Master’s in Acupuncture (MAc)
Train as a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) with nationally accredited clinical and academic preparation in Chinese medicine.
Accredited by the State of Arizona and ACAHM. Eligible for licensure in Arizona and other states.
Program Overview
The Master’s in Acupuncture (MAc) program provides the foundational knowledge and skills in Chinese Medicine needed to:
- Pass the NCCAOM national acupuncture certifying exam
- Become licensed in Arizona (and other states)
- Practice competently as a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc)
This program also includes the most complete Tuina bodywork training of any Chinese Medicine school in the nation.
Curriculum Highlights
- Foundations of Chinese Medicine: diagnostics, physiology, pathology, clinician technique, elements, balance, and qi
- Asian Medical Bodywork (AMB) Certification (tuina, cupping, guasha)
- Acupuncture studies: manipulation of hair-thin needles to stimulate qi flow along channels and meridians
- Integration of acupuncture with herbal therapy (option to continue on to the MAcCHM degree)
- Therapeutic focuses of acupuncture across physical, mental, and emotional health
Clinical Training Path
- Year 1: Preceptorship, Clinic Skills, Clean Needle Technique (CNT) exam
- Year 2 (start): Co-treater in the clinic
- Year 2 (end): Clinic intern treating regular and new patients under supervision
- Year 3: Continued supervised clinical practice leading toward independent professional readiness
Program Completion
Graduates will:
- Qualify to sit for the NCCAOM exam
- Be eligible for licensure as an LAc in Arizona and other states
- Build a strong clinical foundation in acupuncture and bodywork
- Gain pathways to continue study in Chinese herbal medicine for a broader MAcCHM degree
A Bit on Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, stainless steel needles into specific points along the body’s channels. These channels carry Qi, the body’s vital energy, connecting organ systems and supporting balance.
- Used primarily for pain, but effective for a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional conditions
- Encourages the stimulation and restoration of the body’s internal harmony
- Provides a viable, integrative healthcare option with both therapeutic and preventative benefits
Traditional Chinese Medicine
In China, Chinese Medicine is an integrated therapy that includes acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork (tuina). Each modality complements the others to form a complete holistic practice.
At ASAOM, students may choose to pursue acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork separately, but all are offered in an integrated model that honors the full tradition of Chinese Medicine.
Program Details
Duration:
3 years, full-time
Schedule:
45 weeks per year
Program Hours:
2,575
Tuition:
$55,768.00
Other Programs
Our flagship 3,040-hour program, combining acupuncture, tuina, and advanced Chinese herbology. Prepares graduates for the NCCAOM herbal certification exam and comprehensive TCM practice.
A 2-year, 900-hour program focused on Chinese herbology. Learn to prepare and prescribe formulas from the Materia Medica. Offered standalone or as part of the MAcCHM degree.
Master the art of tuina, a Chinese medicinal bodywork practice. 1,058 training hours over 15–24 months, with accreditation and lineage under Tony Della Croce, LAc.