Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM)
The Master's program (MAcCHM) is a comprehensive graduate program designed to lead students to the level of knowledge and clinical proficiency necessary to become a successful independent health-care provider. The MAcCHM program emphasizes hands-on clinical training with theoretical study and a rich 38-generation family heritage of Qi cultivation and development, creating a strong foundation for a career as an acupuncturist.
| Duration: 4 years (192 units / 3375 Hours) |
| Admission Requirements: 60 semester credits |
| Program Highlights: entry level training, meets the requirements for State licensing and National certification exams. |
| Program Tuition: $68,570, estimated for students who are not transferring credits. |
| Financial Aid: Yo San Scholarships, Federal Aid, Veteran Benefits, Work/Study, Installment Payments |
| Other Degree Names: Entry level Master's degree |
| Classes held: in-person weekdays and evenings |
Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM)
The First Professional Doctorate (DAcCHM) builds upon our Master's curriculum with an additional focus on integrative medicine and collaborative health care, research literacy, and evidence-informed practices. At a time when acupuncture is an increasingly valued treatment in mainstream care for patient wellness, it is important for acupuncturists to be equipped with the knowledge, communication, and research skills to effectively work with Western medical doctors, physical therapists, and other health-care professionals
| Duration: 4 years (196 units / 3450 Hours) *with co-requisites 4 years (206 units / 3600 Hours) *without co-requisites |
| Co-Requisites: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Psychology |
| Program Highlights: entry level training, integrative care, Dr. title, meets the requirements for State licensing and National certification exams. |
| Admission Requirements: 90 semester credits or 135 quarter credits, biomedicine courses |
| Program Tuition: $72,000, estimated for students who are not transferring credits. |
| Financial Aid: Yo San Scholarships, Federal Aid, Veteran Benefits, Work/Study, Installment Payments |
| Other Degree Names: First Professional Doctorate, Entry level Doctoral degree |
| Classes held: in-person weekdays and evenings |
| Advanced Training: Survey of TCM Specialties, Professional Development & System-Based Medicine, Advanced Acupuncture Therapeutics, Research and Evidence-Based Medicine |
Need Guidance? Compare our four programs here
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Graduates of both our Master's and Doctoral of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine program are able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine theories and principles.
- Develop clinical skills to assess patients, diagnose, strategize treatment, and professionally execute Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques.
- Master the importance of Qi Cultivation and demonstrate competence in applying its diverse techniques effectively.
- Achieve high passing scores on the national board certification and the California Acupuncture state licensing exams required to become a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.)
- Acquire essential abilities for professional practice, effective communication, and collaboration in integrative healthcare settings.
- Emphasize ethical conduct and adherence to federal and state legal requirements in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
In addition, graduates of our Doctoral of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine program are able to:
- Collaborate effectively with Western medical doctors, physical therapists, and other health-care professionals.
- Utilize system-based medicine within hospital care settings
- Emphasize integrative medicine, combining traditional and modern healthcare approaches.
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THE FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR
In the first academic year, fundamental principles and theories of all aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Pharmacopoeia are introduced. Students will also learn basic biomedical sciences such as Biology, Biochemistry, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Western Medical Terminology. Concurrent with the Herbal Pharmacopoeia courses, students observe and receive hands-on experience in the Yo San University Clinic Herbal Dispensary. Students will also begin exploring and understanding the foundational concepts in Taoist Studies and Qi Cultivation.
THE SECOND ACADEMIC YEAR
The second year’s classroom experience continues with an in-depth study of the practice of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, including subjects such as TCM Diagnosis, Acupuncture Point Location, Tuina/Acupressure, and Herbal Formulas. Biomedical sciences during the second year include classes such as Clinical Nutrition and Pathophysiology. Students will also continue their studies in Taoism and Qi cultivation.
Through the Clinical Theater course at the end of the second year, students begin their clinical training by observing licensed faculty/practitioners manage real-life clinical patients with the various modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The First Comprehensive Examination, taken at the end of the second year, serves as a benchmark tool to assess academic progress in the curriculum.
THE THIRD ACADEMIC YEAR
In the third year of the program, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of both TCM and Western clinical sciences through a series of didactic courses that focus on the clinical aspects of the medicine. Courses will include TCM
Internal Medicine, Herbal Formulation Skills, advanced Acupuncture needling techniques, Western Physical Assessment and Clinical Medicine, Western Pharmacology, Laboratory & Radiological Diagnosis, Biomedical Acupuncture, and other clinically-oriented courses to prepare students for their clinical internship.
