Pacific College of Health and Science is seeking a reliable and professional part-time Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam Proctor at our New York campus to administer and monitor the TEAS for prospective nursing students. This position is approximately 25-28 hours per week including some Saturdays.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Prepare testing materials and verify candidate identification.
Administer TEAS examinations in accordance with testing policies and procedures.
Monitor examinees during testing to ensure a secure and distraction-free environment.
Enforce exam rules and maintain testing integrity.
Assist candidates with check-in and basic testing procedures.
Complete required testing documentation and report any irregularities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Strong attention to detail and professionalism.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to follow standardized procedures and maintain confidentiality.
Basic computer proficiency.
Prior testing, proctoring, educational, or administrative experience preferred.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of the job in a typical office/workstation situation. Able to work sitting or standing at desk and operate a computer using keyboard and reading information on a monitor.
Salary Expectations: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
Application Deadline/Procedures: To apply, please send your resume to Kayla Noonan at [email protected]. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of holistic, caring professionals. We are committed to creating a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Pacific College of Health and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants are considered on the basis of their qualifications for the position.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.
Pacific College of Health and Science is seeking a dependable individual for the onsite, full-time position of Environmental Services (PM) at our San Diego Campus. The available shift is 4:00pm-12:30am (Monday-Friday).
General Job Summary:
Assists the Building Facilities Manager (BFM) by maintaining the college campus facility which includes 2 buildings. As an Environmental Services Custodian (EVS Custodian) at Pacific, you will deliver a high-quality cleaning service to create a safe and healthy environment for our community which includes an on-site health clinic, classrooms, and offices. Your passion for cleaning has a positive impact on those around you.
The EVS Custodian role includes completing a list of scheduled cleaning tasks and ensuring all areas of the site are clean and well maintained. The tasks may differ day-to-day, depending on business necessities, but there are general protocals that will be followed daily.
Essential Functions:
Classroom Cleaning:
Cleaning of chairs, tables, podiums, etc.
Wiping down and cleaning dry erase boards, mirrors, treatment tables, etc.
Cleaning Floors, walls, mirrors, etc.
Restocking classrooms based on needs.
Clinic/Office Cleaning:
Cleaning floors (vacuum or linoleum)
Setup/breakdown of chairs, tables, podiums, etc.
Providing needed resources such as power strips, extension cords, etc.
Bathroom Maintenance:
Maintain general cleanliness of bathrooms
Empty trash as needed
Restock supplies as needed
Facility Maintenance:
Maintain general cleanliness of facility outside & inside
Maintain general cleanliness of kitchen/lounges including appliances, water coolers, sinks and countertops, etc.
Restock supplies as needed
Empty trash/recycling as needed
Responding to immediate needs such as spills, safety hazards, etc.
Special projects as needed
Supply Management:
Organize inventory in supply closets
Distribute supplies to janitorial closets and classrooms
Communicate any supply needs to BFM
Report any inventory losses to BFM
Applicable Skills:
Dependability – Maintains appropriate attendance, accessible, and reliable.
Communication – Maintains clear, professional, and friendly communication.
Collaboration – Cooperates with internal and external customers, builds collaborative relationships and maintains good working relationships.
Productivity – Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed timely and efficiently.
Energy – Consistently maintaining high levels of productivity; flexible to working hours when necessary; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and stamina while doing all activities with a positive attitude.
Initiative – Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive to solve issues.
Stress Tolerance – Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure or job ambiguity); handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the College.
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit your resume to Deborah Reuss at [email protected].
Compensation: $18.00-$20.00 per hour
Work Environment: This position requires active participation, stamina, and an ability to stand for long periods of time. The Environmental Services Custodian (EVS Custodian) needs to be able to lift to 50 pounds. The EVS Custodian will have a personal workspace to store any materials and organize their projects. The EVS Custodian will be asked to accommodate needs from two separate buildings and will require the EVS Custodian to remain flexible and timely.
Pacific College of Health and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants are considered based on their qualifications for the position.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.
Pacific College is seeking a dynamic individual for the onsite, full-time position of Campus Operations Lead at our Chicago campus. This position is on ground, Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm.
General Job Summary:
The Campus Operations Lead is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall experience of our downtown campus. This role serves as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and visitors while overseeing front desk operations, campus facilities, events, and administrative support functions.
This position plays a key role in ensuring a professional, welcoming, and well-functioning campus environment by managing office systems, coordinating vendors, supporting campus events, and maintaining operational efficiency across multiple areas. This role is a natural fit for those who enjoy the opportunity to manage a variety of tasks as well as being able to move around from time to time, completing light physical duties.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintain/Oversees/Supervises Front Desk
Ensures high level of customer service
Manages the desk by answering calls and upholds the following when doing so:
Greet all walk-in customers and direct them to the appropriate department or staff.
Takes tuition payments, makes book sales.
Makes and distributes student IDs.
May perform opening/closing duties.
Receives deliveries and notifies staff and/or faculty members to pick up or put in mailbox.
May distribute mail as well as other communications to faculty, staff, students via-mail boxes.
Makes copies or scans files as requested.
Maintains neat, organized work, bookstore, and administrative entry area.
Handles ordering and issuing student U-Passes. Reviews and approves UPASS invoices.
