

Practice Management: Marketing

1

1

SACLC DA15

CHM Dispensary Assistantship at NESA

0

0

SACLC AA30

Clinical Assistantship IV

1.5

1.5

TOTAL

18

20.5


Year II-Spring

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SAJAS 120

JAS: Local Treatment

0

2.5

SACHM 121

CHM: Formulas I

4

4

SACAS 172

TCM Etiology & Pathology of Disease II

3

3

SACAS 202

Intro to Clinical Internship II

2.5

2.5

SACAS 213

Western Medical Pathology & Pharmacology III

3

3

SACAS 270

Clinical Theater

1

1

SACLC AA30

Clinical Assistantship V

1.5

1.5

SASCI 130

Psychology

3

3

Second Year Comprehensive Exam

0

0

TOTAL

18

20.5


Year II-Summer

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SAJAS 130

JAS: Introduction to Clinical Internship

0

2

SACHM 122

CHM: Formulas II

4

4

SACHM 130

CHM: Chinese Patent Medicine

2

2

SACAS 220

Patient Provider Relationship

3

3

SACAS 180

Microsystems

1

1

SACLC CAS60

MAOM CHM & JAS Clinical Internship I, II & III

6

6

TOTAL

16

18


Year III-Fall

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SAJAS 140

JAS: Shakuju

0

2

SACHM 141

CHM: Internal Medicine

4

4

CACHM 150

CHM: Formula Writing

2

2

SAMTP 130

OM Bodywork

1

1

SACAS 231

Clinical Case Management

1

1

SACAS 250

Chinese Nutrition

1

1

SABUS 122

Practice Management: Business Skills

1

1

SASCI 170

MAOM CHM & Dual Clinical Internship IV, V & VI

6

6

SACLC OM60

CHM Comprehensive Examination

0

0

TOTAL

16

18


Year III-Spring

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SACHM 142

CHM: Internal Medicine II

4

4

SABUS 123

Practice Management: AOM Professional Issues

1

1

SACAS 240

Survey Classic Chinese Medical Texts

1

1

SACAS 140

History of Chinese Medicine

1

1

SACAS 260

Western Nutrition

1

1

SACLC OM60, HM1B60

MAOM CHM & JAS Clinical Internship VII, VIII, IX

6

6

TOTAL

14

14


Year III-Summer

COURSE
TITLE
CHM TRACK
SEMESTER HOURS
CHM & JAS
SEMESTER HOURS

SACHM 160

CHM: Clinical Pharmacology

2

2

 

Advanced Physiology

2

2

CHM Elective 1

2

0

CHM Elective 2

1

0

SASCI 170*

Microbiology

3

3

SACLC OM60, CHM1B60

MAOM CHM & Dual Clinical Internship X, XI, XII

6

6

TOTAL

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:

Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS)

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.

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM)

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.

Pain Management (PM)

Through a partnership Tufts University School of Medicine, students may earn an additional Master’s of Science in Pain Research, Education and Policy to help meet the challenges of managing chronic pain. This innovative, inter-professional program addresses pain as a public health issue, with courses concentrating on the neurobiology of pain, the psychosocial aspects of pain and hospice/palliative care issues. Students who complete the Pain Management track earn a Master of Acupuncture (MAc) from MCPHS and a Master’s of Science in Pain Research, Education and Policy from Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM).

All graduates from MCPHS will be eligible to sit for national board certification examinations provided by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and to apply for state licensure.