Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fundamental Theory, Diagnostic Methods, Pattern Identification, Internal Medicine, and Eastern Nutrition.
Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Bachelor of Professional Studies / Master of Science · BPS/MS
Acupuncture, Grounded in Classical Theory and Clinical Practice.
This NYSED-registered, 145-credit combined BPS/MS program integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western biomedical sciences, and more than 660 hours of supervised clinical education.
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145degree credits
9trimesters full-time
660+supervised clinical hours
A Focused Course of Study
Classical Foundations, Biomedical Study, and Supervised Practice.
The curriculum is organized around diagnosis, treatment planning, acupuncture technique, biomedical sciences, professional formation, and progressive clinical education.
Acupuncture Techniques
Channels & Points, Needling Methods, Moxibustion, Cupping, Electroacupuncture, Gua Sha, and Microsystems.
Western Biomedical Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Neurology, Microbiology, Internal Medicine, and Pharmacology.
Asian Bodywork & Japanese Acupuncture
Tui Na, Japanese Acupuncture diagnostic methods, and Japanese Acupuncture techniques.
Clinical Training
More than 660 supervised hours through Grand Rounds, Clinic Assistantship, and three trimesters of patient care.
Physical Arts & Professional Development
Tai Chi, Yoga or Qi Gong, Practice Management, Medical Ethics, and Research Methodology.
Academic Pathways
Continue, Advance, or Enter From Massage Therapy.
Pathway decisions are based on transcript review, course equivalency, admission requirements, and academic approval.
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 acupuncture 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.
Request a Transfer EvaluationAdditional Herbal Specialization Credits
Graduates may return for the Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, with 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.
Explore Herbal MedicineThe 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 — BPS/MS · Graduate School of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Program Purpose
The program provides comprehensive education and training in acupuncture through the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Acupuncture. 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 program.
Program Goals
Three Connected Goals.
Knowledge, ethical responsibility, and professional readiness frame the program’s educational goals.
Knowledge & Professionalism
Acupuncture knowledge and skillsProfessional formationPreparation for independent examinations
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Provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to become highly qualified acupuncture practitioners capable of passing the licensure and certification examinations required in New York and other states.
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.
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.
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.
Clinical Competence
Acupuncture and adjunctive therapiesClinical technique and patient careSelf-care and preventive-care principles
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Implement acupuncture treatments and adjunctive therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, electroacupuncture, gua sha, and tui na, while emphasizing self-care and preventative care through physical arts, diet, and lifestyle.
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.
Course of Study
A Clear 145-Credit Sequence.
2,835 program hours, with full-time and part-time enrollment options.
3 academic years145 degree creditsFull-time study sequence
Available for other obligationsIndividualized credit paceSix-year completion maximum
Outside the degree totalA&P I–II and ChemistryComplete in year one with C or better
Curriculum Map
Traditional Chinese MedicineAcupuncture TechniquesWestern Biomedical SciencesAsian BodyworkPhysical ArtsProfessional DevelopmentClinical TrainingInside NYCHP
Classroom and Clinic Learning.
Swipe through authentic NYCHP classroom, clinic, faculty, and academic partnership photos.
Tuition, Licensing & Certification
Program Costs, Clinical Education, and Independent Requirements.
Licensure and certification require separate applications, examinations, approvals, and fees.
Tuition & Payment
Undergraduate and graduate rates, mandatory fees, institutional scholarships, and installment options vary by course and term. Request the current complete schedule.
Call Student Financial ServicesClinical Education
Students complete more than 660 supervised hours, progressing from Grand Rounds and Clinic Assistantship to three trimesters of patient care.
Meet Our FacultyNCBAHM Examinations
Acupuncture certification uses three modules: Acupuncture with Point Location, Foundations of Oriental Medicine, and Biomedicine. Eligibility and passage are not guaranteed.
Visit NCBAHMClean Needle Technique
CCAHM administers the CNT examination. The current program page requires passage during the second year before entry into the teaching clinics.
Visit CCAHMNew York State Licensure Requirements +
Completion of the program meets New York’s educational requirement but does not itself confer a license. Applicants must satisfy all current independent requirements.
- File an application with the New York State Education Department.
- Satisfactorily complete a NYSED-registered acupuncture program or equivalent education.
- Meet experience requirements under the Commissioner's regulations.
- Pass the NCBAHM examinations required under the Commissioner's regulations.
- Pass the Clean Needle Technique examination.
- Be at least 21 years old and meet NYSED good-moral-character requirements.
- Complete nine college credits in the biosciences and hold current CPR and First Aid certification as required.
- Pay current fees. NYSED currently lists a $788 initial total fee and a $288 re-registration fee; verify fees before applying.
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 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 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.
NCBAHM
1199 N. Fairfax St., Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314
(888) 381-1140ncbahm.org ↗ACAHM
500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, MN 55331
(952) 212-2434acahm.org ↗CCAHM
9615 E. County Line Rd., Suite B-584, Centennial, CO 80112
(410) 464-6040ccahm.org ↗NYSED
89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3817 ext. 260opunit2@nysed.govop.nysed.gov ↗NECHE
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425-7785neche.org ↗Ready to Learn More?
Speak With Admissions About Acupuncture.
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.