Doctor of Acupuncture Program Overview
The Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) is a 134 credit hour program and can be completed in 8 trimesters. Upon the completion of the first 107 credits (6 trimesters) on campus, students will receive the Master of Acupuncture (MAc) degree. The last 27 credits are fully online in an asynchronous format which allows students to adapt the program in a more convenient schedule to finish each term in the allotted time frame, to stay on track and complete in one year.
The DAc credential aligns your qualifications with those of other doctoral-level health care providers, enhancing your professional credibility and ensuring parity in interdisciplinary health settings. It also positions you at the forefront of a constantly evolving field, equipping you with advanced knowledge in acupuncture theory, evidence-based practice, and integrative medicine approaches.
Our Program Stands Out
795
clinical hours
75
field observation hours with practitioners
2,610
total instruction hours
Explore Our Curriculum
DAc Preceptorship Requirement
Doctor of Acupuncture students are required to complete a 75-hour preceptorship with any medical professional in practice who holds a professional doctorate (DC, ND, MD, DO, etc.) This requirement allows students to develop communication and collaboration skills that promote collegiality with western medical professionals. Those needing assistance locating a preceptor will be provided guidance and support from NUHS.
Doctor of Acupuncture Program Benefits
Acquire Advanced Skills in Research and Analysis
The DAc provides the opportunity to advance skills in writing, reading, research and analysis, which can benefit you academically and professionally. Our case-based teaching method consistently delivers knowledge and wisdom you can take back to your practice and begin using immediately.
Enhance Patient Confidence with a Terminal Degree
In addition to receiving highest level of licensure-qualifying training and parity with other health care professionals, a DAc degree further enhances patient confidence that their care and treatment are handled and administered by a practitioner with a terminal degree
Expand Your Employment Opportunities
Opens employment opportunities for finding positions in hospitals, integrative medical clinics, pain management clinics, and women’s health-OB/GYN offices. DAc graduates may be more qualified for top-level positions, which can increase lifetime earnings and potentially provide more career opportunities.
Begin Your Journey
Campus Location and Facilities
National University is conveniently located 15 miles from the city of Chicago and its diverse neighborhoods, including the bustling Chinatown area with its rich tradition of herbal medicine shops and practitioners. The Chicagoland area is also home to one of the largest health care communities in the country with over 120 hospitals and hundreds of area clinics.
Our large integrative care clinic and extensive herbal dispensary ensures outstanding clinical training. The gross anatomy laboratory allows you to learn western anatomy and eastern meridian theory through hands-on dissection of a human cadaver. In the Training and Assessment Center (TAC), you’ll learn, practice and be assessed on your diagnosis and patient interaction skills. You will also have access to the on-campus James F. Winterstein Library, one of the region’s largest health science libraries, and modern classrooms utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as interactive video and SMART boards.
Accreditation
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) has institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and its acupuncture programs are accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, MN 55331; 952-212-2424; www.acahm.org. Detailed information on National University of Health Sciences institutional and programmatic accreditation is available on the accreditation page.