Coordinates and monitors office operations and procedures to ensure college needs are met daily.
Plans goals/objectives for office operations and identifies resources (staff, equipment, funds) required for optimum functioning of office.
This role may supervise part-time student workers based on campus activity and needs.
Communications and Event Planning
Assist with creating and posting flyers on campus and removing outdated postings
Manages/updates TV monitors with important school information
Updates/maintains ComFeed announcements page and calendar
Annual Commencement Ceremony: Leads Graduation Team to coordinate annual commencement ceremony.
Organizes birthday/anniversary luncheons, campus outings, and holiday gatherings
Facilities Support
Works with building management for temperature control and repair orders
Contacting Vendor/Service People as needed.
Ensures campus furnishings (desks, chairs, tables, massage tables, etc.) are in good working order or seeks to have repaired. May perform minor repairs as needed.
Ensures campus is kept well maintained, clean and organized. Spot cleans, as necessary.
Updates classroom set-ups as needed (moves folding tables, chairs, layout).
Campus Supplies
Orders college campus supplies to support the entire campus and bookstore.
Receives book/supply orders and compares packing slips/invoices, of deliveries, to purchase orders for books and bookstore supplies.
Oversees bookstore inventory informing supervisor of discrepancies. Completes an annual inventory report every December.
Reconcile receipts for all office, bookstore, and campus director purchases on college credit card through bank expense management website. Send reports to accounting as needed.
Campus Safety and Security
Orders, Issues and Tracks Key Cards for Students, Faculty and Staff granting proper access as needed and removing when someone leaves the college.
Adds visitors to the guest list when necessary
Leads Campus Safety Team. Conducts annual safety briefings for students and faculty.
On-Ground IT Basic Support
Assist staff and faculty with basic on-ground IT equipment support (replacement cables, laptops, mouses, etc.)
Liaises with IT to help facilitate technical support where a physical presence is necessary to help IT identify and resolve issues.
Coordinates with IT to ship Chicago IT equipment to other locations.
Manages the Campus Laptop and Tablet lending program.
Assist students with borrowing a laptop/tablet kit by ensuring all necessary paperwork is filled out.
Manages/tracks laptop/tablet inventory.
Follows up with students who are beyond the return date.
Qualifications and Skills:
High school diploma or equivalent required; College degree preferred.
Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in relevant administrative or office coordination experience.
Proficient skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook) while adaptable and eager to learn new software.
Excellent customer service skills with a strong commitment to providing positive experience for students, staff, and visitors.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all individuals.
Ability to manage multiple tasks accurately and meet deadlines despite interruptions.
Effective organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work well independently as well as within a team.
Previous experience supervising others preferred.
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Dave Frech, at [email protected]. The application deadline is June 12, 2026. Recent graduates with relevant work experience welcome to apply!
Salary Expectations: $23.08 – $25.00 per hour
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of the job in a typical office/workstation situation. Able to work sitting or standing at a desk and operate a computer using keyboard and reading information on a monitor. Some lifting or moving boxes or other items including massage tables or folding tables weighing up to 30-40 lbs.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of holistic, caring professionals. We are committed to creating a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Pacific College of Health and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants are considered based on their qualifications for the position.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and medical cannabis. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.
Pacific College of Health and Science is seeking a dependable individual for the onsite, full-time position of Clinical Services Assistant at our New York Campus.
General Job Summary:
The Clinical Services Assistant is responsible for the daily operations of the clinic under the guidance and supervision of the Clinic Director. Accuracy and attention to detail are very important with particular attention to scheduling and rescheduling patients, supply inventory, and financial procedures.
The position requires 5 days per week onsite at the New York campus.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Maintain smooth flow of daily operations in the clinic. Must be available to open and/or close the clinic.
Answers telephones and schedules appointments for treatment.
Greet and check in patients entering the clinic for treatment.
Check patients out and take payment for services and products received.
Conduct inventory for treatment rooms and clerical supplies.
File and maintain patient Clinical Services charts.
Assist the Clinic Director with administrative duties as required and needed.
Minimum/Required Qualifications:
2+ years’ experience in medical, customer service, hospitality or office management.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Excellent customer service skills.
Strong ability to resolve conflicts in a compassionate and courteous manner.
Solution-oriented, with the ability to troubleshoot various issues.
Works well individually and as a team member.
Ability to listen and learn from others.
Must have a broad understanding of the Pacific College mission and the structure and the benefits of its academic and clinical program.
Salary Expectations: $17.50 – $19.00 per hour
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit your resume to Matthew Zimmerman at [email protected]. The application deadline is June 12, 2026.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of holistic, caring professionals. We are committed to creating a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Pacific College of Health and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants are considered based on their qualifications for the position.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.
Pacific College of Health and Science is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual for the position of AdjunctFaculty in our Undergraduate Massage programat our New York campus. We are seeking faculty members with exceptional communication skills who have a passion for teaching and whose enthusiasm for the subject matter will be an inspiration to our students.
Position Summary:
The successful candidate will be expected to be knowledgeable in either a didactic or lab course within our model curriculum, including Eastern and Western massage and bodywork theory and practice, biomedical sciences, clinical skills, and professional practice.
Minimum/Required Qualifications:
Associate’s degree in Complementary and/or Integrative medicine.
