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
Worcester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
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.
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 (MAc) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), through its renowned New England School of Acupuncture (NESA), equips graduates with the in-depth knowledge and extensive clinical skills required for professional acupuncture practice.
Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in Private Practice: This is the most common and direct career path, allowing graduates to establish and operate their own acupuncture clinics. They provide individualized treatments, including acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice, directly to patients.
Integrative Medicine Clinic Practitioner: Graduates can work within multidisciplinary clinics that integrate conventional Western medicine with complementary therapies. They collaborate with medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to offer a holistic approach to patient care.
Hospital-Based Acupuncturist: With the increasing acceptance of acupuncture, many hospitals are incorporating it into their services, particularly in departments like pain management, oncology support, women's health, or rehabilitation. Graduates can find roles providing acupuncture treatments within these structured settings.
Acupuncture Specialist in Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Centers: Acupuncturists are increasingly sought after in sports medicine to help athletes with pain management, injury recovery, and performance enhancement. They can work in athletic facilities, sports clinics, or rehabilitation centers.
Community Acupuncturist: Graduates can work in community acupuncture clinics, which often offer treatments in a group setting at a sliding scale, making acupuncture more accessible and affordable for a broader population.
Acupuncture Teacher/Educator: With their advanced degree and clinical experience, graduates can pursue teaching positions at acupuncture and Oriental medicine colleges, training the next generation of practitioners. Opportunities may include lecturing, supervising student clinics, or developing curriculum.
Wellness Center/Spa Acupuncturist: Luxury spas, holistic wellness centers, and resorts are incorporating acupuncture services for stress reduction, general well-being, and beauty treatments. Graduates can find roles in these environments.
Corporate Wellness Program Provider: Companies are increasingly investing in employee wellness. Graduates can offer acupuncture services as part of corporate wellness programs, focusing on stress relief, pain management, and overall health to improve employee productivity and well-being.
Acupuncture Researcher/Research Assistant: While the MAc is a clinical degree, its emphasis on evidence-informed practice and understanding of research methods prepares graduates to contribute to research. They can work as research assistants in academic institutions or clinical research settings, helping to design and conduct studies on acupuncture's efficacy.
Public Health/Health Promotion Specialist (with Acupuncture Focus): Graduates can apply their knowledge of holistic health and wellness in public health roles, designing programs and initiatives that integrate traditional healing modalities to promote community health and prevent disease.
