We prioritize the review and admission of applications submitted earlier in our rolling admission process. All applicants are eligible to receive merit-based scholarships up to $8,000, renewable each year. Consideration for this scholarship is based on a holistic review evaluating candidates’ passion, interest, academic background, and work experience.

For admission consideration, the following application materials must be submitted:

• Completed MCPHS Application
• Official college transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended demonstrating satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of undergraduate-level education (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
• A formal statement of purpose indicating your desire to study acupuncture at MCPHS University

Additionally, students will be required to successfully complete a faculty interview (by invitation only) to be considered for admission.

*Students with international coursework must submit a course-by-course evaluation from the World Education Service (WES). Please note that a WES evaluation is not required for applicants for coursework from English-Speaking Canadian universities and colleges.

The following prerequisite undergraduate-level education courses required for admission must be completed either prior to enrollment, or at MCPHS as part of your NESA program. Linked courses are available through the MCPHS School of Professional Studies. Corequisite courses (as indicated below) must have been completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C or better.

• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (6 credits)
• Anatomy, Biology, or Physiology Lab* (1 credit)
• General Biology  (3 credits)
• General Psychology (3 credits)
• Microbiology (3 credits)

Transfer Credit:

NESA allows a maximum of 50% of the coursework needed for graduation from a degree program or certificate of advanced graduate studies to be accepted for transfer. Of that 50% no more than 25% of the program clinical training requirement may be accepted as transfer credit.

NESA requires course descriptions and syllabi when determining the award of transfer credit for acupuncture coursework which must have been completed within the last three years. Non-acupuncture coursework earned more than five years prior to admission may be accepted for transfer credit if the applicant provides evidence of retained competencies of the coursework in their specified field for which transfer credits are being assessed. New England School of Acupuncture reserves the right to require a challenge exam in the determination of all transfer credit.

English Language Competency

English language competency must be demonstrated via one of the following:

1. The student must have completed a two-year (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) undergraduate- or graduate-level, English-based education in an institution:

I. accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or
II. in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, or Ireland.

In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used;

2. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) - Acceptable score: TOEFL iBT total score – 80; or

3. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Format - Acceptable score: IELTS overall band score – 6.5.

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

The New England School of Acupuncture offers a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) program which focuses on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Students may also opt to specialize in Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) by completing an additional sequence of courses and clinics. 

Fall Term Y1 

Spring Term Y1

Summer Term Y1

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Spring Term Y2

Summer Term Y2

Fall Term Y3

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Summer Term Y3

Japanese acupuncture places an emphasis on palpation (touch) as part of the diagnostic and treatment process. It includes the use of very thin needles as well as other tools for non-needling techniques, which allow for especially gentle treatments. While Japanese acupuncture is beneficial for patients of all ages, it is well suited for children.

All students take an introduction to Japanese Acupuncture Styles course in the first year of the program to familiarize themselves with this specialization. After completion of this course, students may elect to pursue the series of five JAS courses as well as JAS clinical rotations.

Upon successful completion of the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) program, students will be able to:

• Apply the foundational knowledge of acupuncture, Chinese medicine and/or Chinese herbal medicine, including philosophies and theories, to patient care.
• Synthesize information from the health history, intake and physical examination to accurately diagnose illness and develop and implement an effective treatment plan for patients.
• Utilize critical thinking and professional judgment to manage a case appropriately over time.
• Apply sufficient understanding of western biomedical terminology, pathophysiology and treatment strategies to support effective communication with other healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrate preparedness to establish and maintain a successful clinical practice and to participate collaboratively in a variety of clinical settings.
• Honor ethical standards in all interactions with patients and healthcare professionals.
• Evaluate published research to inform clinical practice and an understanding of public health.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, and make informed and appropriate referrals.
• Demonstrate the capacity to engage in regular self-assessment and lifelong learning to achieve continuous professional growth.

For more detailed information, visit: Tuition and Fees

Our students learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields and are committed to the success of each student. Discover our full list of Acupuncture faculty.