New York State unencumbered Massage Therapy License.
Experience teaching for at least 5 years.
Live classroom-based teaching experience at an institution of higher education.
Desired Qualifications:
Teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
An extensive teaching resume coupled with a student-centered teaching philosophy.
Familiarity with instructional technology.
Familiarity with APA writing style.
Salary Expectations: $45.00 – $55.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications.
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit a cover letter describing qualifications and resume/CV to [email protected]. This position will remain open until it is filled.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of holistic, caring professionals. We are committed to creating a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Pacific College of Health and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants are considered based on their qualifications for the position.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.
If you’re exploring how to become a nurse, you’ve likely discovered that there are multiple educational pathways to earning your nursing license. Nursing is a career that offers individuals flexibility and a variety of opportunities for both their education and once they enter the workforce.
If you were to poll a random sample of working nurses on what education path they took to start their career, there would be a wide array of answers! Whether it was a traditional 4-year BSN degree, a fast-paced ADN program, licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN) certificate, or another avenue, all these options afford students the chance to join a rewarding career in a way that best suits their short and long-term goals.
While prospective nursing students have numerous options for obtaining their credentials, two of the most popular paths include a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) and an associate degree in nursing (ADN). We’ll compare these two methods and showcase how both education opportunities may fit into your lifestyle and career objectives as a future nurse.
What to Consider When Looking at Nursing Programs
When beginning your journey toward earning a nursing diploma, it is important to understand how your current life operates. Do you have commitments and obligations that may hinder the time necessary for a 4-year program? Are you eager to start your career and work sooner rather than later? What specific capabilities do you want to have within your day-to-day job?
Nursing doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your current life and dedicate all your time and resources to schooling. However, for some students, a rigorous, full-time program is what best meets their expectations and needs. The advantage is flexibility: you can choose a program that aligns with your current circumstances and future career goals.
Here are a few areas to consider when deciding what type of program will work best for you:
Do I want to be a full-time student?
Is working while going to school necessary?
Do I have dependents that will impact how much time I can dedicate to school?
How much student debt am I prepared to take on?
Do I need to enter the workforce soon?
Do I want leadership and management roles in my nursing career?
Are hospitals and clinics in my area prioritizing BSN hiring?
How strong is my support system?
Is nursing a long-term career choice for me?
Answering these questions honestly and with serious thought is a good first step into understanding what career path will best serve you.
BSN Program: What is a BSN Degree?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4-year university degree typically awarded to students who complete 120+ credit hours. This traditionally paced program accounts for roughly 60 hours of pre-requisite coursework, followed by 60+ hours of core nursing curriculum. Following the completion of these core competencies, BSN students enter clinical training to obtain the real-world, bedside skills necessary to nursing. This training period typically involves 500+ hours of supervised clinical practice, with rotations lasting 4 – 8 weeks per specialty area.
Throughout the length of the program, students will complete classes in areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, nursing informatics, community health, leadership, and more. Upon graduation from an approved nursing program, students are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®), and upon passing, will allow them to earn their nursing license.
How Does a BSN Prepare You to be an RN?
Since a BSN is traditionally two more years of academic studies compared to an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a deeper foundation of principles and information is established. With the added coursework, graduates of a BSN program are educationally equipped with a higher-level understanding of real-world applications like clinical judgement, public health training, research, specialty care, and more.
BSN graduates benefit from the wide range of curriculum. In addition to strong theoretical skills, BSN graduates generally begin their careers with a wider scope of clinical training, helping to reduce patient mortality and admission lengths.
These graduates also position themselves as attractive candidates for hire, as more healthcare institutions, particularly magnet hospitals, look to hire nurses with at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The desire to hire nurses with a minimum education level of a BSN is backed by NIH studies that show this training background is essential to “generate a respected, competent, and satisfied nursing workforce that can impact the quality and safety of care; and positively influence outcome indicators for patients, nurses, healthcare organizations, and society.”
ADN Program: What is an Associate Degree in Nursing?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a fast-track route to earning a registered nurse license. Often termed “RN programs,” these degrees are typically offered through community and specialty colleges, where they can be completed between 18 – 24 months.
In the roughly two years of coursework, ADN students will complete core studies in subjects like anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and statistics. From there, the next phases include classes focused on nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and health assessment. As with a BSN program, the final leg of this program type concludes with hands-on clinical experience, and training skill sets for active care duties. Students will typically spend 400+ hours in a clinical setting, under direct supervision, practicing technical skill work.
How Does an ADN Prepare You to Be an RN?
ADN programs fully prepare students to be successful and competent registered nurses. The two-year fast-track does not disadvantage students from being a qualified nurse on day one, compared to BSN peers. Instead, these programs prepare students for the same academic and clinical requirements as their 4-year counterparts.
Core fundamentals and real-world skills are acquired in a shorter time frame, and this has little impact on RN-readiness. Both ADN and BSN students are well equipped to pass the NCLEX due to a shared central curriculum in nursing requirements. Due to core educational similarities, RNs with an ADN possess an equal level of proficiency in general day-to-day nursing skills compared to BSN peers, making this degree option a quicker and more affordable opportunity.
