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.
Experience the Master of Acupuncture (MAc) program yourself. Get a glimpse of your future through our "Introduction to Chinese Medicine" course.
Learn more about the Master in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program.
Priority Application deadline (for Fall 2017 entry): May 1, 2017
*MCPHS is still accepting applications for entry to the Fall 2017 term.
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 Renee Cassidy at renee.cassidy@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.