Master of Science in Acupuncture

Once you complete this Master of Science in Acupuncture program, upgrade to the Doctorate of Acupuncture (DAc) through our online pathway.

If you’re searching for acupuncture schools, join our welcoming community and explore the benefits of Chinese medicine and the kind of care you can provide future patients. Our expert faculty will provide one-on-one support to help you hone this ancient medicine and apply it to modern healthcare. Discover your future career with us.

The purpose of the Master of Science in Acupuncture program is to train practitioners of acupuncture to function as primary, independent healthcare providers, focusing on Acupuncture and related modalities of Chinese medicine to achieve health and well-being, and most importantly, become an integral part of the modern healthcare system.

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The Master of Science in Acupuncture, often referred to as the masters in acupuncture, is not just the MSAcCHM program without herbal study. Instead, it includes instruction in diagnosis and treatment in the Acupuncture Therapeutics series, focused on material most relevant for acupuncture-focused practitioners. In addition, the new MSAc program provides a shorter route to acupuncture licensure with more flexible scheduling options.

Following the vision of an “East meets West” environment, students learn and apply the best of Asian medicine with a firm foundation in Western medicine. Students explore physiology, etiology, and the diagnostic and treatment systems of Chinese medicine as they learn to model the use of biomedicine in the modern acupuncture practice.

The Master of Science in Acupuncture is a 3 to 4-year graduate program (9 to 11 terms) consisting of 133 units and 2505 credit hours of theory and practice. Graduates are eligible for the national certification examination (NCCAOM), which enables students to become licensed in states that regulate acupuncture and Chinese medicine using the NCCAOM exam to qualify for licensure, but do not require the study and practice of Herbology.

The vibrancy of a community acupuncture clinic is exhilarating; being able to serve the community while providing other acupuncturists with jobs is great. The number one thing at Pacific College is being exposed to a diverse faculty with such a wide breadth of styles, theories, and clinical experience. – Robbie Benhuri, LAc, MSTOM

Some of the coursework includes:

• Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine
• Acupuncture Channels and Points
• Acupuncture Therapeutics
• Needle and Advanced Needle Technique
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Tui Na Hand and Structural Technique (massage courses)
• Eastern and Western Nutrition

Graduates of the Master of Science in Acupuncture program will be able to:

• Understand and demonstrate personal and professional ethical standards.
• Understand the etiology of disease from both Chinese and biomedical perspectives, and apply this understanding by recommending disease prevention strategies.
• Evaluate patients exhibiting complaints commonly seen and treated by Chinese medicine, and in a manner that indicates cognizance of all relevant Chinese medical diagnostic paradigms.
• Recognize signs and symptoms necessitating referral to appropriate complementary healthcare providers.
• Formulate treatment principles in a manner that prioritizes treatment procedures for patients that follow logically from the diagnosis.
• Formulate acupuncture and supplemental treatment plans, while providing a logical rationale for such plans.
• Personally administer the designated treatment plan, or use the appropriate support personnel.
• Demonstrate knowledge of clinical sciences from both Chinese and biomedical perspectives.
• Communicate in a professional and knowledgeable manner about Chinese medicine and biomedicine with relevant health

Federal Consumer Disclosure Information About This Program

Pacific College of Health and Science is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The college is authorized for operation by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The college’s acupuncture programs are accredited by ACAHM. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please reference the course catalogs.

Already have your master’s? Upgrade to the Doctorate for Pacific College Master’s Alumni (DAc)

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