Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (2025)

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Program Guide

At a Glance

Program of Study

Our understanding and respect for Chinese medicine’s cultural and philosophical roots form the foundation of our program. SCU students will learn from expert faculty, combined with the latest classroom, online learning, and lab technologies. The curriculum covers the areas of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical laboratory diagnosis, pharmacology, nutrition, emergency procedures, traditional Chinese classical medical theory and related techniques, acupuncture and meridians, Chinese herbology, business management, exercises such as tai chi and qi gong, integrative clinical education, and chosen areas of concentration are offered. Upon graduation graduates will have gained a unique education based on an innovative approach to patient care through the understanding of integrating classical Chinese medical theories with biomedicine.

SCU Master’s Graduate Transfer Program

DURATION:
IN AS LITTLE AS 12 MONTHS.

Over the past two decades, SCU has been graduating Master’s degree students in the field of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) confirmed the route for SCU Master’s students to enroll in the Doctorate program with all applicable coursework from the Master’s program. Students have up to two years to complete their studies.

Admissions Requirements

• Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) degree granted from Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). This transfer program is exclusive to SCU graduates.
• Students must meet the current DAcCHM admissions requirements and execute an enrollment agreement.

Curriculum

MAOM students who have not completed the following two courses (or equivalent) at SCU must take them in DAcCHM program:

Tuition and Fees

$6,768 tuition to complete the program.*

SCU’s distinctive Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee provides students with confidence in planning for their educational investment. Fixed Tuition Guarantee Benefits:

• Your per-credit rate is guaranteed for the scheduled duration of your program*
• No tuition price uncertainty
• Plan your finances in advance

Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Program page for more information.

If you would like to learn more about fixed rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid atFinancialAid@scuhs.edu.

*Tuition is charged at $423 per credit hour. Total tuition is based on the 2024-2025 academic year taking 16 credit hours and the restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credits enrolled. Program fees may include charges for technology, malpractice insurance, student health, professional affiliation, and ASB, and are charged every term that the student is enrolled. Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition may be required for this program.

Message from the Dean

Faculty

Advisory Board

Our DAcCHM program is overseen by our advisory board members which are composed of senior university academics, industry leaders, and content experts from around the world focused on continually improving the program.

Program Accreditation

SCU’s DAcCHM program is the first Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine approved by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB). The Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine degree program at Southern California University of Health Sciences is the first to be awarded programmatic accreditation by The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) on the West coast. ACAHM granted accreditation to Southern California University of Health Sciences professional doctoral program in English under applicable ACAHM standards effective 24 February 2018.

The following programs offered by Southern California University of Health Sciences are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):

1. Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
2. Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
   • Including a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine degree completion track

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

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; https://acahm.org

Licensure and National Examinations

Upon completion of the DAcCHM program, SCU students are qualified to sit for the California state licensure exams (CALE) as well as the National Certification Commission For Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which enable students to become licensed in the U.S.

• Students are required to pass the testing to become a Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM)® or Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)®. The additional designation of a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is awarded by a state regulatory board. The NCCAOM website provides a table with state regulatory requirements and contact information.
• National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)³ Pass Rate for SCU DAcCHM students
  • Licensure passing rates are provided by the NCCAOM. The success criteria is to score over 70% in all modules. SCU DAcCHM recent 3-year average passing rate for each module is listed below. SCU utilizes ExamSoft, the world’s most advanced assessment platform to prepare students for successful test results.
    

    	Acupuncture Module	Biomedicine Module	Herbology Module	Foundations of Oriental Medicine Module
    NCCAOM 3-year average:	91.0%	93.0%	90.0%	100.0%

• California Acupuncture Board (CAB)⁴ Pass Rate for SCU DAcCHM students
  • Licensure passing rates are provided by the CAB. The success criteria is to score over 70% of the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE). SCU DAcCHM recent 3-year average passing rate is listed below. SCU utilizes ExamSoft, the world’s most advanced assessment platform to prepare students for successful test results.
    

    CALE 3-year average:

    86.0%

³ NCCAOM advances the professional practice of acupuncture by establishing and promoting national evidence-based standards of competence. https://www.nccaom.org/
⁴ SCU California Acupuncture Board (CAB) Pass Rates for students taking the test are reported annually.

