Acupuncture
Program
PROGRAMS
Acupuncture — Bachelor of Professional Studies / Master of Science (BPS/MS)
This ACAHM-accredited, 145-credit program integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western biomedical sciences, and over 660 hours of supervised clinical training. Graduates are eligible for NYS licensure and NCBAHM national certification in 47 states and the District of Columbia.
145
Credits
3
Years Full-Time
Curriculum Areas
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fundamental Theory, Diagnostic Methods, Pattern Identification, Internal Medicine, Eastern Nutrition
Acupuncture Techniques
Channels & Points, Needling Methods, Moxibustion, Cupping, Electroacupuncture, Gua Sha, Microsystems
Western Biomedical Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Neurology, Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Pharmacology
Asian Bodywork & Japanese Acupuncture
Tui Na I & II, Japanese Acupuncture & Diagnostic Methods, Japanese Acupuncture Techniques
Clinical Training
660+ hours of supervised internship — Grand Rounds, Clinic Assistantship, and three trimesters of patient care
Physical Arts & Professional Development
Tai Chi, Yoga, or Qi Gong; Practice Management; Medical Ethics; Research Data & Methodology
Career Pathways
Licensed Acupuncturists practice in private clinics, hospitals, integrative health centers, pain management facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community health organizations. Acupuncture is one of the 50 licensed professions recognized by the NYS Office of Professions — licensed acupuncturists are entry-level providers who may treat patients without a medical referral.
Advance to Chinese Herbal Medicine
Graduates of the Acupuncture program may return for the 47-credit Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization program, completing the additional herbal classroom and clinical training in approximately 2 years. Upon completion, graduates surrender the MS in Acupuncture and are awarded the MS in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization.
New York College of Health Professions — Massage Therapy to Acupuncture Pathway
12
Max Transfer Credits
Transfer Credits — ACAHM Standard 5, Criterion 5.02(H)
Under ACAHM Standard 5, Criterion 5.02(H), prerequisite and co-requisite credits used to satisfy program admission requirements shall not be counted toward program completion credits. The acupuncture program requires a minimum of 60 semester credits of prior post-secondary education as an admissions prerequisite. For graduates who hold only the 72-credit AOS degree in Massage Therapy and no other prior post-secondary credits, 60 of those credits fulfill the admissions prerequisite — resulting in a maximum of 12 credits eligible for transfer evaluation into the acupuncture program. Applicants who hold additional post-secondary credits from other accredited institutions beyond the 72-credit AOS degree may be eligible for transfer evaluation of credits exceeding the 60-credit admissions prerequisite, subject to transcript review, course equivalency assessment, and approval by the program Dean. This accreditation standard is binding on all ACAHM-accredited programs nationwide.
Contact the Admissions Office for a personalized credit transfer evaluation.
Purpose, Goals & Student Learning Outcomes
Acupuncture — BPS/MS · Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine program is to provide a comprehensive education and training in Acupuncture through the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Acupuncture (BPS/MS). The program strives to graduate practitioners who can become an integral part of the health care community.
Program Goals
Provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to become highly qualified acupuncture practitioners capable of passing the licensure and certification exams required in New York and other states.
Develop in students a sense of ethical responsibility in the therapist-client dynamic and an appreciation for continued learning throughout their professional careers.
Enable students to be fully capable and independent practitioners and obtain employment in various health care fields.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Diagnostic Assessment & Treatment Planning — Conduct holistic patient assessments using differential diagnosis and the four methods of TCM diagnosis, and develop personalized, effective, and safe treatment plans according to TCM principles.
Clinical Competence — Implement acupuncture treatments and adjunctive therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, electroacupuncture, gua sha, and tui na, while emphasizing self-care and preventative care through physical arts, diet, and lifestyle.
Professional Development — Maintain comprehensive documentation, communicate ethically and professionally with patients and health care providers, and design strategies for establishing a successful practice or employment within the field of acupuncture.
Course of Study
Acupuncture — Bachelor of Professional Studies / Master of Science (BPS/MS)
145 Credits / 2,835 Hours
The full-time course of study spans nine trimesters (3 academic years). Part-time enrollment is available for students with work or other obligations; part-time students must complete the program within a maximum of 6 academic years.
