Master of Science in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization

Once you complete this Master of Science in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MSAcCHM), upgrade to the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) through our online pathway.

Impacting others for the better has always been important to you. It’s not about leaving a mark, it’s about improving wellbeing. Explore what being a practitioner of Chinese medicine means to you. With us, you can learn from experts and hone your craft in something ancient and also on the cutting edge of modern-day healthcare. You’ve always been a healer at heart–let us show you the path to becoming one in practice.

The purpose of the master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine is to train practitioners of Chinese medicine to function as primary, independent healthcare providers, and most importantly, become integral parts of the modern healthcare system. Following the vision of an “East meets West” environment, students learn and apply the best of Chinese medicine with a firm foundation in Western medicine. The program consists of three academic phases that emphasize practicality in both theory and clinical practice.

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The master’s degree in acupuncture with a Chinese medicine specialization is a four-year graduate program. With 180.5 units and 3337.5 credit hours of theory and clinical practice, graduates are eligible for the California state licensure exam, as well as the national certification examinations, which enables students to become licensed in the remaining states that regulate acupuncture and Chinese medicine schools. Students of the master’s program are also eligible to enroll in Pacific College’s massage programs, allowing them to earn a massage license and work in the field while completing their master’s degree.

The decision to receive a master’s level education at Pacific College of Health and Science was, by far, one of the best decisions I’ve made in life. I am living my passion! I am now part of a major integrative medicine practice at an urban hospital. I thank PCHS for their role in building my foundation and giving me the courage and support to fly. – Angela Johnson, LAc, DiplOM, MSAcCHM, MPH

Some of these courses and topics include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Acupuncture Points
• Herbology
• Tui Na Hand and Structural Techniques
• Needle Technique
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease
• Auricular Acupuncture
• Eastern Nutrition

Graduates of the Master of Science in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MSAcCHM) will be able to:

• Understand and demonstrate personal and professional ethical standards.
• Understand the etiology of disease from a traditional Chinese and biomedical perspective, and apply this understanding by recommending disease prevention strategies.
• Evaluate patients exhibiting complaints commonly seen and treated by Chinese medicine, and in a manner that indicates cognizance of all relevant Chinese medical diagnostic paradigms.
• Recognize signs and symptoms necessitating referral to appropriate complementary healthcare providers.
• Formulate treatment principles in a manner that prioritizes treatment procedures for patients that follow logically from the diagnosis.
• Formulate acupuncture, herbal and supplemental treatment plans, while providing a logical rationale for such plans.
• Personally administer the designated treatment plan, or use the appropriate support personnel.
• Demonstrate knowledge of clinical sciences from both a traditional Chinese and bio-medical perspective.
• Communicate in a professional and knowledgeable manner about Chinese medicine and biomedicine with relevant healthcare professionals.

Federal Consumer Disclosure Information About This Program

Pacific College of Health and Science is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The college and all its programs in San Diego are approved by BPPE. The college’s acupuncture programs are accredited by ACAHM. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc.

Already have your master’s?

Upgrade to the Doctorate for PCHS Master’s Alumni (DAc/DAcCHM)

For previous graduates of master’s level degrees or equivalent, Pacific College has designed an online pathway for Pacific’s MSAc and MSAcCHM alumni to upgrade to the doctorate. Pacific College master’s alumni largely meet the requirements for the doctorate; the upgrade program adds crucial skills and knowledge for acupuncturists working in today’s team-based medical model.

Learn More about our Transitional Doctorate for Acupuncture.

Learn more about the Pacific College San Diego massage school.