Acupuncture Institute Graduate

Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine

DAc.CHM Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine

The first clinical doctoral TCM program on the East Coast offered within a university setting, ACAHM accredited, training in Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, adjunctive therapies and biomedicine.

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Information Sheet (PDF)

1stEast Coast university setting

Clinical doctoral TCM

ACAHMIncluding degree completion track

Accredited

CAVia the DAc.TCM degree

California licensure

Curriculum

Comprehensive graduate training

Traditional Chinese medicine originated in ancient China and has evolved over thousands of years. Practitioners use herbs, acupuncture, massage, and other methods to treat a wide range of medical conditions in their patients. University of Bridgeport’s Acupuncture Institute (UBAI) is proud to offer the Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine (D.Ac.CHM) program, a comprehensive training in Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, adjunctive therapies, and biomedicine at the graduate level.

ACUPUNCTURE

Nine acupuncture courses

The nine (9) acupuncture courses introduce students to the theoretical and practical information of acupuncture therapy. The student becomes proficient in the clinical applications of acupuncture, moxabustion, cupping, electrical stimulation, and bleeding techniques. The student learns to identify acupuncture points by anatomical location, palpation, and proportional measurement. The classification, function and indications for each acupuncture point are discussed and demonstrated. In addition to the twelve bilateral channels, two midline vessels and six other extra meridians, forbidden and contraindication of points are discussed.

PRIMARY CARE

Biomedicine and integrative medicine

The D.Ac.CHM program is designed to provide significant training in biomedicine and integrative medicine for those interested in providing traditional Chinese medicine in primary care. Graduates of this program learn how to provide the full range of benefits of traditional Chinese medicine and clinical assessment to their patients, including in those states where traditional Chinese medicine practitioners act as primary care providers.

TEAM

A team-based approach

UB offers the unique opportunity to study traditional Chinese medicine alongside students pursuing other health profession degrees in our comprehensive university. Students will collaborate with chiropractic and other students and practitioners in the UB Clinics, our clinical teaching facilities. This environment promotes the development of clinical, interpersonal communication, and decision-making skills as well as the professional conduct, efficiency, and confidence required to provide exceptional patient care. The clinical program stresses a team-based approach to care.

DEGREE

About the clinical doctorate

Clinical doctorates are professional degrees, focused on clinical competencies required to practice in private and public health settings. In general, those pursuing a D.Ac.CHM are preparing to help patients get well and stay well using TCM principles and practices. Clinical doctorates prepare students to use research, including translating research into practice, using evidence-informed practices, although these degrees are not typically used towards a research career.

Student voices

Andrew David

D.Ac.CHM

UB has helped me grow so much as a clinician! Overall, I had a great experience and love all the faculty and students I have worked with. If I knew more about the University as an undergraduate, I probably would have taken the opportunity to come here for Health Sciences long before my graduate studies.

A place in US healthcare

Practitioners across the healthcare system

Chinese medicine practitioners (L.Ac.s) play an important part in U.S. healthcare. The Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination against complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, including acupuncturists. UBAI is dedicated to ensuring that its graduate practitioners are included in all aspects of healthcare, from the private office to hospitals and public health forums.

UBAI’s D.Ac.CHM program will help graduates participate in a healthcare system that is multidisciplinary and enhances competence, mutual respect, and collaboration across all healthcare disciplines. Our program is the first clinical doctoral TCM program on the East Coast to be offered within a university setting.

1st

Clinical doctoral TCM program on the East Coast

ACA

Protects CAM practitioners from discrimination

Admission requirements

How to apply

We review applications on a rolling basis for a fall start term only. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a completed application and all supporting materials by July 15 for priority consideration.

Program prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent (120 completed semester hours) from an accredited institution or recognized international institution
Required cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher in the science prerequisites
Biology, 6 semester hours
Chemistry, 6 semester hours
English, 6 semester hours
Psychology, 3 semester hours
Social Science, 3 semester hours
Prerequisites completed prior to matriculation.

Required materials

Application
Official transcripts for the last degree earned
In 250‑500 words, detail why you are seeking this degree, how you expect to apply your degree to your professional career after graduation, and why you seek to pursue your degree through University of Bridgeport
Resume
Please consult our international admission requirements, or for specific queries, contact your admissions officer.

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Deadlines

April 15

Summer semester

Completed application and all supporting materials

July 15

Fall semester

Completed application and all supporting materials

December 1

Spring semester

Completed application and all supporting materials

Dual degree with MS Acupuncture option

Students who wish to pursue the D.Ac.CHM degree may enroll in the MS Acupuncture program first, earn the MS degree, and then continue their doctoral program through completion.
These students complete the same requirements as the MS Acupuncture degree with the following exceptions: ACS 812 is substituted for ACS 723, and AHM 612 is substituted for ACH 511.
The dual degree is recommended for students who seek flexibility in course scheduling while beginning their professional practice as they move beyond the MS degree and continue toward the D.Ac.CHM completion.

