About the College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Founded in 1990 as the Minnesota Institute of Acupuncture and Herbal Studies, the College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (CACM) provides an integrative approach to the learning of Chinese medicine. Our degree programs are created to “bridge” the traditional Eastern philosophical teachings of Chinese medicine with current Western biomedical training. This focus on bridging the two systems of medicine enable our students to approach their professional practice with a truly integrative perspective on health and wellness.
The College offers two graduate degree options, the Master of Acupuncture (MAc) and the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM).
Master of Acupuncture (MAc) Program
The Master of Acupuncture program includes more than 2,300 hours of didactic and clinical instruction in acupuncture, biomedical clinical sciences, and related studies of instruction. A full-time schedule allows students to complete the program in two and two-thirds calendar years (eight consecutive trimesters). Students with a full-time schedule must complete the program within a maximum of 16 consecutive trimesters or five and one-third years from the date of matriculation. Part-time schedules provide flexibility and lead to variability in completion times. Students with a part-time schedule typically complete the program in three to six years.
The curriculum for the Master of Acupuncture (MAc) program includes instruction in acupuncture, Chinese language, classical Chinese medical theory and application, clinical accessory techniques, traditional Chinese medicine food therapy and nutritional training, and biomedical sciences. A significant portion of the education is focused on the acupuncture point location, safety, and needling technique to ensure that students are confident and capable practitioners.
Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) Program
The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization program provides more than 3,000 hours of didactic and clinical instruction in acupuncture, biomedical clinical sciences, Chinese herbology, Chinese medical language, Chinese classical medical texts, and related studies. A full-time schedule allows students to complete the program in under four calendar years (10 consecutive trimesters). Students with a full-time schedule must complete the program within a maximum of 20 consecutive trimesters or six and two-thirds years from the date of matriculation. Part-time schedules provide flexibility and lead to variability in completion times. Students with a part-time schedule typically complete the program in five to seven years.
The curriculum for the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization program includes didactic and clinical instruction in acupuncture, Chinese language, classical Chinese medical theory and application, clinical accessory techniques, traditional Chinese medicine food therapy and nutritional training, and biomedical sciences. It also includes additional education in health care systems, advanced laboratory findings, professional development, and related studies. A key foundational element of this program is advanced study in Chinese herbal medicine. Students will learn how to utilize Chinese herbal medicine in their professional practice. The doctoral degree program emphasizes the classic medical texts of traditional Chinese medicine and how to apply those concepts in a contemporary medical setting with a solid biomedical background.
You can also complete your Bachelor's Degree in Human Biology while completing either the MAc or DAcCHM program at NWHSU. Click the link below for details.
B.S. in Human Biology for College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Students
Statement of Purpose
The College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals to deliver and advance acupuncture and Chinese medical care.
Program Goals
Our programs are guided by a list of eight Program Goals that help to define and articulate the scope of our programs and how we will achieve our purpose.
The Program Goals for the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine programs at Northwestern are:
- Build and maintain a team of experts skilled in their fields and capable of transmitting that skill to learners.
- Provide accredited programs that meet national educational standards and reflect the programs’ unique character as part of a multi-disciplinary university of health sciences.
- Recruit a student body with the academic skills, maturity, and personal commitment that will help them develop into competent and caring practitioners.
- Maintain a learning environment and academic standards that will ensure that students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for the practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in contemporary healthcare environments.
- Provide clinical training in diverse environments that enables students to gain experience in the practical application of their knowledge and skills.
- Provide students with the education and support needed to pass the national board examinations.
- Support the ongoing educational needs of the acupuncture and Chinese medical community through continuing education and advanced programs.
- Increase public awareness of acupuncture and Chinese medicine by providing community outreach programs and community-based clinical services.
- Increase the utilization of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in integrative care environments and provide leadership in the advancement of public health and safety.
Program Goals for the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization are in addition to the overarching program goals listed above and are specific to the first professional doctorate program:
- Provide education in advanced clinical skills that blend acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical care of complex conditions
- Provide education in modern biomedical standards of care and current scientific thought, allowing graduates to effectively represent acupuncture and Chinese medicine when communicating with mainstream health professions.
- Provide practical training in the protocols and organizational structures of modern health care institutions, preparing graduates to serve as valuable team members when working in integrative environments.
- Provide education in the practical application and integration of knowledge gained from both classical Chinese medical literature and modern evidence-informed practice.