The two years of missing curriculum from an ADN program center around coursework that provides management and specialty care experience for BSN students. Bachelor’s degree programs incorporate classes in areas such as:
Healthcare Policy & Ethics
Global Health Perspectives
Pathophysiology
Nursing Infomatics
Nursing Leadership
Public & Community Health
Specialization in these subject matters is missed in ADN programs but allows students to begin their career as a registered nurse roughly two years sooner.
The Pros & Cons of Bachelor’s Degree vs. Associate Degree
Both BSN and ADN programs provide students with the knowledge and technical acumen to succeed as an RN. With bedside skills being equal and nursing credentials comparable, the right personal choice boils down to which factors are most important to your desired short and long-term outcomes.
Let’s break it down further.
BSN Degree Program
Pros
Cons
4-year degree
Longer timeline before entering the workforce
Ability to start advanced nursing degrees, such as a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) (i.e. nurse practitioner, nurse educator)
Higher tuition costs and potential student loan debt
Can hold and earn leadership & management nursing roles (charge nurse, nurse manager, care coordinator)
Delayed full-time income compared to ADN/RN programs
Most often have a higher hourly rate
Less flexibility in some programs
BSN nurses are often preferred by hospitals, health systems, and healthcare providers
More academic workload (research, writing, theory-based courses)
Greater job mobility across specialties, hospitals, and states
Clinical intensity combined with academic rigor can increase stress and burnout risk during school
Higher competitiveness in saturated job markets
Stronger pathway to doctoral programs (DNP or PhD)
Better preparation for non-bedside roles
Stronger foundation in evidence-based practice, research, and population health
ADN Degree Program
Pros
Cons
Shorter program length
Limited access to leadership, management, and administrative roles in career
Faster entry into the nursing workforce
Lower long-term earning potential in some healthcare systems
Lower tuition costs and reduced student loan debt
Must earn a BSN before starting master’s or doctoral programs
High demand for ADN-prepared RNs, especially in community hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings
May face hiring limitations
Easier education to balance work and family responsibilities
Potential ceiling on career mobility
Flexible school scheduling options
Clear pathway to RN-to-BSN bridge programs
Cost-effective way to test the profession before committing to advanced degrees
Which Nursing Career Path Is Right for You?
Making the right program choice isn’t easy, and maybe you can see both options benefiting you. A BSN or ADN offers the same core elements that prepare you for licensure and to be an RN on day one. The right choice really comes down to what is most important for your goals and weighing the effects of short versus long-term career aspirations.
Here are some practical steps you can take to help decide what’s the right track for you:
Steps to Make Your Decision
Audit your current schedule
Map out work hours, family responsibilities, and realistic study time per week.
Calculate the true cost
Compare tuition, fees, books, commuting, lost wages, and potential student debt for each option.
Research local employer preferences
Review job postings in your area to see if employers prefer or require a BSN.
Talk to working nurses
Ask ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses about workload, healthcare setting, i.e. job opportunities, and career growth in your region.
Assess how quickly you need income
Decide whether faster entry into the workforce is more important than long-term advancement.
Clarify your long-term career goals
Determine whether leadership, education, or advanced practice roles are part of your future plans.
Compare program intensity
Review course loads, clinical skills and hours, and academic expectations for each program.
Check flexibility options
Look for part-time, evening, weekend, or hybrid program formats.
Review bridge pathway availability
Confirm whether RN-to-BSN programs are accessible, affordable, and employer-supported.
Evaluate support systems
Consider childcare, transportation, emotional support, and backup plans during clinical rotations.
Confirm licensure outcomes
Ensure both programs prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN in your state.
Think about stress tolerance
Be honest about how much academic pressure you can manage over 2 vs. 4 years.
Visit or attend info sessions
Tour campuses, attend nursing info nights, or sit in on advising sessions.
Run a 5-year scenario
Project where you’ll be professionally and financially five years after graduation with each option.
Ready to Choose Your Nursing Program?
Whether you’re just starting your journey or already practicing nursing, the most important step is selecting a program that supports your goals, both now and in the future.
Pacific College of Health and Science offers accredited nursing program options that prepare students for licensure, professional growth, and meaningful practice in diverse healthcare environments:
If you’re ready to pursue a nursing program aligned with where healthcare is headed and that will support your journey, PCHS can help you get there. Explore BSN pathways and start your nursing career with confidence.
If you’re considering earning a master’s degree, or doctoral degree, you’re probably wondering where to start. With a wide variety of options for this specialized training, picking the right school might feel overwhelming.
Looking into accredited programs is the right first step, and with more than 50 ACAHM-accredited (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine) institutions in the United States, not every program will provide the same level of education, training, and support. Additionally if you plan on practicing in California, you must attend a California Acupuncture Board (CAB) approved institution to be eligible to take the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE). Earning a degree in acupuncture is a significant investment of both your time and money, so choosing the right school is worth doing your homework.
Selecting which institution to attend requires you to go beyond skimming school homepages. With any program, you want to ensure that you are getting a comprehensive classroom experience, but also engaging and dynamic hands-on training. Positioning yourself to graduate with the knowledge base and technical ability to be successful on day one sets the foundation for your future career.
Here’s what to pay attention to when researching acupuncture schools and how to gather the information that really matters while looking past polished marketing.
