Acupuncture student smiling.

New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS

Driving the Pace of Acupuncture Education and Practice Since 1975

As the nation’s first professional school for the field of acupuncture, we have helped lead as a National Institutes of Health-supported Developmental Center for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Massachusetts’ Only Accredited Acupuncture Programs

The New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is perennially ranked as one of the country’s best schools for acupuncture. Our students, scholars, and industry partners are at the forefront of integrative healthcare at leading hospitals, community health centers, and our own state-of-the-art NESA Acupuncture Treatment Center.

The Foundation of MCPHS Acupuncture

At NESA, our students train in some of the country’s top clinical settings and learn to collaborate with students from other health-science fields.

Integrative Clinical Training

Patient care starts during the first weeks of class. A wide range of clinical settings in world-renowned hospitals, health centers, and on the MCPHS campus ensure state-of-the-art hands-on learning.

Interprofessional Education

The unrivaled diversity of health-science fields at MCPHS enables our students to collaborate across disciplines with peers in Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Imaging, and Optometry.

Stats and Facts

MCPHS adds up to be a strategic choice for a career in acupuncture.

#1

in New England

College Factual 2022 ranking based on overall quality and cost

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flexible degree options

master’s, doctoral, advanced graduate certificate, and undergraduate pathways

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6,500

patient treatments

delivered annually at our on-campus NESA Acupuncture Treatment Center

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.
Maria Broderick

Inside the MCPHS Acupuncture Experience


Hear from our students and their professors about the benefits of our closely mentored, student-centered program structure and our integrative, patient-centered approach.
Smiling female acupuncture student.

Hybrid Learning at NESA

The New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) at MCPHS utilizes a hybrid education model that combines in-person and online coursework to offer flexibility, accessibility, and innovation to students pursuing advanced training in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This approach reflects NESA’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students, allowing them to balance education with personal and professional commitments.

NESA offers its programs in flexible pathways, allowing students to complete their degrees in three, four, or five years. The hybrid format incorporates significant in-person training with online coursework, enabling students to benefit from both hands-on learning and the convenience of distance education. The hybrid format offers both online coursework and adaptive practical experiences, allowing the students to benefit from hands-on learning and distance education’s convenience. This approach supports students by reducing their need to commute for their education frequently. It allows them to gain valuable clinical experience in supervised settings on the Worcester campus or affiliated clinical sites across New England.

NESA integrates best practices in online education, such as interactive learning platforms, synchronous and asynchronous components, and a focus on student-centered learning. This format ensures that online classes maintain the same rigor and quality as in-person instruction. The coursework also emphasizes the integration of Eastern and Western medicine, fostering a holistic perspective that prepares future acupuncturists for careers in various settings.

NESA’s hybrid model allows students to pursue their acupuncture education in a way that aligns more closely with their lifestyles. With options to complete the program in three, four, or five years, students can choose a pathway that fits their personal and professional responsibilities. Integrating online coursework reduces the need for frequent commuting, balancing convenience and the hands-on clinical training necessary for skill mastery. This thoughtful design supports students in maintaining an equilibrium between their studies and other life commitments.

As the nation’s first school of acupuncture and the only accredited acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine institution in Massachusetts, NESA remains a leader in the field. Its hybrid programs reflect a dedication to evolving educational practices while maintaining the high standards expected by licensure and national certification boards.

By blending online innovation with hands-on training, NESA ensures that students receive a comprehensive, flexible education that prepares them to excel in various clinical and integrative healthcare settings. Learn more about our Acupuncture programs and pathways.

News & Features

Keep up with the latest news from the New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS.

Acupuncture Leaders with a Passion for Teaching

At MCPHS, cutting-edge scholarship and professional affiliations go hand in hand with instruction and mentoring.

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Dennis Moseman

Dean, New England School of Acupuncture

New England School of Acupuncture

Amy Hull

Amy Hull

Associate Dean, New England School of Acupuncture, Professor

New England School of Acupuncture

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Stephen Cina

Associate Professor

New England School of Acupuncture

See all Acupuncture faculty