Acupuncture

Overview

During the Acupuncture program of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students will learn how to provide highly skilled and effective acupuncture to patients of all ages, helping them with pain and other conditions.

The Master of Acupuncture program includes both classroom and clinical education in Chinese Acupuncture Studies (CAS), emphasizing hands-on learning with other students. In addition to on-campus courses, students are required to complete assistantships, during which they shadow licensed acupuncturists in the NESA Acupuncture Treatment Center, as well as in community settings.

Students in the first year of the program take classes three days per week, but with additional required courses, co-requisites, assistantships, and clinical placements, students should expect an additional two days per week of related coursework as the program progresses.

During the third year of the program, students are placed in clinical settings to provide care under the direct supervision of senior faculty. Upon completion of the program, students will be well-prepared to pass board examinations and seek licensure by the state.

Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) track

At the end of your first year, you will have the option to continue to focus on CAS alone, or choose to complete the specialized Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) track to enhance your knowledge.

The Japanese Acupuncture Styles track includes an optional sequence of five courses in Japanese Acupuncture Styles. Typically, Japanese acupuncture uses thinner needles and needling tools and relies more heavily on palpatory technique. Each needle is inserted more superficially and within this style, non-insertive needle techniques can be used. Japanese acupuncture is beneficial for all types of patients, but is especially suited for children. This track is comprised of the core curriculum and courses providing application of two predominant therapeutic styles of Japanese Acupuncture: Meridian 5 Phase and Extraordinary Vessels. Students who complete the Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) track earn a Master of Acupuncture (MAc) with a concentration in JAS. Students complete requirements for graduation in a minimum of 33 months.