Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC)

Advanced Expertise to Navigate the Complex World of Integrative Medicine

Location: Worcester/Online | Start Term: Fall

Become a leader in integrative medicine by earning your Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC). This program can be completed as a four-year professional graduate pathway or as a postgraduate completion pathway. You will learn how to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care in interprofessional environments. Our DAC prepares you to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Pathways to Your Doctor of Acupuncture

Whether you choose our four-year or one-year completion pathway, this program has the flexibility for students of various degree levels to advance their careers. In each pathway, our engaged and highly motivated students, dedicated faculty, and deep connections to renowned medical institutions all contribute to an exceptional learning environment.

Your Four-Year Journey

Build on your bachelor’s degree to earn a combined Master of Acupuncture (MAC) or Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAC CHM) and Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC). Earn your master’s degree in just three years, then complete your doctorate in the fourth year.

First-Year Experience

learn foundational theories and principles of both Eastern and Western medicine
observe and assist with the delivery of patient care
practice clinical skills and develop basic professional competencies with a special emphasis on acupuncture needle techniques
explore the Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) Specialization introductory course

Second-Year Experience

learn to formulate diagnoses and treatment plans
manage and deliver patient care as an intern
integrate more advanced concepts of Eastern and Western medical theory with the foundational theories and principles from your first year of study
develop advanced professional competencies related to the practice of acupuncture
explore approaches to integrative pain management

Third-Year Experience

immerse yourself in the renowned clinical settings of MCPHS affiliates—top hospitals and medical centers in Boston and the New England region
deliver patient care under the direct supervision of senior faculty and experienced practitioners in a variety of external placements
gain a working knowledge of the management tools and techniques necessary for running an acupuncture practice

Fourth-Year Experience

engage in practice-based learning and research competencies to support evidence-based practice
train in advanced diagnostics
learn to deliver collaborative care multi-disciplinary environments and clinical settings

Your One-Year Completion Journey

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

Improve Outcomes with an Integrated Approach

Integrate traditional medicine and contemporary health sciences to improve the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

Evidence-based care

Synthesize patient data and utilize evidence to accurately formulate diagnoses, implement effective treatment strategies, and improve patient care.

Collaborative expertise

Apply critical thinking, professional judgment, and cultural sensitivity to manage cases, communicate effectively, and interact skillfully with healthcare providers across a range of specialties.

Watch Video

Acupuncture professionals in increasing demand

The field of acupuncture will see sustained job growth as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) becomes increasingly integrated into Western healthcare systems.

Discover the New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS

Students engage in hands-on acupuncture work and benefit from safety protocols at MCPHS's New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) in Worcester, MA.

Acupuncture student and faculty working on a patient in the clinic.

"I really enjoyed our latest discussion forum on applied biomedical terminology. I thoroughly enjoy reading about pain receptors/thresholds and how much acupuncture can aid patients who are suffering. This is the part of our medicine that I find most invigorating and why I decided to invest in my doctorate degree—it's allowed me to follow and pursue a deeper understanding and connection with our medicine."

Ash Penta | DAC '25

Unlocking the Body’s Healing Potential

In Episode 8 of MCPHS Podcast, The Secret to Living to 200, Dr. Maria Broderick shares why she believes integrative medicine is the future of healthcare.

Listen to the Podcast