Founded in 1981 · Syosset, New York
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine education at New York College of Health Professions

Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Bachelor of Professional Studies / Master of Science · BPS/MS

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Integrated in One Clinical Program.

This NYSED-registered, 185-credit combined BPS/MS program integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Materia Medica, herbal formulation, Western biomedical sciences, and more than 1,000 hours of supervised clinical education.

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185degree credits
10trimesters full-time
1,000+supervised clinical hours

A Comprehensive Course of Study

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Biomedical Study, and Supervised Practice.

The curriculum builds from classical theory and diagnostic methods through acupuncture technique, herbal formulation, biomedical sciences, and progressive clinical education.

01

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fundamental Theory, Diagnostic Methods, Pattern Identification, Internal Medicine, Gynecology, and Eastern Nutrition.

02

Acupuncture Techniques

Channels & Points, Needling Methods, Moxibustion, Cupping, Electroacupuncture, Gua Sha, and Microsystems.

03

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Materia Medica I–III, Herbal Formulas I–III, Clinical Application of Herbs I–III, Shang Han Lun, and Wen Bing Xue.

04

Western Biomedical Sciences

Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Neurology, Microbiology, Internal Medicine, and Pharmacology.

05

Asian Bodywork

Tui Na I–II, Japanese Acupuncture diagnostic methods, and Japanese Acupuncture techniques.

06

Clinical Training

More than 1,000 supervised hours through Grand Rounds, Clinic Assistantship, and four trimesters of acupuncture and herbal patient care.

07

Physical Arts

Tai Chi, Yoga, or Qi Gong support movement study, self-awareness, and professional formation.

08

Professional Development

Practice Management, Medical Ethics, Research Data & Methodology, Pharmacognosy, and Toxicology.

Academic Pathways

Enter From Massage Therapy or Advance From Acupuncture.

Pathway decisions are based on transcript review, course equivalency, admission requirements, and academic approval.

Massage Therapy Entry Pathway12

Maximum Credits Eligible for Transfer Evaluation*

For a graduate who holds only the 72-credit AOS in Massage Therapy and no other prior post-secondary credits, 60 credits fulfill the admission prerequisite, leaving a maximum of 12 credits eligible for transfer evaluation.

Additional prior post-secondary credit may be reviewed separately. Prerequisite credits used for admission are not degree-completion credits under ACAHM Standard 5.

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For NYCHP Acupuncture Graduates47

Additional Herbal Specialization Credits

Graduates of the NYCHP Acupuncture program may return for additional herbal classroom and clinical education completed in approximately two years.

Upon completion, the graduate surrenders the MS in Acupuncture and is awarded the MS in Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization.

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The Full Program Record

Purpose, Goals, Outcomes, Course Sequence, and Required Disclosures.

Review the program purpose, goals, outcomes, course sequence, and required disclosures.

Purpose, Goals & Student Learning Outcomes

Acupuncture With Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization — BPS/MS · Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Program Purpose

The program provides comprehensive education and training in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine through the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization. It strives to prepare graduates to become integral members of the health care community.

Program completion does not itself confer licensure or certification. Independent education, examination, application, and fee requirements apply.

1992

New York State approval for the College’s acupuncture and herbal medicine program.

Program Goals

Three Connected Goals.

Knowledge, ethical responsibility, and professional readiness frame the program’s educational goals.

01

Knowledge & Professionalism

Acupuncture and herbal knowledgeProfessional formationPreparation for independent examinations

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Provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to become highly qualified practitioners in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, capable of passing the licensure and certification examinations required in New York and other states.

02

Ethics & Lifelong Learning

Ethical therapist-client responsibilityProfessional judgmentContinued learning throughout practice

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Develop in students a sense of ethical responsibility in the therapist-client dynamic and an appreciation for continued learning throughout their professional careers.

03

Independent Practice

Independent practitioner preparationProfessional readinessEmployment across health care settings

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Enable students to be fully capable and independent practitioners and obtain employment in various health care fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

Three Demonstrated Outcomes.

