Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) University - Worcester Campus, USA

In this course of study at the Worcester campus at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, you’ll receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training under the direct supervision of our full-time faculty. Your training in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is integrated with your acupuncture studies at all phases of your education. When you complete the program, you are equipped to deliver care in a variety of 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 and Chinese Herbal Medicine

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

Your Three-Year Journey

In this accelerated course of study, you are immersed in academics and clinical work, simultaneously building foundations in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

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
• gain experience preparing Chinese herbal formulas in our state-of-the-art Chinese herbal dispensary
• 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
• develop advanced professional competencies related to the practice of acupuncture and the preparation and formulation of Chinese herbs
• understand multiple business models to support a successful professional practice

Your Four-Year Journey

This course of study allows you to take on a lighter course load for the first two years of the program, building a strong foundation in the theories and principles of Chinese medicine 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
• build foundational knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine
• 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
• gain experience preparing Chinese herbal formulas in our state-of-the-art Chinese herbal dispensary
• integrate more advanced concepts of Eastern and Western medical theory with the foundational theories and principles from your previous years of study
• develop advanced professional competencies related to the practice of acupuncture and the preparation and formulation of Chinese herbs
• 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 utilizing both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
• understand multiple business models to support a successful professional practice

Your Five-Year Journey

In the most flexible course of study, students take on a lighter course load 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
• build foundational knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine
• 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 previous years of study
• build on knowledge of the practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in preparation for clinical experiences
• recognize medical red flags and communicate and collaborate with healthcare providers to deliver high-quality patient care

Fourth-Year Experience

• explore advanced concepts related to the role of acupuncture in pain management
• manage and deliver patient care as a clinical intern
• gain experience preparing Chinese herbal formulas in our state-of-the-art Chinese herbal dispensary
• develop advanced professional competencies related to the practice of acupuncture and formulation of Chinese herbs

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 practicing both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
• understand multiple business models to support a successful professional practice