Learning outcomes and careers

What graduates will be able to do

Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine program, the graduate will have the ability to demonstrate competency in utilizing the four examinations to identify Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses.

Clinical application

Formulate and skillfully implement the safe and effective clinical application of Chinese medicine modalities based upon a total assessment of the patient; formulate and skillfully implement safe and effective acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, qi cultivation, tui na and other adjunctive techniques.

Diverse populations

Adapt diagnosis and treatment strategies as needed for diverse patient populations. Value patients’ dignity and confidentiality.

Working across disciplines

Evaluate patient care from biomedical, pharmacological and Asian perspectives in order to understand the medical context in which patients present, make appropriate treatment and consultation decisions in various healthcare settings including as part of a collaborative health care team, and make timely referrals when appropriate.

Patient-centered care

D.Ac.CHM graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient-centered care in a variety of settings in order to optimize patient health and coordinate care with other healthcare practitioners.

Where practitioners work

The settings in which acupuncture practitioners work vary from a multi-disciplinary clinic with other health care professionals, to a hospital, to private practice. Other career options include teaching, translating, publishing, research, or working with an acupuncture supply company.

The profession by the numbers

According to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM), there are approximately 20,000-25,000 AOM licensees throughout the United States. While current data concerning the income of these practitioners nationwide is not available, recent estimates have suggested an annual starting salary range of $55,000-$80,000. It is not uncommon for practitioners to earn in excess of this amount, with reported salaries in some instances exceeding well over $100,000.

Practice ownership

Most graduates of acupuncture schools and colleges start private practices and are their own boss. They can choose the work environment that is best for them.

Insurance coverage

As a result of increasing demand from health group members for alternative care coverage, group health insurance companies such as CIGNA and Aetna provide varying degrees of acupuncture care coverage. The amount of coverage depends on each individual plan. Some health plan policies require that the individual or employer group purchase an additional “Alternative Medicine Rider” to provide coverage for acupuncture services. Medicare also covers acupuncture for those working in multidisciplinary clinics with licensed Medicare providers.

Licensure of graduates

Where UBAI programs meet state requirements

Completion of any of the UBAI programs does not guarantee licensure in any state. Most states require passage of some or all of the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam modules (www.nccaom.org/certification/nccaom-certification-eligibility/) and the Council of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) Clean Needle Technique (CNT: www.ccahm.org/ccaom/Overview.asp) exam for licensure. Below is a list of those states for whom the various UBAI programs meet licensure requirements.

MS-Acupuncture: meets state requirements

AK, AZ, CO, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL*, IN, KY, LA, MA*, MD, ME, MI, MN, MD, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH*, OR, PA*, RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, VT*, WA, WI, WV, WY, Washington DC*. *DC, IL, MA, OH, NJ, VT and PA allow for acupuncture only licensure or licensees can choose TCM licensure including TCM Herbs, which requires a TCM degree and passage of the herb module for NCCAOM.

MS-Traditional Chinese Medicine: herbal training required

AR, DE, HI, FL**, KS, NM, NV, TX, VT. **Florida only accepts masters-level degrees in TCM for licensure as of 2021. FL also requires training in injection therapies prior to licensure.

MS-Traditional Chinese Medicine: herbal training optional

DC, IL, MA, OH, NJ, PA, VT. The optional category also includes all of the states where MS-ACUP meets state requirements.

Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

California, plus all of the states where MS-ACUP and MS-TCM meet state requirements, except FL. California requires passage of the California exam.

MS-Chinese Herbology

MS-CH does not lead to acupuncture licensure alone. Completion of an acupuncture degree is required.

No acupuncture licensure (2021)

AL, OK, SD.

California

In California you must take a program approved by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB; https://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/) and pass the California Acupuncture exam to qualify for licensure. (See www.acupuncture.ca.gov/students/exam_require.shtml) As of 2021, the only program at UBAI that qualifies a graduate for the California exam is the Doctor of Acupuncture with Traditional Chinese Medicine (DAc.TCM) degree. (See www.acupuncture.ca.gov/students/schools.shtml)

Before you apply

Please note that legislation changes can take place and completing the program does not guarantee state licensure eligibility alone. Many states require a state-specific exam in Jurisprudence or other areas of state-specific laws in addition to the NCCAOM exam modules. Always check state licensure requirements prior to applying for an acupuncture license.