Professional Licensure Requirements

Neither acceptance for admission into the program nor the subsequent earning of a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine degree guarantees that a state or a foreign country will grant a graduate a license to practice. Each state and foreign country, through its legislative and administrative process, defines the standards of competency and scope of practice within its jurisdiction.

In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43, the Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) and Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) programs provide information pertaining to professional licensure for the programs. Students should refer to the information below and contact the appropriate licensing board to ensure they will meet the licensure requirements in the state(s) in which they intend to practice upon graduation.

SCU’s MAcCHM and DAcCHM programs are approved by the California Acupuncture Board and Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). Currently, graduates of SCU’s MAcCHM and DAcCHMprograms are eligible to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE), as well as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM®) certification exam.

A passing score on the CALE certification examination is documentation of competency for licensure as an acupuncturist in California.

A passing score on the NCCAOM certification examination is documentation of competency for licensure as an acupuncturist by 43 states plus the District of Columbia.

Several states, including California, have a governmental agency that governs, supervises, and controls the licensure and practice of acupuncture. In California, the Acupuncture Board is responsible for such duties. If you desire to practice in another state, it is recommended that you contact that state’s medical board or other appropriate agency, for licensure requirements, as these agencies may have requirements other than the passage of the competency exam.

SCU’s MAcCHM and DAcCHM programs meet the educational requirements for licensure in all states that license acupuncturists. The following states do not license acupuncturists: Alabama, Oklahoma, South Dakota.

Please note that licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although SCU will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, we strongly recommend that you inquire with the licensing agency to confirm that you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before enrolling in your program of choice. Additionally, while progressing through the program, we recommend that you check licensing agency requirements regularly to monitor whether they have changed in a manner that impacts your licensure plans.

All international students are strongly encouraged to check the credentialing requirements in the country where they intend to practice.

Student Perspectives

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisite Entrance Requirements

• 2.5 GPA or greater on a 4.0 scale.
• Don’t meet the GPA requirements? Students may still be considered for admission with the approval of the Dean.
• Students who are missing a prerequisite course requirement or are looking to improve their GPA can choose to take an SCU Accelerated Science course and complete the requirements in as little as five weeks. SCU’s Accelerated Science courses are prequalified and guaranteed acceptance for this program. Click here to learn more.
• Minimum of 90 semesters or 135 quarter credits at an institution(s) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent foreign agency or a bachelor’s degree.
• Introductory course in Physics is not required for admissions, but if you have taken it will reduce your need to take the course as co-requisites of the program.
• Meet the technical standards (physical and technical requirements) to complete the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Meet English Language Competency by One of the Following:

• The student must have completed a two-year (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) undergraduate-or graduate-level, English-based education in an institution:
  • accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or
  • in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, or Ireland. In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used;
• Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) -Acceptable score: TOEFL iBT total score– 80; or
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)Academic Format -Acceptable score: IELTS overall band score– 6.5.

Application Deadlines

• To ensure an admission decision prior to the desired start term, applicants are encouraged to submit their application, all application documents, and supporting documents three to six months before their intended start date.
• SCU admits students on a rolling basis.

International Students

• SCU welcomes applications from qualified students from other countries. The general admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship. However, immigration regulations, varying educational backgrounds, and financial considerations require additional procedures necessary for international students.
• For additional information please visit our International Students page.

Accessibility and Disability Services

Students seeking reasonable accommodations or support services while enrolled at SCU can do so through the Student Services Office (SSO). We encourage you to register with SSO as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the approval and notification process.

Tuition and Fees

Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee

$81,639* tuition to complete the program.

SCU’s distinctive Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee for degree programs provides students with confidence in planning for their educational investment.

Fixed Tuition Guarantee Benefits:

• Your per-credit rate is guaranteed for the scheduled duration of your program*
• No tuition price uncertainty
• Plan your finances in advance

Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Program page for more information.

If you would like to learn more about fixed rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.

You can also visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about available scholarships, loans, and more.

*Tuition rate reflected above represents the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information.
**Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page for more information

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) Merit Scholarship

The DAcCHM Merit Scholarship is available to incoming students who have demonstrated academic achievement. The scholarship award is $2,000 and will be awarded over 10 terms¹. To be eligible for consideration, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and be continuously enrolled. Scholarships are limited.

