Next term starts on January 6th, 2025!

It is with unparalleled excitement that Pacific College announces the offering of the Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) and Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) degrees to entry-level students. This historic achievement places our graduates among the ranks of other healthcare providers at the doctoral level: medical doctors, chiropractors, doctors of physical therapy, doctors of nursing practice, and others.

For students looking for a First Professional Doctorate in Acupuncture, this program represents an evolution of the entry-level master’s degrees to include advanced study in evidence-informed practice, biomedical diagnosis, preventative medicine, public health, collaborative case management, current healthcare systems, and practice-based learning.

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Foundational courses continue to present the fascinating world of Chinese medicine:

  • The broad range of theoretical paradigms
  • Meridian theory, point location and function
  • Acupuncture therapy, including moxibustion, gua sha
  • Body therapy, including tui na
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise therapy, including taiji and qigong
  • Chinese herbal medicine in the DAcCHM
  • Basic and clinical biosciences
  • And much more

Training in our advanced courses foster critical thinking and professional judgment. Students consider existing research, clinical experience, and diagnostic studies to define clinical objectives and manage cases. Graduates become familiar with U.S. healthcare delivery systems to help patients navigate community resources and treatment options. Practitioners acquire the knowledge and skill to work as part of the medical team in a wide variety of settings. As self-directed, life-long learners, doctors must honestly reflect on their experience and objectively judge their performance. This reflection is what Pacific College calls practice-based learning. It leads to personal growth, as well as professional development, and is a hallmark of a Pacific College doctor.

We welcome your questions about this groundbreaking development in the profession of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Doctorate of Acupuncture (DAc) and
Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DAcCHM)

The entry-level doctorate in Chinese medicine trains practitioners to function as primary, independent healthcare providers, and most importantly, become integral to the modern healthcare system.

Already have your master’s?
Transitional Doctorates for Master’s Graduates

For previous graduates of master’s level degrees or equivalent, Pacific College has designed an online pathway for PCHS MSAc and MSAcCHM alumni to upgrade to a doctorate.

If you’re looking for an acupuncture school in Chicago, Illinois, fill out the form on this page today to learn more; we’re glad to answer any questions you might have about our program offerings.

Ready to Apply?

If you think a career in holistic medicine is something you would like to pursue, contact us and speak to an admissions representative to get started on your new journey!

For more information, call (855) 866-6767 or fill out our contact form to be contacted by a Pacific College representative.

Because the doctoral degrees achieve all the competencies of the master’s degrees, doctoral graduates will simultaneously earn both degrees.

For a limited time, PCHS will still be accepting students into the master’s degrees. However, students with sufficient prerequisites will enter either the DAc or DAcCHM depending on the their interest and selected campus. Please contact an admissions representative to learn what options are best for you.

1: Entry-level means that students can enter the doctoral programs without having first earned a master’s degree.

Chicago | FIRST PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE IN ACUPUNCTURE FAQS

What is a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine?

A doctorate in Chinese medicine and acupuncture trains practitioners to function as primary, independent healthcare providers, and most importantly, become integral to the modern healthcare system. Courses focus on acupuncture therapy, nutrition, Chinese herbal medicine, biosciences, meridian theory, and much more.

Do you need a doctorate to be an acupuncturist?

Degrees and certifications required vary by State. In many states, a master’s is the minimum education requirement to practice. The doctoral title and degree provide graduates well-deserved recognition. We believe that as colleges award more new doctoral degrees, doctor of acupuncture will become the most common way to refer to an acupuncturist.

What is an entry-level doctorate program?

Entry level doctorates mean that students are not required to have a masters to enter the program. The Doctorate of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization program in Chicago awards both a master’s and a doctorate degree.

What if I already have my Master’s in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine?

Pacific College has designed an online pathway for candidates with a master’s in Chinese medicine or the equivalent to earn the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM). Master’s graduates, in large part, already meet the requirements for a doctorate, but do need some additional training to establish equivalency to the entry-level doctorate.

What is the difference between DAcCHM and DAc?

At Pacific College, students that complete Chinese herbology medicine studies will earn a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM). The DAc does not include Chinese herbology courses.