Accreditation

Accredited by ACAHM

The following programs offered by University of Bridgeport’s Acupuncture Institute are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):

Accredited programs

Master of Acupuncture; Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization; Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization (including a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization degree completion track)

Scope of accreditation

The programs listed above may offer courses via distance education. ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor’s level. Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM Directory.

About ACAHM

ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; acahm.org

Public disclosure

Public Disclosure Statement Effective as of 12 February 2025

Course catalog

Every course, in full

View all courses offered and read full course descriptions in our online course catalog system.

DAc.CHM curriculum requirements – 163.5 credits

Semester 1 – 17.5 credits

10 courses

Course Code	Course Title
ABS 511	Anatomy I
ABS 515	Physiology I
ACS 511	Evidence-Informed Clinical Practice in Acupuncture
AMR 511	Taijiquan 1
APT 511	Point Location 1
APT 512	Meridian Theory
ATD 512	TCM Medical Theory
ATD 513	TCM Diagnosis 1
ATD 511	TCM History and Philosophy
AWB 501	UBAI Clinic Safety Procedures

Semester 2 – 16.5 credits

9 courses

Course Code	Course Title
ABS 522	Anatomy 2
ABS 525	Physiology 2
AMR 522	Taijiquan 2
ANT 521	Western Nutrition
APT 523	Point Location 2
ATD 515	Seminar 1
ATD 524	Traditional Chinese Diagnosis 2
AWB 521	TCM Safe Practices
AWB 523	Pharmacology

Semester 3

11 courses 23 credits

Course Code	Course Title
ACH 511	Chinese Herbs I
ACS 611	Pathology 1
ACS 612	Clinical Diagnosis 1
ACS 613	Lab Diagnosis
ACS 641	Diagnostic Imaging I
ACS 711	Preceptorship I
AHM 521	Botanical Medicine
AHM 613	Traditional Chinese Diet Therapy
AMR 613	Qi Gong 1
APT 614	Acupuncture Techniques 1
ATD 529	Seminar 2

Semester 4

10 courses 21 credits

Course Code	Course Title
ACH 512	Chinese Herbs 2
ACS 623	Clinical Diagnosis 2
ACS 625	Physical Exam Skills
ACS 626	Laboratory Diagnosis 2; Nutritional and functional analyses
ACS 722	Preceptorship II
AHM 713	Patent Remedies
AMR 624	Qi Gong 2
APS 621	Psychological Assessment
APT 625	Acupuncture Techniques 2
ATD 727	Case Studies 1

Summer session

5 courses 15 credits

Course Code	Course Title
ACS 631	Clinical Education 1
ACH 635	CH Formulae 1
AMR 627	Tuina 1
APT 637	Japanese Acupuncture Techniques
ATD 711	Differential Diagnosis and Pathomechanisms

Semester 5

8 courses 19 credits

Course Code	Course Title
ACH 523	Chinese Herbs 3
ACS 712	Clinical Education 2
ACS 715	Physical and Functional Assessments
AMR 715	Tuina 2
ATD 618	Seminar 3
ATD 715	Trad Chinese Internal Medicine
ATD 728	Case Studies 2
ATD 729	Acupuncture Gynecology

Semester 6 – 12.5 credits

8 courses

Course Code	Course Title
ACH 524	Chinese Herbs 4
ACS 714	Clinical Procedures 2
ACS 724	Public Health
AMR 726	Tuina 3
APP 721	Practice Management
APT 718	Pediatric Acupuncture
ATD 717	Advanced Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis
AWB 725	Pharmacology 2

Summer session – 6.5 credits

4 courses

Course Code	Course Title
ACC 611	Chinese Herbal Clinic 1
ACH 636	Chinese Formulae 2
AHM 634	Dispensary Management
AHM 635	Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs

Semester 7

7 courses 16 credits

Course Code	Course Title
ACC 632	Chinese Herbal Clinic 2A
ACC 723	Chinese Herbal Clinic 2B
ACH 617	Chinese Formulae 3
ACH 619	CH Internal Medicine & Modifications 1
ACS 811	Grand Rounds 1
ACS 812	Integrated Clinical Education 1
AHM 616	Ethical and Ecological Considerations of Chinese Materia Medica

Semester 8 – 16.5 credits

8 courses

Course Code	Course Title
ACC 724	Chinese Herbal Clinic 3
ACH 628	CH Internal Medicine & Modifications 2
ACS 814	Integrated Clinical Education 2
ACS 823	Grand Rounds 2
APP 722	Professional Development
APT 626	Auricular & Scalp Acupuncture
ATD 742	TCM Geriatrics
AWB 621	Medical Ethics