The curriculum integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (Fundamental Theory, Diagnostic Methods, Pattern Identification, Internal Medicine I–II, Gynecology, Eastern Nutrition), Acupuncture Techniques (Channels and Points I–III, Points Review, Palpatory Assessment, Techniques I–III, Microsystems, Japanese Acupuncture), Western Biomedical Sciences (Surface Anatomy, Anatomy and Physiology I–II, Neurology, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology I–II, Microbiology and Immunology, Patient Assessment I–II, Internal Medicine I–II, Pharmacology), Asian Bodywork (Tui Na I–II), Physical Arts (Tai Chi / Yoga / Qi Gong), Professional Development (Medical Ethics, Practice Management, Research Methodology), and Clinical Training (Grand Rounds, Clinic Assistantship, Oriental Medicine Clinic I–III, Clinical Analysis and Case Histories I–III). Technique class ratio is 16:1; didactic classes up to 40:1.
Prerequisite Courses (11 Credits — Not Counted Toward Degree)
HS 301 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr) · HS 302 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr) · HS 310 Chemistry for the Health Sciences (3 cr). Must be completed by the end of the first year with a grade of "C" or better.
Download the Full Course of Study
View the complete trimester-by-trimester breakdown of courses, credits, and hours in the Acupuncture Course of Study PDF.
Tuition, Licensing & Certification
Acupuncture — Bachelor of Professional Studies / Master of Science (BPS/MS)
Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
For tuition rates, fees, and payment options, contact the Office of Student Financial Services. Institutional scholarships and installment plans are available. NYS TAP may apply for eligible students.
Students complete over 660 hours of supervised clinical training — progressing from Grand Rounds and Clinic Assistantship to three trimesters of direct patient care in the Acupuncture Teaching Clinics. Faculty bring expertise from both Eastern and Western traditions; view credentials on the Faculty page.
Acupuncture Law in the State of New York
Acupuncture has been a licensed profession in New York State since 1991. Licensed acupuncturists are entry-level providers who may treat patients without a medical referral. Article 160 of the NYS Education Law defines the profession and its scope of practice, authorizing treatment of "diseases, disorders and dysfunctions of the body for the purpose of achieving a therapeutic or prophylactic effect."
New York State Licensure Requirements
- File an application with the New York State Education Department.
- Satisfactory completion of a NYSED-registered acupuncture program or equivalent.
- Experience in accordance with the Commissioner's regulations.
- Pass NCBAHM certification examinations per Commissioner's regulations.
- Pass the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) Examination.
- At least 21 years of age.
- Good moral character as determined by NYSED.
- Nine college credits in the biosciences (satisfied by the BPS/MS degree).
- Current CPR and First Aid certification (Red Cross or AHA).
- Initial fee of $780 (NYSED); triennial registration $288.
National Certification (NCBAHM)
Graduates are qualified for the following NCBAHM (formerly NCCAOM) examinations: Acupuncture with Point Location, Foundations of Oriental Medicine, and Biomedicine. NCBAHM certification demonstrates competency for licensure in 47 states and the District of Columbia. California may require additional training; consult the California Acupuncture Board.
Clean Needle Technique (CNT) Examination
The CCAHM administers the CNT Examination as a licensure requirement in many states, including New York. Students must pass this exam during the second year as a prerequisite for entrance into the acupuncture teaching clinics.
REGULATORY INFORMATION & USEFUL CONTACTS
Disclosure of State Requirements
Completion of the Acupuncture program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in New York State. Requirements vary by state; students planning to practice elsewhere should verify with the appropriate state licensing authority. State-by-state details are available on the NCBAHM website.
Programmatic Accreditation (ACAHM)
The Master of Science in Acupuncture is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for acupuncture programs. Status may be verified on the ACAHM Directory.
Accreditation & Registration
New York College of Health Professions is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Acupuncture program is registered with NYSED (HEGIS Code 1299/1299).
Useful Contacts
| Organization | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCBAHM | 1199 N. Fairfax St., Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314 | (888) 381-1140 | ncbahm.org |
| ACAHM | 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, MN 55331 | (952) 212-2434 | acahm.org |
| CCAHM | 9615 E. County Line Rd., Suite B-584, Centennial, CO 80112 | (410) 464-6040 | ccahm.org |
| NYSED | 89 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12234 | (518) 474-3817 | op.nysed.gov |
| NECHE | 3 Burlington Woods Dr, Ste 100, Burlington, MA 01803 | (855) 886-3272 | neche.org |
Content sourced from the 2023–2026 Catalog (Updated March 2026). All policies, procedures, and requirements are subject to change.
