Acupuncture Program
Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Acupuncture Program
Program Overview
New York College of Health Professions' Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine offers a 145-credit, 9-trimester Acupuncture Program. Upon completion, graduates receive a combined Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Science / Master of Science in Acupuncture (BPS/MS) degree.
This program was the first acupuncture program in New York State to be approved by the New York State Education Department and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. Graduates are eligible to sit for the board examinations administered by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM)(formerly NCCAOM, renamed effective January 2, 2026).
Graduates from the Acupuncture program are qualified to take the following NCBAHM examinations:
Acupuncture with Point Location
Foundations of Oriental Medicine
Biomedicine
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art centered on healing, energy, and balance. It employs the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to manipulate the flow of qi (energy) and restore the body's equilibrium. An essentially painless technique, acupuncture is widely used to treat illness, manage pain, and maintain good health.
Curriculum
In keeping with our philosophy of integrating holistic and Western medicine, the Acupuncture program curriculum includes:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Asian Bodywork (Tui Na), Herbalism fundamentals, TCM diagnostic methods, pattern identification, and internal medicine
Western Biomedical Sciences: Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Neurology, Microbiology & Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pharmacology
Nutrition: Both Western and Eastern dietary therapy
Acupuncture Techniques: Needling methods, moxibustion, cupping, electroacupuncture, gua sha, microsystems (auricular and scalp acupuncture), and Japanese acupuncture
Professional Development: Practice Management, Professional and Medical Ethics
Physical Arts: Required training in Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, or Yoga — helping students better understand how their bodies function and enhancing their ability to diagnose and treat patients
Research: Research Data & Methodology
Acupuncture Program
Program Purpose Statement
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 Science 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
The goals of the Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine program are to:
Provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to become highly qualified practitioners in acupuncture
Prepare students to be capable of passing the licensure or certification exams required to become a licensed or certified practitioner in New York and other states
Develop in students a sense of ethical responsibility in the therapist-client dynamic and with fellow practitioners
Provide students with 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 Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Acupuncture Program, students will be able to:
Conduct a holistic and thorough assessment of the patient's condition by employing differential diagnosis and critical thinking utilizing the four methods of diagnosis of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Develop personalized, effective, and safe treatment plans according to the principles of TCM
Implement acupuncture treatments and a range of adjunctive therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, electroacupuncture, gua sha, tui na, and other modalities
Emphasize the importance of self-care and preventative care through physical arts, diet, and lifestyle
Maintain comprehensive documentation and ethically and professionally communicate with patients and other health care providers with thorough TCM and biomedical knowledge
Design strategies for establishing a successful practice, business, or employment within the diverse field of acupuncture
Acupuncture Program Course of Study
The 145-credit recommended course of study, with electives, is designed to be completed in 9 trimesters (3 academic years) of full-time study. For students who must work full-time or part-time or have other responsibilities outside of school, part-time enrollment is available. Part-time students must complete the Acupuncture program within a maximum of 6 academic years.
Prerequisite Courses
The following three courses (totaling 11 credits) are prerequisites to the program. These credits do not count toward the 145 credits required for the Acupuncture (BPS/MS) degree.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HS 301 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| HS 302 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| HS 310 | Chemistry for the Health Sciences | 3 |
Regulatory & Licensing Disclosures
National Certification (NCBAHM)
Certification by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM, formerly NCCAOM) represents professional recognition of competency. It does not authorize or license an individual to practice acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine. Licensure and registration are state regulatory functions. NCBAHM certification demonstrates competency for licensure recognized by 47 states and the District of Columbia. The manner in which states use the NCBAHM process varies; applicants should check with the appropriate state agency for current eligibility requirements.
New York State Licensure
Completion of the Acupuncture program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in New York State. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCBAHM certification examinations in Acupuncture with Point Location, Foundations of Oriental Medicine, and Biomedicine, which are required by New York State for licensure. Additional requirements include the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) Examination, CPR/First Aid certification, and applicable NYSED fees ($780 initial licensure; $288 triennial registration). For full details, refer to the NYS Education Department — Office of the Professions.
Out-of-State Licensure
Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states accept NCBAHM certification as the sole educational and examination criterion for licensure; others impose additional eligibility requirements, including jurisprudence or practical examinations. California licensure may require additional training; consult the California Acupuncture Board for details. Additional state-by-state information is available on the NCBAHM website.
Programmatic Accreditation (ACAHM)
The Master of Science in Acupuncture and the Master of Science in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). ACAHM is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. ACAHM does not accredit programs at the undergraduate level. Accreditation status may be verified on the ACAHM Directory.
Useful Contacts
| NCBAHM | National Certification Board for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine 1199 N. Fairfax St., Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314 (888) 381-1140 | ncbahm.org (formerly nccaom.org) | info@ncbahm.org |
| ACAHM | Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, MN 55331 (952) 212-2434 | acahm.org | info@acahm.org |
| CCAHM | Council for Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine 9615 E. County Line Rd., Suite B-584, Centennial, CO 80112 (410) 464-6040 | ccahm.org | info@ccahm.org |
| NYSED | Office of the Professions 89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, West Wing, Albany, NY 12234 (518) 474-3817 ext. 260 | opunit2@nysed.gov |
| NYSED | Office of College & University Evaluation 89 Washington Avenue, 5th Floor, Mezzanine, Albany, NY 12234 (518) 474-1551 |
| NECHE | New England Commission of Higher Education 3 Burlington Woods #100, Burlington, MA 01803 (855) 886-3272 | neche.org | info@neche.org |
| NYCHP | New York College of Health Professions 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 210, Syosset, NY 11791 1-800-922-7337 | nycollege.edu |
Information current as of the 2023–2026 Institutional Catalog (March 2026 update). Prospective students should verify all licensing requirements with the relevant state agency prior to enrollment.