Full approved outcome language remains available inside each aligned card.

01

Diagnostic Assessment & Treatment Planning

Holistic patient assessmentTCM differential diagnosisSafe, individualized treatment planning

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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.

02

Clinical Competence

Acupuncture and adjunctive therapiesIndividualized herbal prescriptionsIntegrated acupuncture and herbal care

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Implement acupuncture treatments and adjunctive therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, electroacupuncture, gua sha, and tui na, while incorporating Chinese herbal medicine—including individualized herbal prescriptions and classical formulas—in conjunction with acupuncture treatments.

03

Professional Development

Complete clinical documentationEthical interprofessional communicationPractice or employment strategy

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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 and herbal medicine.

Course of Study

A Clear 185-Credit Sequence.

3,495 program hours, with full-time and part-time enrollment options.

Recommended Full-Time10 Trimesters

4 academic years185 degree creditsFull-time study sequence

Part-Time EnrollmentUp to 8 Years

Available for other obligationsIndividualized credit paceEight-year completion maximum

Prerequisite Study11 Credits

Outside the degree totalA&P I–II and ChemistryComplete in year one with C or better

Curriculum Map

Traditional Chinese MedicineAcupuncture TechniquesChinese Herbal MedicineWestern Biomedical SciencesAsian BodyworkPhysical ArtsProfessional DevelopmentClinical Training

Tuition, Licensing & Certification

Program Costs, Clinical Education, and Independent Requirements.

Licensure and certification require separate applications, examinations, approvals, and fees.

01

Tuition & Payment

Current tuition is $450 per undergraduate credit and $545 per graduate credit. Mandatory fees, institutional scholarships, and installment options also apply; request the complete current schedule.

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02

Clinical Education

Students complete more than 1,000 supervised hours, progressing from Grand Rounds and Clinic Assistantship to four trimesters of acupuncture and herbal patient care.

Meet Our Faculty
03

NCBAHM Examinations

The applicable national pathway uses four modules: Acupuncture with Point Location, Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Biomedicine, and Chinese Herbology. Eligibility and passage are not guaranteed.

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04

Clean Needle Technique

CCAHM administers the CNT examination. The current program page requires passage during the second year before entry into the teaching clinics.

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New York State Licensure Requirements +

Completion of the program satisfies the program education component currently specified for New York acupuncture licensure but does not itself confer a license or certification. Applicants must satisfy all current independent requirements.

  1. File an application with the New York State Education Department.
  2. Satisfactorily complete a NYSED-registered acupuncture program or equivalent education.
  3. Meet experience requirements under the Commissioner's regulations.
  4. Pass the NCBAHM examinations required under the Commissioner's regulations.
  5. Pass the Clean Needle Technique examination.
  6. Be at least 21 years old and meet NYSED good-moral-character requirements.
  7. Complete nine college credits in the biosciences and hold current CPR and First Aid certification as required.
  8. Pay current fees. NYSED currently lists a $788 initial total fee and a $288 re-registration fee; verify fees before applying.
View Current NYSED Fees And Requirements

Requirements vary by state. Students planning to practice outside New York must verify requirements with the applicable state licensing authority.

Accreditation & Registration Scope +

The Master of Science in Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization is programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). ACAHM does not accredit the undergraduate BPS portion, and programmatic accreditation does not include institutional participation in Title IV federal student financial aid programs.

NYCHP is institutionally accredited by NECHE, chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and the Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization program is registered with NYSED under HEGIS Code 1299/1299.

Regulatory Information & Useful Contacts

The Right Contact at the Right Time.

Contact the appropriate agency or College office for program, licensing, certification, or accreditation questions.

Ready to Learn More?

Speak With Admissions About Acupuncture With Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Admissions Office · 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 210, Syosset, NY 11791
(516) 964-6007 · admissions@nycollege.edu

Source: 2023–2026 NYCHP Catalog, updated June 2026. Policies, fees, schedules, licensure rules, certification standards, and external requirements are subject to change; confirm current requirements with the applicable institution or agency.

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