National University's Master of Science in Acupuncture program
offers you a comprehensive curriculum in acupuncture coupled with
training in how to balance an Eastern medicine approach with
Western medicine.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that is over 3,000
years old. It is based on the insertion of thin, sterile needles
into strategic points on the body that lie along specific energy
meridian pathways.
Acupuncture Philosophy
Acupuncture is one of the five main branches of oriental
medicine. The goal of acupuncture is to promote healing through
rebalancing the patient's Qi (or chi) energy. When the Qi is weak,
excessive or blocked, it can cause illness and disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture and
oriental medicine as
effective for over 43 conditions under the above-listed nine
major health categories.
(Source: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine)
Acupuncture Treatments
An acupuncturist may stimulate acupuncture points and meridians
using needles, or employ electronic stimulation, magnets or lasers
to acupuncture points for enhanced healing. Other meridian and
point therapies may include acupressure, the application of heat
through moxibustion, drawing out energy through cupping, and a
specialized massage system called "tuina."

Acupuncture Careers
Acupuncture and oriental medicine are being recognized as
effective treatments for a variety of conditions. An increasing
number of hospitals and integrative care centers are employing
acupuncturists for both medical treatment and wellness programs.
Acupuncturists may also start their own practice, or work in pain
management clinics, fertility clinics, weight loss or addiction
treatment centers. Even cosmetic and spa facilities are now
offering acupuncture for clients to relieve stress and combat the
effects of aging.

(Source: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine)
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Licensure
To practice as an acupuncturist or an oriental medicine
practitioner, students must pass the licensing examinations
conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Currently, 47 states plus the
District of Columbia require the passage of the NCCAOM examinations
or NCCAOM certification as a prerequisite for licensure.
Students must also apply for licensure in the state in which
they plan to practice. Each state regulatory board carries unique
requirements for licensure. Students are responsible to become
familiar with the state licensing requirements through their state
licensing board. Visit http://www.nccaom.org/state-licensure/ for more
information. Additionally, licensed practitioners must also check
continuing education requirements for license renewal with their
state licensing board.
The professional organizations representing acupuncturists and
oriental medicine practitioners include the American
Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM).
Our Curriculum
The 121-credit hour program is 7
trimesters in length and the courses are offered primarily in the
evening. The program covers the history, theory and philosophy of
acupuncture as well as rigorous training in diagnosis and treatment
planning. Students will also graduate with a solid foundation in
the basic sciences of western medicine, having developed skills
necessary for integrative and collaborative practice in health care
settings of their choosing.
View trimester-by-trimester courses, course descriptions, and
the course schedule. Learn
more »
Full Immersion in Traditional Arts
You'll study the full range of traditional
diagnostic techniques such as tongue and pulse analysis. You'll
learn point location and correct needle techniques under seasoned
practitioners. You'll go deeply into the philosophical basis of the
medicine so that you can fully understand the causes of imbalance
in your patients and how to treat them.
Grounding in Western Health Sciences
We integrate western medical science into our curriculum so that
you can better meet your patients' needs. You will also be better
prepared to co-manage cases with DCs, MDs, NDs and DOs, and take
advantage of new career opportunities in integrative medical
venues.
Intensive Clinical Training
Students in the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program at
National University will receive early clinical exposure with
experienced clinicians. Our integrative medical clinic affords
students the opportunity to work within a diverse clinic setting
and have access to a large herbal dispensary. Prior to
graduation, students will also have the opportunity to take
advantage of unique internship opportunities such as in the Veterans
Clinic or John H. Stroger,
Jr. Hospital of Cook County.
Accreditation
National University's Master of Science in Acupuncture and
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine are accredited under the
master's degree standards by the Accreditation Commission for
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), the recognized
accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and oriental
medicine practitioners. ACAOM is located at 8941 Aztec Drive, Eden
Prairie, Minnesota 55347; phone, 952-212-2434; fax,
952-657-7068.
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).
Strengths
Consider National University for its distinct advantages and be
well-prepared for the career that awaits you.
Collaborative Learning Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to treat patients collaboratively
within an integrative clinic, working with DC and ND
interns. The institutional focus at National University is on
collaborative learning and encourages students to become colleagues
rather than competitors.
Acupuncture Reinforced with Science and
Anatomy
The unique curriculum at NUHS, integrating
eastern and western medicine, allows students a one-of-a-kind
experience in anatomy with full
dissection of a human cadaver. The
anatomy curriculum encourages the study of the relationship between
acupuncture points and the human
anatomy. In addition to hands-on dissection, NUHS offers The Anatomage Table, today's most
technologically advanced digital visualization system for anatomy
education.
Apprentice with Expert Faculty
Faculty at National University are
international leaders in their field, committed to training
students in the treatment methods and philosophies of traditional
oriental medicine. That's why our program incorporates
apprentice-style learning so that you can learn via direct
transmission of knowledge and skills from our faculty masters. In
addition, all full-time faculty in the acupuncture and oriental
medicine program have PhDs and strong research backgrounds.
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 Learning Resource Center, 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.
Internships
Each student in our Master of Science in Acupuncture
degree program serves a
full-year clinical internship. In addition to learning clinical
applications of oriental medicine and proper documentation
procedures, you will obtain important personal and business skills
you'll need to help build your own practice. Working under the
supervision of our faculty clinicians, you will have access to
professionals from other specialties, as well as our well-equipped
treatment rooms and fully stocked herbal dispensary.
Your clinical experience can be completed at our on-campus Whole Health Center
or at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County.
The
Stroger Hospital acupuncture and oriental medicine
clerkship for NUHS students is one of very few
hospital-based acupuncture training opportunities in the nation.
Our interns work in an integrative medical setting with physicians
as part of a multi-specialty treatment team in the Stroger clinic
for pain management.
![20190801_190047[14974]](/media/1127810/20190801_190047_14974__200x150.jpg)
Sara Montesa - Student
"Being able participate in the
Clerkship at Stroger Cook County Hospital was an amazing privilege.
It meant that I was able to care for a diverse range of patients
with complicated presentations and learn how to act as a peer in
the medical community. The eight months that I spent there were
some of the most memorable of my time as a student at National. I
looked forward to coming in every day and found myself humbled by
many of the interactions that I had with my patients there. They
were the most amazing teachers that I ever could have asked
for."
Other Program Opportunities
Dual Degrees
Students who earn their MSAc degree at National University have
the option to earn a second degree (DC or ND)
through dual enrollment. Course scheduling for a dual degree is
made simpler because the MSAc and MSOM 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.
Postgraduate Programs
After graduation, students may pursue a number of
post-professional programs such as our master's and residency
programs. Of course, there are also a wide variety of continuing education
classes offered which allow graduates to maintain their
professional licensure.