2022-2023 University Catalog

Master of Acupuncture


Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the professional Master of Acupuncture program provides comprehensive education and training in the following areas: 

  • Cultural and philosophical foundations of traditional Chinese medicine;
  • Traditional Chinese medical concepts (physiology, pathology, diagnostics, point location and point energetics);
  • Acupuncture treatment principles and practical skills;
  • Tui Na;
  • Traditional Chinese dietary therapy;
  • Related studies, including introductory Chinese language skills, ethics and practice management;
  • Qi Development;
  • Nutrition;
  • Biomedical clinical sciences to a level required for competence in contemporary practice of acupuncture;
  • Clinical internship;

Clinical requirements include a minimum of 150 hours of observation/assistantship and 525 hours of supervised clinical practice.


Graduation Requirements

The Master of Acupuncture degree is granted to those candidates who have:

  1. Completed the required course of study of the program, of which the last academic year has been in residence at Northwestern Health Sciences University;
  2. Completed the required 119 total credits;
  3. Has completed a minimum of 75% of their clinical hours within the NWHSU clinical system;
  4. Demonstrated competency in clinic and completed internship requirements;
  5. Earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better;
  6. Fulfilled all financial obligations to the University;
  7. Been recommended for graduation by the faculty.

Graduation Rate

Please refer to our website for the most recent graduation rate statistics.

The College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine makes no guarantee of employment for students upon completion of the program.