Master of Science in Acupuncture

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.

Source: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

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

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.

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

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

Outstanding Facilities

Our large integrative care clinic and extensive herbal dispensary ensures outstanding clinical training. Other facilities, such as our gross anatomy laboratory allow you to learn western anatomy and eastern meridian theory through hands-on dissection of a human cadaver. You will also benefit from modern classrooms utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as SMART boards.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Acupuncture program of the National University of Health Sciences is 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 at 8941 Aztec Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347, 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 where Eastern Medicine treatments meet Western Medicine science for a well-rounded education.

Combining Eastern and Western Medicine

The unique curriculum at NUHS 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.

Faculty at National University are committed to training students in the treatment methods and philosophies of traditional oriental medicine and all full-time faculty hold a PhD with strong research backgrounds.

Intensive Clinical Training

Students in the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program at National University will receive early clinical exposure with experienced clinicians. The large clinic setting 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 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic or John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County.  

Patient-Centered Care

The Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program at National University focuses on training students to practice whole health healing. Students become full body diagnosticians to evaluate and recommend treatment based on each individual patient's body and symptoms.

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.

Geographic Location

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 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. 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 or at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County.  

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.

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.