¹ Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) students who are enrolled continuously in the Eastern Medicine concentration and are accepted into the DAcCHM program and meet the standards for the merit scholarship would be eligible to earn a prorated amount over one less term of the designated scholarship duration for their new program of study. BSHS students must complete their bachelor’s degree with SCU to be eligible for the merit scholarships.

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine – Example of Daytime, 10 Terms, 193 credits

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine – Example of Evening, 12 Terms, 193 credits

Per term tuition amounts listed above were calculated using the current curriculum plan for credit hours in the term shown times the rate per credit hour and assumes that the student stays on cohort and follows the normal academic progression.

*Tuition is charged at $423 per credit hour. Tuition is billed by credit hour and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on the website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information. Restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credit hours enrolled.

** Program fees listed are for the 2024/2025 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include charges for technology, malpractice insurance, student health, professional affiliation, and ASB, and are charged every term that the student is enrolled.

***Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program.

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine – Flexible Schedule

Tuition is charged at $423 per credit hour. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate within 13 terms. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credits enrolled.

Program fees for the 2024/2025 academic year are subject to change. Program fees are $1000 in the first term for a medical bag, $263 in the first term for EXXAT, $225 in the last term for a petition to graduate, and $321 per term for program fees. Program fees include charges for technology, malpractice insurance, student health, professional affiliation, and ASB, and are charged every term that the student is enrolled. Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program.

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Program News

Career Information

What are career options in acupuncture and Chinese medicine?

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (ACM) has been a primary, whole-person health care system in Asia for centuries. DAcCHM and MAcCHM graduates can be found in family and preventive health practices, in specialties such as orthopedics/sports medicine and women’s health. In almost all settings, you will work with people of a wide variety of ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

As an acupuncturist, you’ll have many career options available to you, including:

• Primary/general care – about 25% of ACM graduates
• Integrative practice – about 50 % of ACM graduates
• Specialty practice – about 25% of ACM graduates
• Private practice – about 75% of ACM graduates own their own practices

In addition to their practices, many ACM graduates become teaching faculty at ACM and other institutions and/or conduct research.

What is the career outlook for acupuncture and Chinese Medicine?

Where are SCU graduates practicing?

• 88% of graduates are practicing in Southern California
• 12% of graduates are practicing out-of-state

Does a career in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a flexible lifestyle?

Our DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs nurture students to be ready to “be their own boss” if they aspire to open their own practice. The curriculum not only teaches technical content, but also includes business content with three practice management courses. Students also learn clinical operations while participating in clinical training. For example, SCU’s Health Center is an open-to-public clinical facility. Students also have the opportunity to shadow private practice practitioners in their offices.

Our DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs support student leadership. This mindset strengthens students to become fearless in being their own boss after graduating. Practice owners can build businesses that reflect their values, their schedule, and work-life balance.

Resources

View additional career and job resources below.

• American Society of Acupuncturists
• American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM)
• SCU Job Opportunity Page

Study Abroad

The Eastern Medicine Department (EMD) non-credit study abroad experience provides interested students the opportunity to learn ancient techniques and theories where acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine originated, paired with modern scientific research from prestigious universities and hospitals. EMD students typically study abroad during the two-week intersession between Spring and Summer terms. The EMD currently affiliates with esteemed organizations in China and Taiwan, including:

• Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TUTCM)
  By the coast of the Bohai Sea, Tianjin is home to one of the oldest universities of TCM founded in China. TUTCM has six affiliated hospitals, 30 teaching hospitals, and a TCM research institute. University publications include the Journal of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Chinese Encephalopathy Magazine.
• Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM)
  Notable as the birthplace of Confucius, Shandong translates to “East of the Mountains.” As a landscape rich with culture, the province of Shandong is significant in the history of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. SDUTCM was founded in 1958. It is the only independent medical university in the province of Shangdong.
• China Medical University (CMU)
  CMU is based in central Taiwan in the city of Taichung, famous for its open-air night markets, hot springs, and pleasant climate. Established in 1958, CMU offers a rich environment that teaches Western medicine, Chinese medicine, pharmacy (including Chinese herbology), life sciences, and management.CMU has two teaching hospitals.

SCU students training at China Medical University (Taichung, Taiwan)

National & International Collaboration

SCU partners with universities and hospitals across the Los Angeles area and around the world

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