Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC)

Program Length: 48 months (standard, full-time), 44 months (accelerated, full-time)

Key Features

• Seamless integration of master’s and doctorate-level studies in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
• Comprehensive curriculum combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern healthcare principles.
• Extensive clinical training at the on-site NESA Treatment Center, Veterans Affairs system, and other healthcare settings.
• Eligibility to sit for National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification exams upon graduation.

Year One: Foundations of Acupuncture and Healthcare

• Learn acupuncture fundamentals: channels, points, techniques, and Asian Medical Bodywork.
• Study anatomy and physiology.
• Begin self-care practices with Qi Gong to enhance well-being and teach future patients.
• Explore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare.
• Participate in clinical assistantship: observe and assist licensed acupuncturists.

Year Two: Clinical Integration and Herbal Studies

• Study disease treatment from Chinese and biomedical perspectives.
• Complete courses in integrative pain management and clinical counseling.
• Begin clinical internship: hands-on experience treating patients under faculty guidance.
• Start studying Chinese herbal medicine: herb identification, properties, and safety.

Year Three: Advanced Clinical Practice and Collaboration

• Advance clinical skills through case management studies.
• Explore integrative nutrition and public health in acupuncture.
• Engage in interprofessional education to collaborate with diverse healthcare professionals.
• Continue clinical practice in settings like community centers, hospitals, and the VA system.
• Study Chinese herbal formulas: classical and modern applications, customization, and dispensing.

Year Four: Mastery and Professional Preparation

• Master advanced Chinese herbal medicine and clinical applications.
• Prepare for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams.
• Gain business skills through professional development training in practice management.
• Complete comprehensive clinical experiences.

Those who have completed a master’s level program in acupuncture or acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are 20-credits away from earning their Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC).

Students that have not completed a course in chemistry as part of their master's level program in acupuncture or acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine must complete a course in chemistry as part of their degree completion program.

First-Semester Experience

• Develop skills to create and evaluate research.
• Learn to communicate and collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers.
• Explore models of integrative care with a focus on pain management.
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop patient-centered treatment plans as part of our interactive, virtual clinical experiences.

Second-Semester Experience

• Pursue improvement, innovation, and collaboration in integrative healthcare.
• Gain an understanding of today’s patient-centered policies and practices.
• Build on knowledge of integrative care as a means for pain management.
• Continue to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop patient-centered treatment plans as part of our interactive, virtual clinical experiences.