Going back to school to complete a doctorate degree doesn’t have to be a challenge. For those with a Master’s degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine, the new Doctor of Acupuncture completion program (DAc-C) at NUHS can be a surprisingly quick way to enhance your acupuncture practice.  

In addition to expanding your knowledge of holistic medicine, your skillset will be better aligned with other physicians you might work alongside at clinics and hospitals.  Students who qualify are able to complete the program in just one year or three terms, all while continuing to practice and earning an income.   

Here’s some information you should know about the DAc-C program and how it might benefit your practice.  

1. Our unique program makes it easy to complete while maintaining a busy practice 

Compared to other doctorate programs, the DAc-C program at NUHS is unique. The program is completely online in an asynchronous format. That means, over the course of a week, students are able to watch lectures and complete assignments at any time as long as everything is completed by Sunday. No matter what your schedule looks like or how it may change from week to week, you can complete the lectures on your time. Some students find it easiest to fit lectures in during their lunch breaks. 

2. The program will help you work better with other physicians and may lead to more professional opportunities 

The title doctor can lend you more respect from not only patients but other physicians that you may work alongside throughout your career. Even if you work solo at a clinic, you may need to work collaboratively with other doctors as part of your patients’ treatment plan. Becoming a doctor will help you communicate better with those doctors and enhance your patients’ level of care. 

If you hope to one day work at a hospital or a clinic made up mostly of physicians, having the title of doctor could help you get your foot in the door. In the near future, some clinics and hospitals may not just prefer acupuncturists who have doctorate degrees, they may require it. 

3. Coursework is designed to enhance all aspects of your practice

Continuing your education while you practice has its benefits. During the program, you’ll be able to apply what you learn directly into practice. Coursework includes an in-depth look at herbal formulas and supplements, along with case studies that look at a multitude of ailments, including mental health. Our expert faculty can also help provide guidance on current business and marketing plans. To learn more about coursework, you can explore the DAc-C courses on our website along with more detailed course descriptions here. 

Once coursework is complete, students are then required to fulfill a 60-hour preceptorship with a practicing medical professional who holds a professional doctorate (DC, ND, MD, DO, etc.). 

4. If you are an NUHS Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine alum, you’ll enjoy advanced standing in the DAc-C program 

NUHS alumni who have completed the university’s Master of Science in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine programs will have advanced standing, requiring them to complete only 23 hours instead of the 27 credit hours needed for non-alumni. 

This means you’ll need to complete fewer courses and invest less in tuition fees to earn your doctoral degree. 

When you apply, make sure to submit an official transcript from your graduate programs to speed up the application process. 

5. The application process can be quick 

For the DAc-C program, we recommend starting the application process 6-9 months in advance to allow enough time to get all supporting application documents turned in. However, the application process and admissions decision can happen quickly. Sometimes within as little as a few weeks if all requirements are met and documents are received. 

Being an engaged applicant with good communication with their Admissions Counselor and timely submission of documents will help the process. 

Here’s what you need to submit: 

• A completed online or paper application with the $55 application fee 
• Three short essays (400-500 words) 
• Two character references from past or current professors, employers or physicians that you may have shadowed. References must be mailed or emailed to NUHS directly from the person writing the reference. Tip: NUHS alumni are not required to submit new character references or essays. The Admissions Department can use the ones in their previous file. 
• Official transcript from Master’s program in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine –and– all official undergraduate college transcripts. Tip: if you’re an alumni, the Admission Department can request both undergraduate and graduate transcripts from our Registrar, which can help simplify the process. 

NUHS has an amazing group of Admissions counselors who will be there for you every step of the way during the admission process. Feel free to contact them with any questions by phone at 1-800-826-6285 or by email at [email protected]. We hope to see you at NUHS!