Acupuncture School in San Diego, California

Next term starts on January 5th, 2026!

Pacific College’s Acupuncture School in San Diego, California

The Pacific College accredited acupuncture program in San Diego offers an unparalleled educational experience to students seeking to join the holistic healthcare movement. Integrative care is continuing to grow in popularity, and healthcare organizations are actively searching for talented holistic health professionals. The Pacific College in San Diego prepares students for lifelong careers in the acupuncture field, and our diverse faculty consists of practicing acupuncturists, experienced industry professionals, herbalists, homeopaths, and Taoist practitioners. Classes cover the subjects of physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, pathophysiology, Chinese herbs, tui na, Chinese medical theory and techniques, as well as anatomy and acupuncture points and meridians. Upon graduation from the Pacific College acupuncture and Chinese medicine school in San Diego, graduates will possess a unique competitive edge over other acupuncturists—a practical and applicable understanding of holistic healing combined with cutting-edge biomedicine.

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Holistic Acupuncture Degrees

Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM):

This entry-level doctorate in Chinese medicine trains practitioners to function as primary, independent healthcare providers and most importantly, to become integral to the modern healthcare system. The program makes students eligible for the California state licensure exams as well as the national certification examinations.

Former DACM program name was changed in accordance with the new policy established by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). However, the curriculum remains the same.

Master of Science in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MSAcCHM):

This program makes students eligible for the California state licensure exams as well as the national certification examinations, which enable students to become licensed in the remaining states that regulate acupuncture colleges and Chinese medicine schools.

Former MSTOM program name was changed in accordance with the new policy established by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). However, the curriculum remains the same.

Transitional Doctorate for Master’s Graduates:

Pacific College of Health and Science has designed this pathway for acupuncturists who already have their master’s (or equivalent) to continue their work and receive their doctorate.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Degree Highlights

Gain hands-on experience though clinical rotations

Immerse yourself in the exhilarating experiences of our externship programs

Build a schedule that works for you with evening and day classes available

Explore financial aid options

Gain unique hands-on experience through on-campus and off-site clinics

Why Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine?

The World Health Organization cites acupuncture as an effective treatment for over 43 different disorders, illnesses, and conditions that include back pain, headaches, insomnia, sciatica, sports injuries, heart problems, depression, and stress. The medical community also openly advocates for acupuncture; in fact, the American College of Physicians recently issued new guidelines that recommend acupuncture over opioids for treating pain. And in 2011, CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics published a review that shows acupuncture as being a comparable alternative to cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety.

With an estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population suffering from lower back pain, acupuncture is gaining wider appeal among healthcare professionals as an alternative method of effective treatment. As the healthcare industry begins to fully embrace acupuncture, the demand for trained acupuncturists with a background in biomedicine and holistic healing is expected to grow steadily. The Pacific College in San Diego offers a curriculum grounded in Eastern holistic healing practices and Western biomedical science, makes invaluable contributions to the field of holistic care, and prepares students for lifelong careers in acupuncture.

Who Should Choose These Programs?

At the Pacific College acupuncture school in San Diego, students turn their passion for natural healing into a career by pursuing a degree in acupuncture, providing alternative care to change lives for the better. Health-conscious individuals who are eager to learn the art of holistic healing and master the latest techniques in biomedical science-based care will find that the Pacific College in San Diego can help them to accomplish their career goals.

The acupuncture school in San Diego encourages both aspiring and current healthcare practitioners to learn a variety of integrative medicine theories and biomedicine techniques. The program was designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the role of holistic medicine in the modern healthcare system and for those interested in exploring the practical applications of holistic healing. Our program challenges students to develop personally and professionally to become leaders within the community of acupuncturists. As the field of acupuncture progresses in conjunction with the developments in modern biomedical science, acupuncturists will be at the forefront of educating the medical community as well as their clients in the value of integrated care.

Student Testimonial

“The vibrancy of a community acupuncture clinic is exhilarating; being able to serve the community while providing other acupuncturists with jobs is great. The best thing about Pacific College of Health and Science is being exposed to a diverse faculty with such a wide breadth of styles, theories, and clinical experience.”

-Robbie Benhuri, LAc, MSTOM

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Career Outlook

According to a 2023 report in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, the profession remains strong, generating more than $3 billion each year in the US. Displaying resilience and growing demand for acupuncture services, 5 in 6 of the over 30,000 licensed acupuncturists in the US currently run their own clinics; others work in physical therapy and chiropractor offices, educational institutions, spas, clinics, and hospitals. Acupuncture’s inclusion in national healthcare strategies, particularly for pain management and opioid alternatives, highlights a continued and rising need for qualified practitioners.

Acupuncture College Tuition – San Diego, CA Campus

The tuition costs for the different acupuncture programs vary. You can see a breakdown of all the costs for each course and for the complete acupuncture school tuition and fees by visiting the college catalog.

About Us

Since 1986, those with a calling to heal and promote overall health in the mind and body have been led to the programs at Pacific College of Health and Science. Graduates are prepared to both prevent and remedy pain, discomfort, and disease through practices such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and holistic nursing.

Pacific College of acupuncture prepares students for careers as healing practitioners through an intersection of Eastern healthcare practices and Western bioscience with a strong hands-on clinical component. All three campus locations feature student clinics where learning practitioners serve the needs of real clients.

San Diego, California | AcupunCture School FAQS

What is acupuncture, and how does it work?

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body to promote healing and restore balance. It’s used to treat various conditions like pain, digestive disorders, and mental health issues by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

What can I expect from an acupuncture program at Pacific College of Health and Science?

You can expect comprehensive training in acupuncture techniques, Chinese herbal medicine, patient assessment, and clinical practice. Our programs prepare you for state licensure exams and national certification while giving you the practical experience needed to succeed in your career.

How long does it take to complete the Doctor of Acupuncture program?

The Doctor of Acupuncture program typically takes 4-5 years to complete, depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time. Our flexible schedules allow you to balance your studies with your personal life.

Is acupuncture effective for conditions other than pain management?

Yes, acupuncture can be effective for a wide range of conditions beyond pain, including stress, insomnia, anxiety, fertility issues, and digestive problems. Studies have also shown it may be beneficial for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

How do I become licensed as an acupuncturist?

After completing an accredited program, you will need to pass the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) exam and meet the requirements for California state licensure. Our programs prepare you to sit for both exams.

Can I open my own acupuncture practice after graduation?

Yes, many of our graduates go on to start their own acupuncture clinics. PCHS provides students with business-building resources and career support to help them succeed as entrepreneurs in the holistic health field.

What are the job prospects for acupuncture practitioners?

Acupuncture is in high demand due to the growing acceptance of integrative medicine. Licensed acupuncturists can work in private practices, integrative health clinics, physical therapy centers, and even hospitals. With the rising focus on alternative treatments, the need for trained acupuncturists is expected to continue growing.

How much does acupuncture school cost?

Tuition varies by program and location. We offer financial aid and scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. Please refer to the college catalog for detailed tuition information and financial aid options.

Is there a demand for acupuncture in the job market?

Yes, as acupuncture becomes more widely accepted as a form of treatment, the demand for trained practitioners continues to rise. Acupuncturists are increasingly being included in integrative healthcare teams to offer a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Ready to Apply?

If you think a career in holistic medicine is something you would like to pursue, contact us and speak to an admissions representative to get started on your new journey!

For more information, call (855) 866-6767 or fill out our contact form to be contacted by a Pacific College representative.

Pacific College of Health and Science – San Diego

7445 Mission Valley Rd #105 San Diego, CA 92108

619-574-6909

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