The Master of Acupuncture (MAc) is a 48-month (approximately four-year) graduate program designed to equip students with the comprehensive knowledge and practical competencies required for professional acupuncture practice. The curriculum emphasizes immediate and continuous clinical training, allowing students to progressively develop their skills from observation and assistance to directly managing patient care under the supervision of experienced faculty. Graduates of the MAc program are eligible to sit for national board examinations (NCCAOM) and seek licensure as acupuncturists. The program is tailored for individuals aspiring to careers in private practice, hospitals, integrative health centers, and other complementary healthcare settings, with a focus on patient-centered care and ethical practice.
Curriculum: The MAc curriculum at MCPHS is structured to provide a robust foundation in both Eastern and Western medical concepts. In the first year, students delve into foundational theories of Chinese medicine, including channels & points, acupuncture techniques, and Asian medical bodywork, alongside core biomedical sciences such as Anatomy & Physiology. Hands-on clinical assistantships begin immediately. The second year integrates more advanced concepts of Chinese medicine, disease treatment, and integrative pain management, with students commencing clinical internships to gain direct patient care experience. The third year focuses on refining clinical skills through advanced case management, exploring the scientific mechanisms of acupuncture, and preparing for professional success through courses in practice management and NCCAOM Board Review. The curriculum also incorporates self-care practices like Qi Gong and emphasizes professional development, clinical counseling, and interprofessional collaboration.
Research Focus: While the MAc program is heavily geared towards clinical practice, it embeds a strong emphasis on evidence-informed practice and critical evaluation. Students are trained to understand biomedical principles and utilize scholarship and research to enhance patient care, as seen in courses like "Evidence Informed Practice in Acupuncture." NESA has a unique history as the first and only NIH-funded Developmental Center for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine devoted to Oriental Medicine. This commitment to research means faculty and staff apply scientific standards to understanding TCM practices. While students in the MAc program may not conduct extensive original research, they are prepared to critically assess existing research, apply evidence to clinical decision-making, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge that supports the integration of acupuncture into modern healthcare.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS University, through NESA, is deeply engaged with the healthcare industry, providing students with invaluable practical experience. The program features extensive clinical training hours, including direct patient care at the NESA Treatment Center and diverse off-site clinical affiliations with hospitals and Veterans Affairs facilities. This exposure allows students to work with varied patient populations and in interprofessional healthcare teams. Faculty members are experienced practitioners who often maintain active practices, bringing real-world insights and connections into the classroom. The curriculum includes courses on practice management and professional development, directly preparing graduates for the entrepreneurial aspects of establishing their own clinics or integrating into existing healthcare systems. NESA's long-standing reputation as the nation's first acupuncture school further provides a robust network of alumni and professional opportunities.
Global Perspective: The Master of Acupuncture program at MCPHS inherently fosters a global perspective by grounding its curriculum in Traditional Chinese Medicine, an ancient healing system with profound cultural roots in the East. The program emphasizes the "Cultural Foundations of Chinese Medicine" and trains students to understand health and illness from a holistic, cross-cultural viewpoint. By integrating both Eastern therapeutic modalities and Western biomedical sciences, the program prepares graduates to navigate and contribute to the global movement towards integrative healthcare. The diverse student body at MCPHS further enriches this global outlook, promoting cultural humility and enabling graduates to provide culturally sensitive and effective care to diverse patient populations worldwide.
