Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization

Program Length: 11 terms, full-time
Credits: 192 credits

As an acupuncture school in San Diego, the doctorate program represents an evolution of the entry-level master’s degree to include advanced study in evidence-informed practice, biomedical diagnosis, preventative medicine, public health, collaborative case management, current healthcare systems, and practice-based learning. Foundational courses continue to present the fascinating world of Chinese medicine:

• The broad range of theoretical paradigms
• Meridian theory, point location and function
• Acupuncture therapy, including moxibustion and gua sha
• Body therapy, including tui na
• Nutrition
• Exercise therapy, including taiji and qigong
• Chinese herbal medicine
• Basic and clinical biosciences
• And much more!

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Advanced courses foster critical thinking and professional judgment. Students consider existing research, clinical experience, and diagnostic studies in defining clinical objectives and managing cases. They become familiar with US healthcare delivery systems, to help patients navigate community resources and treatment options, and acquire the knowledge and skill to work as part of the medical team in a wide variety of settings. As self-directed, life-long learners, practitioners must honestly reflect on their experience and objectively judge their performance. This reflection is what Pacific College calls practice-based learning. It leads to personal growth, as well as professional development, and it is a hallmark of a Pacific College doctor.

Graduates of the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) will be able to:

• Understand and demonstrate personal and professional ethical standards;
• Understand the etiology of disease from both Chinese and biomedical perspectives, and apply this understanding by recommending disease prevention strategies;
• Evaluate patients exhibiting complaints commonly seen and treated by Eastern 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, Chinese herbal and supplemental treatment plans, while providing a logical rationale for such plans. (DAcCHM only);
• Formulate acupuncture and supplemental treatment plans, while providing a logical rationale for such plans. (DAc only);
• Personally administer the designated treatment plan, or use the appropriate support personnel;
• Demonstrate knowledge of clinical sciences from both Chinese and bio-medical perspectives;
• Communicate in a professional and knowledgeable manner about Chinese medicine and biomedicine with relevant healthcare professionals.

1: Entry-level means that students can enter the doctoral programs without having first earned a master’s degree.

2: Because the doctoral degrees achieve all the competencies of the master’s degrees, doctoral graduates will simultaneously earn both degrees.

For a limited time, Pacific College will still be accepting students into the master’s degrees. However, students with sufficient prerequisites will enter the DAcCHM.  If you’re interested in our entry-level doctoral acupuncture program, please contact an admissions representative to learn what options are best for you.

For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please see the program disclosure document.

DACCHM FAQ