Chinese Medicine & The Proper Foundation
Not every education experience adequately prepares students for the daily duties of healthcare. A lack of theory, expertise, treatment techniques, and patient interaction ethics can put a new acupuncturist at a severe disadvantage. This highlights how critical it is to complete a degree at a school that provides a thorough and well-rounded integrative medicine education, both in the classroom and clinic.
A well-rounded acupuncture degree program will blend traditional Chinese medicine practices with Western medical sciences, providing students with the knowledge and confidence to deliver effective treatment in today’s modern healthcare environment.
Key elements that make up a comprehensive foundation include:
Strong Theoretical Basis in traditional Chinese medicine
Integration of Biomedical Sciences
Extensive Supervised Clinical Training
Clear Pathway to Licensure
Ethical and Professional Training
Faculty Who Are Active Practitioners
Training in Adjunct Therapies
A Cohesive Philosophy of Medicine
With these areas covered, a graduating student will be better prepared to succeed as an acupuncturist.
Red Flags to Consider For an Acupuncture Program
When looking at prospective schools, it is essential to get an accurate representation of the institution’s curriculum, support, and student outcomes. And when researching, there are a handful of immediate red flags to look out for.
Noticing these early on can help save you time, energy, and potential headaches down the road as you decide what program will best serve your unique needs.:
Questionable or Missing Accreditation
Unclear Clinical Hour Requirements
Poor Board Exam Pass Rates (or No Transparency)
High Student Attrition Rates
Faculty With Limited Clinical Experience
Overemphasis on Marketing Over Substance
Minimal Integration of Biomedical Sciences
Poor Student Support Systems
Limited Career Preparation
How to Evaluate a Truly Comprehensive Education
After understanding the non-negotiable foundations of an acupuncture program and scanning for red flags, how should you go about assessing the depth and quality of a program?
Another vital element is looking for references and data that is verified from a third-party source (like College Scorecard , Niche.com or U.S. News & World Report). Institutions want to brand and price themselves as a top-tier option, when, in reality, that isn’t always the case. Finding independent sources that transparently give you a full picture of the acupuncture school will help you form your own judgment if the program is the right fit.
Additional things to keep in mind when looking at schools:
Pull the Program Catalog
Check with State Licensing Boards
Ask Direct, Specific Questions in Info Sessions (or with Admission Advisors)
Contact Alumni on LinkedIn
Tour the Student Clinic (If Possible)
What Should Acupuncture Studies Include?
The curriculum is arguably the most important component to scrutinize when checking into acupuncture schools. These educational frameworks dictate the outcomes of students and establish the groundwork for their careers post-graduation.
A lot of your research time should be spent understanding what courses are required, what specializations are offered, and what core work is taught through these classes and clinical capstones. Keep in mind, an acupuncture program should be holistic in both theory and practical application, ensuring that you are taught from traditional Chinese medicine, but also with skills that are relevant to the demands of modern acupuncturists.
Work through auditing each course, and compare descriptions and the degree of details with other program curricula. A good example of a comprehensive curriculum can be found here.
Key classes to look for include:
Foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Channels and Points
Needle Technique
Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders
Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease
Biological Aspects of Physics
Eastern and Western Nutrition
Anatomy and Physiology
Clinical Research Design and Statistics
Practice Management and Ethics
Clinical Counseling
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Assessing The Faculty & Staff
As a medical practitioner with a strong blend of theory and hands-on application, who you learn from plays a big role in your comprehension and execution of acupuncture practice. Therefore, assessing the quality and quantity of faculty is a factor to consider when picking a school.
The future performance and outcomes of graduates are influenced by the value instructors provide during the program. As you work to discover who might be teaching you at a particular school, take into account items like faculty-to-student ratios, faculty awards/recognition, teaching tenure, who is actively practicing acupuncture, and more.
Having a well-experienced, plugged-in faculty staff to learn from can make the difference between a new acupuncturist who is confident and prepared and one who feels as if they are not capable of jumpstarting their career. If possible, prospective students should seek to speak to past students or faculty members themselves to get a sense of their educators.
Clinical Training & Hands-on Experience
Acupuncture is a highly skilled medical service. It involves a direct, hands-on approach in order to effectively treat patients. While mastering theory is essential, it is the depth of clinical experience that can make the difference between an average acupuncturist and a great practitioner.
Potential students should prioritize acupuncture programs that offer extensive clinical experience, including hundreds of hours of practical training on site and across various integrative healthcare settings. This profession cannot be effectively learned solely through lectures or textbooks. Mastery in acupuncture relies on hands-on practice and experiential learning, which are essential for developing the skills necessary to excel in this field.
To best position yourself for success, find a program that emphasizes the clinical component of the program, working to solidify that students are technically equipped to diagnose and treat a wide variety of patient conditions and needs.
Pick an Acupuncture Program Based on Your Own Research
Once you have evaluated all your programs of interest, it is important to take a step back to look at all your notes, research, and gut feelings. This is a highly personal decision that should be made by you, based on what you believe to be the best environment for your goals.
This includes the tuition price and elective specialization courses you have an interest in. The school you choose can significantly impact your skill set, career satisfaction, and mindset. Remember to take your time, talk with your support system, and rely on what feels right, both now and in the future.
Ready to Explore Pacific College?
