Master of Science in Acupuncture

Program Overview

Integrative Medicine
We believe in bringing together professionals from a broad range of medical specialties for the benefit of patients and the health care industry as a whole. 

Oriental Medicine and Western Science
Acupuncture students not only receive a thorough curriculum in their arts, but also learn fundamental biomedical science and modern medical diagnostics.

Comparison to the MSOM Program
You will receive the same comprehensive training as in the oriental medicine program with the exception of the study of Chinese herbal medicine. This program is ideal for those who wish to study oriental medicine but who are not necessarily interested in becoming herbalists.

Accreditation
As of February 25, 2011, the Master of Science in Acupuncture and the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine programs of the National University of Health Sciences are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), which is the recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. ACAOM is located in the Maryland Trade Center Building, Suite 760, 7501 Greenway Center Drive, Greenbelt, MD 20770, 301-313-0855; fax 301-313-0912. This full accreditation assures that NUHS graduates are eligible to sit for the licensing examinations conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Unique Approach

National University, is one of only two schools in the country to provide chiropractic, naturopathic and acupuncture/oriental medicine degree programs on one campus.  Acupuncture students are trained in an integrative medicine setting, alongside first-professional students from our Chiropractic and Naturopathic programs. In our Lombard clinic, you'll also interact with our resident MD who works with student interns.

Academic Superiority
National University has a long history of academic rigor and excellence. We have long maintained the highest admission standards for our chiropractic program and remain the only institution to require a baccalaureate degree for entry.  With these standards in mind, we established the requirement of a baccalaureate degree for entry into the acupuncture program. 

Unparalleled Career Preparation
Health care is moving towards a model of integration and needs trained healers who can work together for effective patient management. Our program teaches you how to function in an integrative medicine setting. You'll have confidence in making and sharing your diagnoses with colleagues, and serving as a valued member of an integrative medical team. This ensures that you are prepared for the future of integrated health care.

History of Excellence
National University has over 100 years of success in training dedicated physicians and practitioners of natural medicine. This academic tradition of excellence serves as the model for our Master of Science in Acupuncture.

Our Curriculum

The 121-credit hour program is seven trimesters in length and the courses are offered in the evening.

Intensive Clinical Learning
Clinical learning happens very early in the program with clinic observation beginning in the second trimester. This apprenticeship style of learning allows for ample opportunity to apply your clinical skills as you progress through the curriculum.

Herbal Dispensary
You'll work in our fully stocked Chinese herbal medicine dispensary learning herb identification, and to both prescribe and compound herbal formulas for patients.

Distinctive Curriculum
View trimester-by-trimester courses, course descriptions, and the course schedule. Learn more »

Internships

Each student in our Master of Science in Acupuncture degree program serves a full year clinical internship. National University offers many exciting internship options that give you the experience and confidence you need to prepare for your future as a physician.

At the National University's Whole Health Center, you'll learn first-hand how to practice acupuncture under clinical supervision. You'll have access to professionals from other specialties, our residents, our faculty clinicians, as well as our diagnostic imaging and MRI Center.

In addition to learning clinical applications of oriental medicine and proper documentation procedures, you will learn important personal and business skills you'll need to help build your own practice.

Your clinical experience can be completed at our on-campus Whole Health Center in Lombard, IL.

Other Program Opportunities

Dual Degrees
Students who earn their MSOM or MSAc degrees at National University have the option to earn a second degree (DC or ND) through dual enrollment. Those interested, may elect to pursue a chiropractic or naturopathic degree in addition to their acupuncture or oriental medicine degree. Course scheduling for a dual degree is made simpler because the MSOM and MSAc programs are offered in the evening and the DC and ND coursework is taught during the day. There is also similarity in some of the coursework across the programs allowing for a reduction in the total number of hours required to complete their second degree. Students are not eligible to begin dual enrollment until the third trimester of their initial or primary program of study.

Post Graduate Programs
After graduation, students may pursue a number of post-professional programs such as our masters and residency programs. Of course, there are also a wide variety of continuing education classes offered which allow graduates to maintain their professional licensure.