Transitional Doctorate for Acupuncture Graduates

Acupuncture Doctorate Completion Program
with Integrative Medicine Focus

Join the original transitional doctorate program created for acupuncture graduates. Over the years, Pacific College has grown the largest network of acupuncture doctorate graduates in the nation! Pacific College’s transitional Doctorate of Acupuncture is the next step in education for those with a master’s in acupuncture or equivalent: students with a master’s in acupuncture or the equivalent will earn the Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc), and students that also have herbal studies will earn a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM).

Designed for working practitioners, this online program can be completed by taking one course per semester, or by enrolling full time and completing the program in as few as two semesters.

The main objective of Pacific College’s curriculum is to deepen students’ understanding of biomedicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture and of their role in integrative health care practice. Through a one-on-one online mentorship, students will receive guidance over the course of their professional development of ethics and communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Students will study evidence-informed practice, healthcare systems, and integrative case management.

Unite with a community of other pioneers in our profession – and enjoy sharing best practices, collaborating, and acquiring new insights and knowledge to prepare you join the ranks of doctors in the holistic healthcare movement.

Next term starts on September 5th, 2023!

Program Highlights

Enroll in a flexible and interactive online program designed for the working practitioner

Enrich and further your current understanding of both biomedicine and Chinese medicine

Develop skills that can help you achieve success in the integrative healthcare system

Complete the program in as few as two semesters or study part time

Learn from a Pacific College faculty member in a dedicated mentorship format

Study applications of interprofessional communication by observing a healthcare practitioner

Earn a Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) or Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) credential

Join the ranks of doctors in the holistic healthcare movement

Pacific College is
accredited by WSCUC

Pacific College’s acupuncture and
Chinese medicine programs are
accredited by ACAHM

Model Curriculum

Term 1

Units

Hours

Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice

Inter-Professional Communication

Healthcare Systems

Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Advanced Integrative Diagnostics

Term 2

Integrative Pain Management

Integrative Case Management

Practice-Based Learning

Applications for Inter-Professional Communication

Program Total:

360

Meet Your Faculty

Dr. Leena S. Guptha
ND, DO, MBA, MS, PhD

Dr. Tuesday Wasserman
Director – DACM, LAc

Dr. Cameron Bishop
DAOM, LAc

Dr. Jess Gerber
DAOM, LAc

Dr. Soneil Guptha
MD, FACC, FESC, FCCP, AFPM

Dr. David Hashemipour
PHD, LAc, MD

Dr. Kenneth Hoffman
DACM, LAC, CCH

Dr. Lamya Kamel
DAOM, LAc

Dr. Lena Kian
ND

Dr. Leslie McCoy
LAC, DAOM

Dr. Atil Narayan
DACM, LAc

Dr. Juli Olson
DC, LAc

Dr. East Phillips
DAOM, LAc

Dr. Miles Thomas
DACM, MS, LAc

Transitional Doctorate FAQs

Are alumni from all acupuncture colleges and universities eligible for this program?

Yes. All acupuncturists deserve an opportunity to bridge the gap between their master’s training and the new doctorate.

What is the degree that will be awarded upon successful completion of the program?

Students who enter the program with a master’s degree in acupuncture or equivalent will earn the Doctor of Acupuncture(DAc). Students who enter with a master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine or equivalent will earn the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM). The curriculum is the same for either student.

Are the online classes synchronous or asynchronous? In other words, are they in “real time?”

All the classes are online and synchronous. They occur in “real time” and are interactive. Students and faculty can see and hear each other. The program is 100% online and will not involve any on ground classroom instruction.

What will the schedule be like?

This program is designed to provide options for all time zones. A variety of class schedules are available every day of the week. There is also substantial work outside of class. Full-time enrollment (12 units) is nearly a full-time job (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the program may be taken on a part- time basis to fit your work schedule.

Will transfer credit be available for any of these courses?

Yes. Up to 5 units may be transferred. To be eligible, a course must be a graduate level course that achieves all the course learning objectives of the designated course. Work experience and CEU courses do not qualify for transfer credit.

Is there a capstone project or dissertation?

No.

What is the attendance policy?

A student must attend at least 75% of the course hours. (Exception: AIPC course requires 100% attendance).

Will the lectures be made available for missed classes?

Archived lectures are typically available; however, they may not be used as a substitute for attendance.

What are my funding options?

We have several options available which include VA/GI Bill, Financial Aid, and cash payment options with flexible monthly payment plans. Students may defer current Title IV loans while in the program.

Is this program accredited by ACAHM?

Pacific College of Health and Science’s professional doctorate program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). The accreditation status of the professional doctorate curricula applies to both the Doctor of Acupuncture and the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization. We advertise the degree completion opportunity as the “transitional doctorate” program in order to distinguish it from the entry-level pathway. However, this professional doctorate completion track for graduates of ACAHM-accredited/pre-accredited master’s-level programs is considered by ACAHM as a component of the overall professional doctorate.

Will there be CEUs/PDA available?

While some of the transitional doctorate courses are currently approved for continuing education credit by the California Acupuncture Board and accepted as PDAs by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), Pacific College cannot make any guarantee regarding our ability to offer CEUs/PDAs for doctoral courses. To be eligible to receive continuing education credit, you must have successfully passed the course. In addition, students will only receive credit for class meetings they have attended. Missed classes will not be counted toward the total. There is a $50/per course administrative fee for students to receive CEU certification for these courses. The following courses may be eligible:

Health Care Systems
Advanced Integrative Diagnostics
Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice

Transitional Doctorate for Acupuncture Graduates

Acupuncture Doctorate Completion Program
with Integrative Medicine Focus

Program Highlights

Financial Aid is Available to Those Who Qualify

How Does
It Work?

Real stories on how this program
impacted our alumni’s careers.

Model Curriculum