Choosing the right school for your acupuncture degree is a big decision, and having clear, accurate information makes all the difference in becoming a licensed acupuncturist. Pacific College of Health and Science offers accreditedacupuncture programs grounded in Chinese medicine, hands-on clinical training, and integrative healthcare education.
If you’re ready to learn more about degree options, explore Pacific College’s acupuncture programs and connect with an admissions advisor to discuss your questions and goals.
Pacific College of Health and Science is seeking a dependable individual for the onsite, full-time position of Environmental Services (PM) at our New York Campus.
Available Shift: 2:30pm-11:00pm (Monday-Friday)
General Job Summary: Environmental Services delivers a high-quality cleaning service to create a safe and healthy environment for our community which includes our onsite health clinic, classrooms, and offices. The Environmental Services role includes completing a list of scheduled cleaning tasks and ensuring all areas are clean and well maintained. The tasks may differ day-to-day, depending on business necessities, but there are general protocols that will be followed daily.
Essential Functions:
Classroom Cleaning
Clean chairs, tables, podiums, etc.
Wipe down and clean dry erase boards, mirrors, treatment tables, etc.
Clean floors, walls, mirrors, etc.
Restock classrooms based on needs.
Clinic & Office Cleaning
Clean floors (vacuum or linoleum)
Setup/breakdown of chairs, tables, podiums, etc.
Provide needed resources such as power strips, extension cords, etc.
Bathroom Maintenance
Maintain general cleanliness of bathrooms
Empty trash as needed.
Restock supplies as needed.
Facility Maintenance
Maintain general cleanliness of kitchen/lounges including appliances, water coolers, sinks and countertops, etc.
Restock supplies as needed.
Empty trash/recycling as needed.
Respond to immediate needs such as spills, safety hazards, etc.
Special projects as needed
Supply Management
Organize inventory in supply closets.
Distribute supplies to janitorial closets and classrooms.
Communicate any supply needs to EVS Supervisor.
Report on any inventory losses to EVS Supervisor.
Classroom Setup
Arrange classroom furniture (desks, chairs, instructor stations) according to daily schedules and room configurations.
Ensure all instructional materials and equipment are in place (projectors, whiteboards, markers, AV equipment, etc.).
Verify classrooms are clean, organized, and ready for use prior to starting times.
Set up specialty spaces (labs, clinics, testing rooms) per program-specific requirements.
Classroom Breakdown
Reset classrooms to standard layout after classes or events.
Remove materials, equipment, and debris from classrooms and common areas.
Clean and sanitize surfaces, including desks, podiums, and shared equipment.
Properly store equipment and supplies in designated areas.
Report any damage, missing items, or maintenance needs.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Must have a High School diploma or equivalency
1-3 years of working experience in custodial, janitorial, or general maintenance work (schools, hospitals, offices, or commercial buildings).
Knowledge of proper cleaning methods, materials, and safety practices, including handling of chemicals and use of PPE.
Ability to push and lift to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend at waist, sit, kneel, climb walk, crouch as job may require
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.
Maintain clear and professional communication at all times; customer service oriented.
Must be reliable, honest, and act in a professional manner.
Salary Expectations: $17.50 – $18.50 per hour
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit your resume to Steven Gard at [email protected]. The application deadline is May 22, 2026.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of holistic, caring professionals. We are committed to creating a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Pacific College of Health and Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants are considered based on their qualifications for the position.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.
Pacific College is seeking a dynamic individual for the position of full-time Admissions Representative at our Chicago campus. This position is hybrid, with at least 2-3 days per week required onsite at the Chicago campus.
General Job Summary:
The Admissions Representative is the first point of contact for prospective students responsible for providing information about the profession, the college, our programs, philosophy, features, and benefits of the school. The Admissions Representative must meet the school’s enrollment objectives in an accurate, professional, and ethical manner and work within the contact strategy to reach, connect with, interview, and help prospective students through application and initial registration to Pacific College’s acupuncture and massage programs.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Conduct interviews and tours and evaluate each prospective ground student based on his/her needs, desires, interests, qualifications, motivations, and commitments, and in accordance with all school and company policies and procedures, all applicable federal and state regulations and all accrediting agencies’ standards and requirements.
Strive toward admissions targets and maintain satisfactory levels of activity for both the ground and online programs.
Present information in a factual and ethical manner to prospective students and others regarding school’s programs and tuition and fee schedules, refund policy, payment plans and other college policies and procedures which affect students.
Assist students through each step of the admissions process from inquiry, document collection, final interviews, New Student Orientation and during the add/drop period of each term.
Maintain compliance with admissions policies and procedures.
Refer students as appropriate to Financial Aid or the Bursar for payment plan options.
Assist prospective students in completing the admissions process in the most efficient and supportive manner, following up weekly on students with pending tasks.
Assist students with finalization of registration and the enrollment process.
Represent Pacific College’s programs at various open houses, information sessions, and weekend events, including occasional off-site recruiting and educational events.
Attend all staff meetings, requested training, stitch meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions with the Director of Admissions.
Job Skills:
Sales Ability and Effective Collaboration: Through effective questioning and product knowledge, guide prospective students through admissions process, build rapport, demonstrate capability, and gain commitment. Promote a collaborative working relationship with other departments to best service the students.
