Acupuncture Institute Graduate

Master of Science in Acupuncture

MS Master of Science

An ACAHM-accredited Master of Science in Acupuncture integrating classical Chinese medicine with western biomedical sciences, with clinical work in the Health Sciences Center.

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ACAHMMaster of Acupuncture

Accredited

1/4Served by acupuncture and TCM

Of the world’s population

2.9Required, cumulative

GPA in science prerequisites

FallReviewed on a rolling basis

Start term

Curriculum

East and West, integrated

The development of the Master of Science in Acupuncture degree program integrates the medical concepts of both the East and West. The student will learn modern and classical acupuncture and TCM medical theory as well as up-to-date western bio-medical sciences.

THEORY

Classical and modern theory

Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses acupuncture, herbal therapy, manual therapy, diet counseling, exercise and breathing techniques, and has been in use for thousands of years. Over the millennia the Asian community has continuously refined this ancient healing art.

BIOMED

Western bio-medical sciences

During the last century this refinement has included integration of Western medical sciences within the paradigm of TCM.

CLINIC

The Health Sciences Center

Having an opportunity to work alone and in conjunction with other health care practitioners in the Health Sciences Center, students are able to integrate the care of patients with other health care providers, gaining a real world advantage before entering private practice.

GOAL

The program’s goal

To provide acupuncture and TCM training consistent with the developing traditions of Asia and the growing modern health care system in the United States.

Admission requirements

How to apply

Applications are reviewed by the Acupuncture Institute. We review applications on a rolling basis for a fall start term only. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a completed application and all supporting materials by July 15 for priority consideration.

Program prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent (120 completed semester hours) from an accredited institution or recognized international institution
Required cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher in the science prerequisites
Biology with labs, 6 semester hours
Chemistry with labs, 6 semester hours
English, 6 semester hours
Psychology, 3 semester hours
Social Science, 3 semester hours

Required materials

Application
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
International applicants should consult our international admission requirements, or contact an admissions officer with specific questions.

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Deadlines

April 15

Summer semester

Completed application and all supporting materials

July 15

Fall semester

Completed application and all supporting materials

December 1

Spring semester

Completed application and all supporting materials

Career opportunities

A career in acupuncture

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are among the most requested forms of treatment in the fast-growing field of complementary and integrative medicine, and hold promise as among the key modalities to be used in current and future integrative medical settings. Acupuncture practitioners can create financially supportive careers with flexible work schedules that are rewarding on many levels.

Where practitioners work

The settings in which acupuncture practitioners work vary from a multi-disciplinary clinic with other health care professionals, to a hospital, to private practice. Other career options include teaching, translating, publishing, research, or working with an acupuncture supply company.

The profession by the numbers

According to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM), there are approximately 20,000 to 25,000 AOM licensees throughout the United States. While current data concerning the income of these practitioners nationwide is not available, recent estimates have suggested an annual starting salary range of $55,000 to $80,000. It is not uncommon for practitioners to earn in excess of this amount.

Practice ownership

Most graduates of acupuncture schools and colleges start private practices and are their own boss. They can choose the work environment that is best for them.

Insurance coverage

As a result of increasing demand from health group members for alternative care coverage, group health insurance companies such as CIGNA and Aetna provide varying degrees of acupuncture care coverage. The amount of coverage depends on each individual plan. Some health plan policies require that the individual or employer group purchase an additional “Alternative Medicine Rider” to provide coverage for acupuncture services.

The work itself

What an acupuncturist does

The acupuncturist is rewarded for helping others get well and stay well, helping people have less pain and more mobility. Patients are viewed from a holistic perspective, taking into account their physical, mental, and emotional health. Acupuncturists are able to spend time developing a collaborative relationship with patients, assisting them in maintaining their health and promoting a consciousness of wellness.

Licensure of graduates

Where UBAI programs meet state requirements

Completion of any of the UBAI programs does not guarantee licensure in any state. Most states require passage of some or all of the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam modules and the Council of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) Clean Needle Technique (CNT) exam for licensure.

MS-Acupuncture: meets state requirements

AK, AZ, CO, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL*, IN, KY, LA, MA*, MD, ME, MI, MN, MD, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH*, OR, PA*, RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, VT*, WA, WI, WV, WY, Washington DC*. *DC, IL, MA, OH, NJ, VT and PA allow for acupuncture only licensure or licensees can choose TCM licensure including TCM Herbs, which requires a TCM degree and passage of the herb module for NCCAOM.

MS-Traditional Chinese Medicine: herbal training required

AR, DE, HI, FL**, KS, NM, NV, TX, VT. **Florida only accepts masters-level degrees in TCM for licensure as of 2021. FL also requires training in injection therapies prior to licensure.

MS-Traditional Chinese Medicine: herbal training optional

DC, IL, MA, OH, NJ, PA, VT. The optional category also includes all of the states where MS-ACUP meets state requirements.

Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

California, plus all of the states where MS-ACUP and MS-TCM meet state requirements, except FL. California requires passage of the California exam.

MS-Chinese Herbology

MS-CH does not lead to acupuncture licensure alone. Completion of an acupuncture degree is required.

No acupuncture licensure (2021)

AL, OK, SD.

California

In California you must take a program approved by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB) and pass the California Acupuncture exam to qualify for licensure. As of 2021, the only program at UBAI that qualifies a graduate for the California exam is the Doctor of Acupuncture with Traditional Chinese Medicine (DAc.TCM) degree.

Before you apply

Please note that legislation changes can take place and completing the program does not guarantee state licensure eligibility alone. Many states require a state-specific exam in Jurisprudence or other areas of state-specific laws in addition to the NCCAOM exam modules. Always check state licensure requirements prior to applying for an acupuncture license.

Accreditation

Accredited by ACAHM

The following programs offered by University of Bridgeport’s Acupuncture Institute are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):

Accredited programs

Master of Acupuncture Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization (including a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization degree completion track)

Scope of accreditation

The programs listed above may offer courses via distance education. ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor’s level. Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM Directory.

About ACAHM

ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; acahm.org

Public disclosure

Public Disclosure Statement Effective as of 12 February 2025

Course catalog