program detail

Program Overview

In this course of study at the Worcester campus of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, you’ll receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training under the direct supervision of our distinguished faculty. When you complete this program, you are equipped to deliver care in a variety of clinical settings, from single-provider practices to hospitals and medical centers. You also are eligible to take the national board exams and apply for licensure.

Pathways to Your Master of Acupuncture

This program offers three flexible options to complete your degree in 32 months, four years, or five years. Through a combination of in-person, online, and hybrid courses, you will train to become a highly skilled acupuncture provider and a valuable member of an integrative healthcare team who recognizes the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

In this accelerated course of study, you are immersed in the principles and practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Clinical training begins in the first weeks of classes, quickly building skills and acquiring experiences that prepare you to start your career in less than three years.

Your 32-Month Journey

First-Year Experience

  • explore the history and philosophy of acupuncture and Chinese medicine
  • learn foundational theories and principles of both Eastern and Western medicine
  • observe and assist licensed acupuncturists with the delivery of patient care at the Acupuncture Treatment Center or at clinical placements across New England
  • practice clinical skills with a special emphasis on acupuncture needling and adjunctive techniques
  • begin the study of Chinese herbal medicine and Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS)

Second-Year Experience

  • learn to formulate East Asian medicine diagnoses and treatment plans
  • manage and deliver patient care as a clinical intern
  • integrate more advanced concepts of Eastern and Western medical theory with the foundational theories and principles from your first year of study
  • recognize medical red flags and collaborate with healthcare provides to deliver high-quality patient care
  • develop integrative acupuncture assessment and treatment with a focus on pain management

Third-Year Experience

  • immerse yourself in clinical placements at renowned hospitals and medical centers in Boston and across New England
  • deliver patient care under the direct supervision of distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners
  • understand multiple business models to support a successful professional practice

Your Four-Year Journey

This option allows you to take on a lighter courseload for the first two years of the program, building a strong foundation in history and theory before beginning clinical experiences.

First-Year Experience

  • explore the history and philosophy of acupuncture and Chinese medicine
  • learn foundational theories and principles of both Eastern and Western medicine
  • begin the study of Chinese herbal medicine

Second-Year Experience

  • practice clinical skills and develop basic professional competencies with a special emphasis on acupuncture needling and ancillary techniques
  • observe and assist licensed acupuncturists with the delivery of patient care at the Acupuncture Treatment Center or at clinical placements across New England
  • begin the study of Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS)

Third-Year Experience

  • learn to formulate East Asian medicine diagnoses and treatment plans
  • manage and deliver patient care as a clinical intern
  • integrate more advanced concepts of Eastern and Western medical theory with the foundational theories and principles from previous years of study
  • recognize medical red flags and collaborate with healthcare providers to deliver high-quality patient care

Fourth-Year Experience

  • immerse yourself in clinical placements at renowned hospitals and medical centers in Boston and across New England
  • deliver patient care under the direct supervision of distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners
  • understand multiple business models to support a successful professional practice
  • learn important acupuncture research concepts, vocabulary, and methods

Your Five-Year Journey

In the most flexible course of study, students take on a lighter courseload throughout the program. This allows you to balance other responsibilities while advancing your education.

First-Year Experience

  • explore the history and philosophy of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine
  • learn foundational theories and principles of both Eastern and Western medicine
  • begin the study of Chinese herbal medicine

Second-Year Experience

  • practice clinical skills and develop basic professional competencies with a special emphasis on acupuncture needling and ancillary techniques
  • observe and assist licensed acupuncturists with the delivery of patient care at the Acupuncture Treatment Center or at clinical placements across New England
  • begin the study of Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS)

Third-Year Experience

  • learn to formulate East Asian medicine diagnoses and treatment plans
  • integrate more advanced concepts of Eastern and Western medical theory with the foundational theories and principles from your first year of study
  • recognize medical red flags and communicate and collaborate with healthcare providers to deliver high-quality patient care
  • build on knowledge of the practice of acupuncture in preparation for clinical experiences

Fourth-Year Experience

  • explore advanced concepts related to the role of acupuncture in pain management
  • manage and deliver patient care as a clinical intern
  • develop professional competencies related to the practice of acupuncture

Fifth-Year Experience

  • immerse yourself in clinical placements at renowned hospitals and medical centers in Boston and across New England
  • deliver patient care under the direct supervision of distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners
  • understand multiple business models to support a successful professional practice
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Additional Information

Program Level Master's Degree

College/University Processing Time 30 Days

Program Format Full-Time

Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit

Program Intake

Open

Sep 2025

General Admission Requirement

    Academic Requirement

    • Minimum Level of Education Required: To be accepted into this program, applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree.

    6.5 IELTS Score
    61 TOEFL Score Minimum Overall Score
    45 PTE Score Minimum Overall Score
    90 Duolingo Minimum Overall Score
    70% CGPA Minimum Overall Score

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    Tuition Fee

    The values given below are estimated figures, excluding extra charges like material fee, student activity fees, athletic fees, health care, etc., for courses. To know more, please visit the Programs page.

    Average Tuition Fee Per Year

    33660

    Tuition Fee
    (USD)

     Free

    Application Fee
    (USD)

    10270 Per year

    Average Cost of Living
    (USD)

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    The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

    Check program website for more information about funding options.

    Scholarships

    Scholarships and Grants
    Scholarships and grants are also known as gift aid. This is money that does not need to be repaid. While scholarships can be merit-based or from an outside organization, grants are generally need-based and are calculated based on the information that you submitted on the FAFSA

    • MCPHS Advantage Scholarship
    • Boston Merit-Based Scholarships
    • Worcester / Manchester Merit-Based Scholarships
    • Other Types of Scholarships and Grants

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