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Find Schools to Study Acupuncture
Acupuncture relieves pain, promotes healing and addresses a wide range of health problems for millions of people all over the world. Acupuncture, an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is based on the idea of returning the body to a state of harmony or ideal functioning. Acupuncture rebalances the flow of energy (Qi) in the body. Acupuncture influences human energy through manipulating the meridians of the body, connected energetically with internal organs and systems.
The World Health Organization's official report titled Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, specifically listed 28 diseases, symptoms or conditions which acupuncture (through clinical trials) has proved to provide effective treatment. The US National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement proposing acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention for complimentary medicine. The American Medical Association Journal of Internal Medicine concluded acupuncture effectively reduces chronic pain with few side effects.
Featured Online Schools
Because of acupuncture's increasing popularity, the number of acupuncture schools has grown over the years. The schools, also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine schools or Traditional Oriental Medicine schools, typically teach the fundamentals and related Western medical subjects.
With numerous institutions offering acupuncture programs, it's not easy selecting a school. Prospective students may begin their search with schools which received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as well as the American Association of Oriental Medicine established ACAOM in 1982 as a not-for-profit organization. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes ACAOM as a "specialized and professional" accrediting agency.
ACAOM has more than 50 schools and colleges with accreditation or candidacy status. All of the schools we selected for our list have received accreditation from ACAOM.
Factors which influenced our choice of schools making this list as well as their relative order include the following:
- Quality of faculty, not only as practitioners of acupuncture but also as researchers advancing the field
- Comprehensiveness of the training program, including hands-on training
- Internships
- Success in training students who can lead the field
- How long the school has been in existence and its reputation for excellence during that time
- Doctoral program in acupuncture, not required but a plus for a school
The Best Acupuncture Schools in the United States
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine
Portland, OR - 4 years
- Campus
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine's doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine appeals to students with a variety of needs. Learners attending the private institution choose from in-person classes on the Portland campus or online classes.
The strong presence in online and in-person learning benefits enrollees seeking a supportive learning community. The programs provide customization options such as electives and concentrations so degree-seekers can meet their personal and professional goals. Career resources include workshops, resume feedback, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Prospective students can explore their eligibility for funding opportunities to help offset degree costs.
#2 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine
Santa Monica, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine provides flexible study to learners from all walks of life. Located in Santa Monica, California, the private institution offers both in-person and online degree programs, including a master of traditional Oriental medicine.
Both modalities prioritize academic rigor while providing a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers work closely with academic advisors to choose classes that meet graduation requirements and match the student's professional goals. Learners make progress toward their professional goals thanks to career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
The financial aid office helps prospective students identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs.
#3 The Best Acupuncture Schools
AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Campus
AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine offers programs designed with busy students in mind, including a master of acupuncture. From its campus in Austin, Texas, the private institution enrolls learners in person and online.
In both modalities, the institution encourages rigorous coursework and supportive learning communities. Faculty mentors and academic advisors work with degree-seekers to create an individualized course of study. AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine offers career services like job fairs and workshops to help learners reach their professional goals.
Prospective students connect with the financial aid office to learn more about internal and external funding opportunities.
#4 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Bastyr University
Kenmore, WA - 4 years
- Campus
Bastyr University stands out for its many flexible programs, such as the doctor of acupuncture. From its Kenmore, Washington, campus, the private institution provides on-campus and online enrollment options.
In both modalities, enrollees take rigorous classes and benefit from a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to design an individualized course of study based on transfer credits, interests, and career goals. Learners can access top-notch institutional resources during their time at Bastyr University, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
The financial aid office helps prospective students identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs.
#5 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Five Branches University
Santa Cruz, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Five Branches University stands out for its commitment to higher education. From its main campus in Santa Cruz, California, the private institution provides in-person and online programs.
Acupuncture enrollees benefit from several learning formats that fit their schedule and needs. Customization options such as electives, minors, and concentrations let degree-seekers create an individualized course of study. Learners benefit from institutional resources such as career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Prospective students may be eligible for internal and external funding opportunities to pay for their degree.
#6 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Maryland University of Integrative Health
Laurel, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Maryland University of Integrative Health stands out for its exceptional programs. The private institution welcomes degree-seekers to its Laurel campus while also offering online programs. At the school, 25% of programs provide online enrollment options.
At the graduate level, the school operates eight master's programs, three of which are offered online. Enrollees benefit from several learning formats that fit their schedule and needs. Acupuncture degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to design an individualized course of study based on transfer credits, interests, and career goals. Maryland University of Integrative Health helps learners meet their professional goals through career services like workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
The financial aid office connects prospective students with internal and external funding opportunities.
