Master of Acupuncture
Curriculum Overview
The Master of Acupuncture program is a full-time program that consists of eight, 15-week trimesters, typically completed in 33 months or 2.75 years. The curriculum is a balance of foundational Chinese medicine theory, Western biomedicine, professional development, and clinical skills.
The first year of courses is an immersion in Chinese medical theory, acupuncture point location, and the study of human anatomy. Students will begin “hands-on” skill training in the first year. The program will build on the groundwork from the first year with further study in Chinese medicine clinical techniques, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Clinical training begins in the fifth trimester, and students will take what they have learned in the classroom and begin to implement it in the clinical environment while learning advanced practice skills. Students will learn how to utilize a full range of clinical knowledge and skills, including acupuncture, Tui Na, guasha, moxibustion, nutrition, and other techniques.
Northwestern graduates are trained to work in collaboration with other health professionals in integrated medical environments. The clinical training provided by NWHSU allows students the opportunity to put their skills to work within a variety of clinical environments that give our students exposure to a diverse range of patient populations. The diversity of patient populations and conditions, coupled with an emphasis on integrated medical care, gives students the confidence and skill to be effective practitioners.
Graduation Requirements
The Master of Acupuncture degree is granted to those who:
· Complete the required course of study, including 115.5 credits;
· Successfully pass all courses with a grade of C or better;
· Demonstrate competency in clinic and complete all required 540 clinical internship hours and meet all required clinical assessment competencies;
· Demonstrate appropriate professionalism and clinical acumen;
· Successfully complete the program Benchmark and Exit Exams.
Course Requirements
Chinese Medicine Foundations
Techniques and Methods
Biomedicine and Western Medicine
Clinical Education
Professional Development
| PRS-6000 | MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS | 1 |
| PRS-6800 | PRACTICE MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Additional Program Requirements
CACM-5000 Benchmark Exam and CACM-6000 MAC Exit Exam
| INCR-6001 | FOUNDATIONS OF INTEGRATIVE CARE | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: 115.5