Follows and respects admissions procedures, activity guidelines including front end activity, customer service expectations, event follow-up, entering notes on student records and other crucial tasks.
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of collateral to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps students understand and retain the information. Maintain active communication with the Finance department, Student Advisors, Deans, etc. as it relates to your student’s needs.
Organizes the communication in a CRM (Salesforce & CampusVue), maintains student attention, adjusts to the student, ensures understanding, adheres to the accepted conventions, comprehends communication from others.
Enters data and notes on each interaction with the student promptly, including attempted contact notes and actions.
Customer Focus: Ensuring prospective student’s needs are the primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with both students and through the following key actions:
Seeks to understand prospective students’ needs, and takes action to meet those needs and concerns, builds collaborative relationships, and uses feedback systems to address prospective students’ needs.
Follows a documented contact strategy, using CRM tools to attempt to contact, connect, set appointments, interview, and take applications from prospective students interested in programs at Pacific.
Maintain satisfactory outbound/inbound inquiry calls to help support prospective students. (A minimum of 100 outbound dials per week)
Managing Work (including Time Management): Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently through the following key actions:
Prioritizes, prepares, creates daily schedules, leverages resources, remains focused. All tasks should align to the Admissions goals.
Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of productivity; flexible to working hours when necessary; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time through the following key actions:
Maintains stamina, maintains effectiveness, remains open to new ideas and initiatives and is willing to participate in all admissions activities with a positive attitude.
Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job‑related information in a timely manner through the following key actions:
Actively participates in learning activities, quickly gains knowledge, understanding or skill, applies knowledge or skill. Creates and implements training, based on sales models, admissions standards and best practices and coordinates training for admissions team.
Initiating Actions: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive with student follow up.
Stress Tolerance: Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure or job ambiguity); handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization through the following key actions:
Performs other duties deemed necessary and appropriate by admissions leadership and maintains flexibility and resilience as policies and procedures may change.
Education and Experience:
BS/BA strongly preferred
Prior Admissions experience or experience in Recruitment/Sales/Customer Service field preferred.
Knowledgeable/Interest in Holistic Health
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of the job in a typical office/workstation situation. Able to work sitting or standing at desk and operate a computer using keyboard and reading information on a monitor. Able to assist during campus events, info sessions and open houses, as well as offsite events with setting up and taking down.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary Range: $25.00 to $28.00 per hour.
Application Deadline/Procedures: To apply, please send your resume to David Frech at [email protected]. The application deadline is May 15, 2026.
We offer the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of holistic, caring professionals. We are committed to creating a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Pacific College of Health and Science is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered on their qualifications for the position without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and medical cannabis. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.
Thinking About Acupuncture School? (What to Consider)
There is a growing interest in holistic and Chinese medicine as individuals seek more treatment options that don’t focus on prescription drugs or invasive procedures when appropriate and medically safe to do so. As a result, acupuncture treatment is becoming a go-to option for individuals with a variety of health concerns. This increased demand is translating into more job opportunities for those interested in working as acupuncturists.
If you’re someone passionate about holistic health and non-traditional treatment, you may be considering a career in Acupuncture. Though the field of acupuncture may resonate with you both personally and professionally, there are a few things to consider.
How to decide if this career path is right for you
The structure and design of an acupuncture program
Future projections of the acupuncture field
How to do more personal research on the profession
Who is a Good Candidate for Acupuncture School?
A wide variety of people would thrive in a career as an acupuncturist, and while not every successful individual has the same makeup, there are several core factors that increase future success within the field. As with any type of program, it is important to understand the demands and how it fits with your current life circumstances, personal aspirations, and long-term goals before jumping into the application process.
There is no set model of a “good candidate,” but there are consistent factors that indicate someone would be successful (and happy) within an acupuncture program.
If you’re drawn to holistic and integrative medicine, acupuncture may be a natural fit. Acupuncturists see the body as an interconnected system, where mind and body work together to support overall health. Therefore you will likely view health through the lens of:
Addressing the root cause, not just managing the symptoms
Personal well-being includes mental, physical, and spiritual health
Another core characteristic of someone who would potentially thrive in an acupuncture program is being a relationship builder. Part of what sets acupuncture care apart from traditional Western medicine is the emphasis on spending more time with your patients. The perception of the typical healthcare system within the United States often prioritizes quantity and maximizing patient volume, with many patients feeling like they don’t get the time to really discuss their health with a provider.
An acupuncture program teaches students that getting to know the whole health story of a patient is critical to treatment effectiveness. You should have the desire to build a strong foundation with patients, seeking to understand their lifestyle, past healthcare experiences, wellness goals, and more. A deeper understanding and connection with patients helps develop more personalized treatment plans, increasing the odds of treatment success and patient satisfaction.
A third common trait of a “good candidate” is someone who is a self-starter and has a desire for career entrepreneurship. Acupuncturists have a high degree of autonomy and career choice within the field. A successful student will prefer the spectrum of choice that comes with the occupation, as opposed to many other healthcare careers that have rigid work schedules and environments.
For example, nurses are commonly stuck in hospital settings, where 12-hour shifts are the norm. Acupuncturists often have the freedom to join varying work settings, like integrative health clinics or starting their own private practice with both of these options allowing acupuncturists to set their own schedules.
