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Acupuncture Program Overview
acupuncture on hand

The Master of Acupuncture Programs at National University

National University’s MAc program is a 107-credit hour program and is 6 trimesters in length. 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.

The MAc-HM is a 149-credit program, completed in 8 trimesters which adds a specialization in Herbal Medicine to the acupuncture curriculum. Students will gain a deeper understanding of herbal medicine which may broaden their future practice opportunities. This training will also help prepare students who intend to take the Chinese Herbology portion of the professional licensure board exams.

Our MAc and MAc-HM Curriculum

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 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.

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.

NUHS Campus

Accreditation

National University’s Master of Acupuncture is accredited under the master’s degree standards by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioners.