Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Health (DAIH)

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 transcripts(s) demonstrating satisfactory completion of a master’s-level program in acupuncture or acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization from an ACAOM accredited/pre-accredited program or institution.
• Official college transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended demonstrating satisfactory completion of at least three (3) years of undergraduate-level education (defined as 90 semester credits or 135 quarter credits) from an institution accredited or pre-accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
• Applicants who earned credits at a foreign educational institution must have their transcripts validated and submitted by a recognized educational credentialing evaluation service.
• A formal statement of purpose indicating your desire to study acupuncture at MCPHS University.

Additionally, NESA will conduct a comprehensive admissions assessment, including transcript analysis, that demonstrates that all applicable master’s-level coursework completed is equivalent to NESA’s program degree requirements in terms of content, rigor, and the attainment of master’s-level professional competencies.

The following prerequisite undergraduate-level education courses required for admission must be completed either prior to enrollment, or at MCPHS University as part of your NESA program. Linked courses are available through the MCPHS School of Professional Studies.

• General Chemistry (3 credits)
• General Biology  (3 credits)
• General Psychology (3 credits)

Corequisite courses (as indicated above) must have been completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C or better. Math and science courses taken more than ten years prior to the anticipated date of matriculation to MCPHS will not be accepted.

Applicants will also be required to successfully complete a faculty interview (by invitation only) to be considered for admission.

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:
1. accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or
2. 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;

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

COURSE	TITLE	SEMESTER HOURS
First Term
BB 101.SP21	MCPHS Online 101	0
HSC 801	Introduction to Doctoral Studies	3
HSC 815	Healthcare Research Methods	3
Second Term
PBH 710	Introduction to Health Policy & Management	3
HSC 852	Evidence-Based Health Capstone I: Question Development & Search for Evidence	3
Third Term
SACLC 701.0	Focused Clinical Placement in Integrative Medicine I*	2
HSC 854	Evidence-Based Health Capstone II: Appraisal of the Evidence	3
Fourth Term
SSACLC 702	Focused Clinical Placement in Integrative Medicine II*	2
HSC 856	Evidence-Based Health Capstone III: Dissemination Plan	3
SACAS 705	Interprofessional Communication	3
TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS		25

 * Clinical placements are in Massachusetts. 

• 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 and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrate preparedness to establish and maintain a successful clinical practice, participate collaboratively in a variety of clinical settings, and serve successfully as part of an integrative healthcare team.
• Honor ethical standards in all interactions with patients and healthcare professionals
• Evaluate published research to guide healthcare improvement, innovation, and interprofessional delivery.
• Exhibit an understanding of healthcare practices and policies across the healthcare system.
• 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.

Online tuition is calculated at a cost-per-credit rate based on the program you choose and the number of credits for which you register. Learn more about Online 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 DAIH faculty.