#7 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Northwestern Health Sciences University
Bloomington, MN - 4 years
- Campus
Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a variety of options for busy students, including a master's in acupuncture. From its main campus in Bloomington, Minnesota, the private institution provides in-person and online programs.
In both modalities, enrollees participate in rigorous but supportive learning environments. Degree-seekers work closely with academic advisors to choose classes that meet graduation requirements and match the student's professional goals. Northwestern Health Sciences University supports learners with institutional resources like career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. A leader in student success, the college boasts a 44% graduation rate.
Prospective students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
#8 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine provides diverse enrollment options for degree-seekers. Located in San Diego, California, the private institution offers both in-person and online degree programs, including a doctor of acupuncture. Of the school's total programs 25% provide an online learning option.
Enrollees benefit from multiple learning formats designed for diverse schedules. Acupuncture degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to customize their program based on unique interests and career goals. Learners hone their skills for the job market thanks to resources like career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. The school's undergraduate programs report a graduation rate of 40%.
Prospective students work with the financial aid office to identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs. According to the most recent data, 81% of learners use financial aid.
#9 The Best Acupuncture Schools
American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine stands out for its exceptional programs. The private institution provides both on-campus and online programs from its Houston campus. At the school, 25% of programs offer online enrollment options.
At the graduate level, the college has two master's degrees, including an online program. In both modalities, the institution encourages rigorous coursework and supportive learning communities. The programs offer a great deal of flexibility for degree-seekers to customize their course of study based on career goals. Career resources include workshops, resume feedback, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Prospective students work with the financial aid office to create a package of aid to cover degree costs.
#10 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Campus
The flexible programs at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine offer a variety of options for degree-seekers. From its main campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the private institution provides in-person and online programs.
In both modalities, enrollees participate in rigorous but supportive learning environments. Degree-seekers work with faculty members and academic advisors to customize the oriental medicine degree based on their personal and professional goals. Learners can access top-notch institutional resources during their time at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Prospective students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
#11 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine-New York
New York, NY - 4 years
- Campus
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine-New York prioritizes flexibility in its degree-granting programs. The private institution provides on-campus and online programs.
Enrollees benefit from multiple learning formats designed for diverse schedules. The master's in acupuncture program provides customization options such as electives and concentrations so degree-seekers can meet their personal and professional goals. Pacific College of Oriental Medicine-New York offers career services like job fairs and workshops. The undergraduate graduation rate is currently 38%.
The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities to help offset degree costs. Today, 45% of learners at the institution receive financial aid.
#12 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Texas Health and Science University
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Campus
Texas Health and Science University stands out for its exceptional programs. Learners enrolled at the private institution participate in online and on-campus classes offered at the main campus in Austin.
Both modalities prioritize academic rigor while providing a supportive learning community. Customization options such as electives, minors, and concentrations let acupuncture degree-seekers create an individualized course of study. Texas Health and Science University helps learners meet their professional goals through career services like workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Prospective students work with the financial aid office to create a package of aid to cover degree costs.
#13 The Best Acupuncture Schools
American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Roseville, MN - 4 years
- Campus
The flexible programs at the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine appeal to learners from all walks of life. From its main campus in Roseville, Minnesota, the private institution provides in-person and online programs.
In both modalities, the institution encourages rigorous coursework and supportive learning communities. Degree-seekers individualize their master of acupuncture program by choosing concentrations, minors, and electives that match their personal and professional goals. The American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers strong career planning resources, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
The financial aid office connects prospective students with internal and external funding opportunities.
#14 The Best Acupuncture Schools
New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Mineola, NY - 4 years
- Campus
The flexible programs at the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine appeal to learners from all walks of life. The private institution provides both on-campus and online programs from its Mineola campus.
In both modalities, enrollees take rigorous classes and benefit from a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to customize the acupuncture program based on unique interests and career goals. Learners can access top-notch institutional resources during their time at the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
The financial aid office helps prospective students identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs.
#15 The Best Acupuncture Schools
Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Campus
The Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine stands out for its exceptional programs, including a master of acupuncture. The private institution enrolls learners on its Seattle campus and in online programs.
Both modalities provide rigorous academics and supportive learning communities. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to customize their program based on unique interests and career goals. The Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine offers strong career planning resources, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Prospective students can explore their eligibility for funding opportunities to help offset degree costs.
Featured Image Credit: Science Photo Library - ADAM GAULT | Brand X Pictures | Getty Images
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