Third-year students continue to observe and assist clinical faculty and interns in the care and management of patients at the Yo San University Community Clinic. Students will also complete their Clean Needle Technique (CNT) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) courses in preparation for clinical internship.
On passing the Pre-Clinical examination, usually toward the end of the third year, and fulfilling all the required coursework, students will embark on the final stage of the program: Clinical Internship.
THE FOURTH ACADEMIC YEAR
The clinical education component in the program comprises three levels of internship training, with increasing levels of direct participation and responsibilities for patient care and management under the direct supervision of experienced clinical faculty. Intern activities include assessment and examination of patients, formulation of diagnosis and treatment plan, and implementation of treatment with TCM modalities. Students are guided to develop and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility until such standards become a fundamental characteristic.
Classroom experience at this stage will be focused on clinical case studies and integrative approaches to TCM, as well as the ethical, legal, business and management aspects of setting up and maintaining a successful acupuncture practice.
For DAcCHM candidates, the fourth year brings Integrative Medicine to the forefront. Students will receive training in research based medicine, integrative diagnosis and practice, advanced herbal studies, and advanced case writing.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
The two-year DAOM program in integrative Medicine at Yo San University is designed for acupuncturists who are interested in advancing their Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge and skills, learning the intricacies of a clinical specialization, as well as developing the skills needed to conduct research or participate in research studies. Doctoral candidates have a unique opportunity to study with expert faculty in their chosen clinical specialty.
The University’s innovative DAOM program emphasizes collaboration in clinical settings by providing rigorous training in advanced concepts of TCM and biomedicine, and promoting the dynamic relationship between TCM and Biomedicine. By integrating biomedical science and TCM, the program aims to produce extraordinary practitioners, scholars, teachers and leaders in the field.
The YSU DAOM program is 1,220 hours in length, comprising of 570 didactic hours and 650 clinical hours. DAOM courses are offered once per month during a 3-day weekend intensive with a flexible clinical training schedule, allowing practitioners to earn a doctorate degree in 24 months while maintaining their private practices.
CORE CURRICULUM COURSES
Core curriculum courses are designed to equip doctoral candidates with information, processes, research tools, and perspectives to enrich their specialization studies, to aid in professional development and to enhance professional relationships.
INTEGRATIVE SPECIALTIES
The YSU DAOM program presently offers two (2) specialization options: Healthy Aging & Internal Medicine and/or Women’s Health & Reproductive Medicine. Potential DAOM candidates will be required to select their desired clinical specialty at the time of application for admission to the DAOM program.
Specialization courses provide doctoral candidates opportunities to acquire advanced knowledge in their chosen clinical specialty over the full two (2) years of the DAOM program. By participating in advanced coursework in TCM and biomedicine, doctoral candidates apply increasingly complex approaches to their specialty study through the integration of specialized curriculum, research findings and clinical experiences. Classes meet during a 3-day weekend every month, comprising 2.5 days of classroom lectures and a half-day of clinical training.
Healthy Aging & Longevity:
Enhance your Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge and credentials, and gain valuable insight into integrative medicine practices. With continued training and mentorships, you will become an invaluable member of your community healthcare network. Having authored your own original scholarly work detailing your research, you’ll graduate with the confidence to prevent, diagnose and treat a vast array of complex conditions including: Cardiology, Orthopedics, Immunology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
Women’s Health & Reproductive Medicine:
This two-year clinical doctorate specialty, the Nation's first, integrates advanced Western and Eastern diagnostics and treatment protocols for the effective management of men’s and women’s reproductive health dysfunctions and disorders. Didactic and clinical instruction highlights the specialized treatment of such conditions as hormonal imbalances, menstrual disorders, endometriosis, infertility, erectile dysfunction, prostate diseases, urological and nutritional disorders, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
ADVANCED Clinical Education
DAOM candidates receive advanced clinical training in their area of specialty by attending the program’s specialty focused clinics and developing individual and customized plans for their clinical training experiences.
Opportunities for externships, mentorships and preceptorships include, but are not limited to the following:
- Clinical Internships at Yo San University Blount Community Clinic
- Clinical Externships at specialized clinics and hospitals in the local area
- China Externships at universities and hospitals in China
- Mentorship programs with experienced senior practitioners and faculty in the field
- Preceptorships programs with focus on education or academic administration
- Specialty grand rounds