Lastly, students should be prepared for rigorous coursework. As with most healthcare degrees, an exhaustive list of reading materials and first-hand clinical work is required for program graduation. With acupuncture blending a variety of health sciences, such as anatomy and pharmacology, there is a high responsibility on students to master the theory and clinical aptitude associated with acupuncture. Therefore, a successful student within an acupuncture program will be equipped with a strong work ethic, an inquisitive nature, and an eagerness to apply themselves to the coursework.
While these factors are by no means required for someone to pursue a degree in acupuncture or become successful in the field, they are indicators of a strong likelihood of positive outcomes.
How to Decide if This Career Path is Right for You
Whether you are completing high school or are a professional with years of work experience, you have to have an honest conversation with yourself to determine if a formal education in acupuncture is the best choice. Desire does not equal fit.
In weighing your education and career options, it is important to take note of your current life situation. Some questions to ask yourself include:
Do I have the time for a multi-year program?
Is daily patient interaction and communication something I will enjoy?
Am I comfortable with being in control of my schedule?
Is Eastern medicine something I truly believe in?
Is hands-on patient treatment something I feel comfortable doing?
Am I motivated by helping people feel better, even if progress is gradual?
Is this a career I could see myself doing decades from now?
Am I okay working hours that might not fall into a traditional 9 – 5?
Am I comfortable advocating for holistic healthcare to patients?
Will I be okay with making my own clinical decisions?
Can I set and enforce boundaries with patients?
Is herbal medicine something I’m interested in?
Will I be able to tell a patient if acupuncture isn’t a good fit for them?
Will this sector of healthcare make me happy?
This is only a starting list of questions to consider. Whether you’re 18 or 58, career investment is a decision to consider thoroughly. It’s worth talking to family and friends to discuss the potential of attending an acupuncture program. Gaining outside perspectives and ideas can go a long way in helping you determine the right career path.
The Structure and Design of Acupuncture Programs
If you’re thinking about earning a degree in acupuncture, you should look into each specific program to understand how the curriculum and clinical experiences are designed. Acupuncture programs are graduate-level, meaning that a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite.
Most acupuncture programs span three to four years in length and allow you to choose from a master’s or doctorate with or without a Chinese herbal medicine specialization. In the first few years of an acupuncture program, students will build a strong foundation in traditional Eastern theory and physiology basics. Key areas of attention during this period include:
Yin-Yang Theory
Five Element Theory
Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids
Meridians and Acupuncture Points
Anatomy and physiology
Medical Terminology (included only in degrees with Chinese herbal medicine specializations)
In years 3 and 4, most programs turn attention toward hands-on clinical teaching and experience. Here is where students will practice acupuncture and develop their skill sets for treatment in a variety of modalities such as needling, cupping, gua sha, and more.
By the final year of your program, you will be working in a supervised clinical internship with healthcare professionals, further strengthening your treatment skills, care planning, and patient communication. By the end of your program, students will have a deep understanding of acupuncture techniques, ethical best practices, condition/disease recognition, legal guidelines, and documentation protocols.
Acupuncture programs provide a holistic, comprehensive learning experience for students, giving them a complete tool set to begin their healthcare career once they earn their state licensing requirements.
Will an Acupuncture Degree Pay Off in the Future?
A shift is happening within the healthcare industry, caused largely by the desire of people to reduce their reliance on and default to Western medicine. There is a pushback from Americans, who are realizing that being less dependent on prescription drugs and invasive procedures can be a good alternative for their healthcare. This translates to an increase in holistic, natural medical treatments, such as acupuncture.
Use of acupuncture for pain management has increased from 55% in 2002 to 72% in 2022. With this growing demand from the public, job opportunities within this field are also on an upward trend. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) roles to grow faster than average between 2024 and 2034. Acupuncture opportunities are specifically projected to grow by 6.8% during this timeframe.
With acupuncturists having the ability to scale income at their own discretion, there is great potential in deciding personal income level.
Another key attraction to this profession includes high job satisfaction. Acupuncturists commonly state overall happiness with their careers, in part due to the strong relationship building between patient and provider, flexible work hours, income potential, and visible health impacts for patient populations.
The Next Step: Do More Research on Accredited Acupuncture Programs
As with any major life decision, detailed research should be conducted to best position yourself for success and a positive outcome. If you are considering acupuncture school, looking into more sources, industry experts, and real-life testimonials will help you make an informed decision about your future.
Pacific College of Health and Science Admission Representatives are happy to discuss program information and potential fit for your career goals. Other avenues to information regarding the acupuncture program experience and daily job responsibilities can be found via YouTube, Reddit, and other social platforms. These outlets can help give a true-to-life picture from individuals who have completed acupuncture schooling and currently work in the field.
For a more professional organization perspective, these additional resources can help give further insight:
Ready to Take the Next Step in Integrative Medicine?
If you’re seriously considering a career in acupuncture, choosing the right program matters. Pacific College of Health and Science offers accredited acupuncture education grounded in clinical excellence, integrative healthcare, and hands-on training, offering master’s and doctoral degrees. With experienced faculty, robust student clinics, and a long-standing commitment to whole-person care, PCHS prepares students for licensure and to enter the profession with confidence.
