Master of Acupuncture (MAC)
New England School of AcupuncturePrepare for licensure and practice at the nation’s first acupuncture school—the only accredited acupuncture and herbal medicine institution in Massachusetts.
Traditional Medicine Integrated with Contemporary Health Sciences
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.
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
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
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
Doing Well While Doing Good
Professional success and personal satisfaction go hand-in-hand for MCPHS acupuncture graduates.
$ 78K
Average SalaryAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an Acupuncturist is $78,220.
6.3%
Job GrowthAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of Acupuncture will grow by 6.3% in the U.S. between 2022 and 2032.
6,500
Patient Treatmentsdelivered annually at our on-campus NESA Acupuncture Treatment Center
Discover the New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS
“This is a truly amazing time to enter healthcare. There are ancient traditions undergoing modern scientific testing that have shown their efficacy. The future of healthcare is moving towards centering patients, more integration of care, and being more equitable."
Timothy Sobo, MA '12 | Official Acupuncturist for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Unlocking the Body’s Healing Potential
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Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) Specialization
As part of your Master of Acupuncture degree at MCPHS, you have the option of adding a JAS specialization to your course of study. JAS emphasizes palpation (i.e., touch) as part of the diagnostic and treatment processes. JAS includes the use of very thin needles as well as non-needling techniques, so it is particularly well-suited for treating children and beneficial for patients of all ages who require especially gentle treatments.
Undergraduate Pathway to Acupuncture
At MCPHS, we offer a time-saving, dual-degree program for undergraduates that leads to a Master of Acupuncture degree.