M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Worcester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAc CHM) is a 36-month (three-year) program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for professional practice. It integrates foundational theories of Eastern and Western medicine, ensuring graduates can understand physiology, pathology, and pharmacology from an integrative perspective. A key feature is the immediate and continuous hands-on clinical training, where students begin by observing and assisting, then progress to becoming clinical interns responsible for patient care under direct faculty supervision. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for national board examinations (NCCAOM) and seek licensure as acupuncturists and herbalists. The program also offers a specialization in Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS), which emphasizes palpation and gentle needling techniques.
Curriculum: The MAc CHM curriculum is rigorous and blends classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience. In the first year, students establish foundational theories and principles of both Eastern and Western medicine, including Chinese Medicine Theory, Acupuncture Channels & Points, Acupuncture Techniques, Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine, and core biomedical sciences like Anatomy & Physiology. Students immediately engage in clinical assistantships. The second year integrates advanced concepts of Eastern and Western medical theory, disease treatment, integrative pain management, and includes courses like Chinese Herbal Formulas and Biomedical Treatment of Disease. Clinical internships begin, with students taking on more responsibility for patient management. The third year focuses on completing advanced clinical experiences, case management, and professional development courses such as Practice Management and NCCAOM Board Review, alongside further study of Chinese herbal medicine treatment and formula writing. The curriculum also includes self-care practices like Qi Gong and courses on professional practice and patient-provider relationships.
Research Focus: While the MAc CHM program at MCPHS is largely focused on practical clinical training, it also emphasizes evidence-informed practice and the critical appraisal of research. Students are trained to understand biomedical principles of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Courses like "Evidence Informed Practice in Acupuncture" encourage students to access and utilize scholarship and research to improve patient care. The program's commitment to integrating Eastern and Western medicine implies a scholarly approach to understanding the mechanisms and efficacy of traditional therapies through a modern scientific lens. While not a pure research degree, the curriculum aims to equip graduates with the ability to critically evaluate existing research and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in acupuncture and herbal medicine, aligning with broader advancements in complementary and alternative medicine research.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS University, through its New England School of Acupuncture, has strong industry engagement that directly benefits its MAc CHM students. The program provides extensive clinical training, including hands-on experience at the NESA Treatment Center and off-site clinical affiliations at various healthcare settings, including hospitals and Veterans Affairs facilities. This provides students with direct exposure to diverse patient populations and collaborative care models. The faculty comprises experienced practitioners who often have significant real-world experience, serving as mentors and bringing practical insights into the classroom. The program's emphasis on "practice management" and "professional development" courses directly prepares students for establishing successful careers, whether in private practice or integrated healthcare teams. Being the first and only accredited acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine institution in Massachusetts, NESA has a long-standing network within the integrative healthcare community.
Global Perspective: The Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program at MCPHS inherently embodies a global perspective by focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine, an ancient healing system with roots in Eastern cultures. The curriculum integrates "Cultural Foundations of Chinese Medicine" and prepares students to understand health and illness from a holistic, cross-cultural viewpoint. By teaching both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, alongside Western biomedical principles, the program prepares graduates to contribute to a growing global movement towards integrative healthcare. Graduates are equipped to provide culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations and to collaborate with healthcare professionals from various backgrounds, recognizing the global importance and efficacy of traditional healing practices alongside modern medicine.
Location
Worcester
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 27825
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and financial need, enabling talented students from around the world to pursue their healthcare education without financial burden.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these opportunities.
A Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAc CHM) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), through its esteemed New England School of Acupuncture (NESA), prepares graduates for a burgeoning field focused on holistic patient care.
Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in Private Practice: This is the most direct career path, where graduates establish and manage their own clinics, providing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and other TCM modalities directly to patients. The program's emphasis on practice management aids in this entrepreneurial endeavor.
Integrative Medicine Practitioner: Graduates can work in integrative healthcare clinics, collaborating with conventional medical doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, and other health professionals to offer a holistic approach to patient care, combining Eastern and Western modalities.
Hospital Acupuncturist: With the increasing integration of acupuncture into Western healthcare, graduates can find positions in hospitals within pain management clinics, integrative medicine departments, or specialized units (e.g., oncology support, fertility clinics).
Chinese Herbalist/Consultant: Specializing in Chinese herbal medicine, graduates can provide consultations and formulate personalized herbal prescriptions, either as part of an acupuncture practice or as a standalone service, focusing on health conditions managed through herbs.
Community Acupuncturist: Graduates can work in community-focused clinics, often offering acupuncture on a sliding scale or in group settings, making treatment accessible to a wider range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Acupuncture Teacher/Educator: For those passionate about teaching, an MAc CHM provides the credentials to teach at acupuncture and Oriental medicine colleges, sharing their knowledge and clinical experience with future generations of practitioners. Doctoral degrees (DAc) may be pursued for more senior academic roles.
Researcher (Complementary and Alternative Medicine): Graduates can contribute to the growing body of scientific evidence for acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This might involve working as a research assistant or collaborating on studies in academic or clinical research settings.
Corporate Wellness Program Practitioner: As companies prioritize employee well-being, graduates can offer acupuncture and TCM services within corporate wellness programs, focusing on stress reduction, pain management, and overall health for employees.
Spa/Wellness Center Acupuncturist: Graduates can work in luxury spas or wellness centers, providing acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and other TCM therapies to clients seeking relaxation, stress relief, and holistic health improvements.
Public Health/Health Promotion Specialist (with TCM focus): Graduates can contribute to public health initiatives by designing and implementing programs that incorporate traditional Chinese medicine principles for health promotion, disease prevention, and community education.
