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Doctor of Acupuncture
doctor performing acupuncture on patient's back

Doctor of Acupuncture

The Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) program offers a comprehensive curriculum in acupuncture coupled with training in how to balance an Eastern medicine approach with Western medicine. With the focus on treating the whole person for improved patient outcomes, the DAc program prepares students to prescribe therapies such as acupuncture needling, moxibustion, cupping, herbal medicine, and more.

Locations: Illinois

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doctor of acupuncture working on woman's neck

Why NUHS

Integrated Learning Environment

At NUHS, students have the opportunity to study in an integrative learning environment alongside students in the chiropractic and naturopathic programs where they share classes, labs, and clinical experiences. This better prepares students for a future in integrated health care settings.

Intensive Clinical Training

Students receive a traditional apprentice-style learning with clinical observation classes. The on-campus integrative medical clinic affords students the opportunity to work within a diverse setting with access to a large herbal dispensary.

Unique Anatomy Experience

NUHS is one of the few DAc programs in the world that incorporates human cadaver dissection into the curriculum. Students gain a deeper understanding of the anatomical structures their acupuncture needle is stimulating and which depths can be accessed.

Dual Degree Advantage

Students in the Doctor of Acupuncture program at NUHS have the option to earn a second degree, chiropractic or naturopathic, through dual enrollment. This not only allows students to save time and money, but also helps expand career options and increase earning potential.

Geographical Advantage

The Lombard campus is located 15 miles from Chicago, home to a rich tradition of herbal medicine shops and practitioners. The Chicagoland area also offers a very diverse patient population, and one of the largest health care communities in the country

Already have a Master’s degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine?

The Doctor of Acupuncture Completion program (DAc-C) may be better suited for you.

Acupuncture Licensure

To practice as an acupuncturist or an Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, students must pass the licensing examinations conducted by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). Currently, 47 states plus the District of Columbia require the passage of the ACAHM examinations or ACAHM certification as a prerequisite for licensure.

Students must also apply for licensure in the state in which they plan to practice. Each state regulatory board carries unique requirements for licensure. Students are responsible to become familiar with the state licensing requirements through their state licensing board. Visit http://www.nccaom.org/state-licensure/ for more information. Additionally, licensed practitioners must also check continuing education requirements for license renewal with their state licensing board.

The professional organizations representing acupuncturists and oriental medicine practitioners include the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM).

Click here to read professional licensure disclosures.

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