Acupuncture Schools and Accreditation: What the Degrees Involve
What ACAHM accreditation means, the master's and doctoral degree names, how many hours programs involve, and how accreditation differs from a license. No schools are listed or ranked.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What this page covers
Acupuncture training in the United States is offered in schools that may or may not be accredited. This page explains the accreditor, degree names and typical requirements as read from official sources. It does not list, rank or recommend schools. Licensing is a separate step; see acupuncture licensing and training.Who accredits acupuncture programs
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) is a specialized accreditation agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Its recognized scope covers professional non-degree and graduate degree programs, including professional doctoral programs, in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. [1] NCCIH likewise says the Department of Education has authorized the commission, under its earlier name, to accredit acupuncture programs. [2]ACAHM was previously named the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM); the name changed in June 2021. [1] Older documents and some state pages still use the earlier name. [3]
What the accreditation statuses mean
ACAHM says initial pre-accreditation is typically granted for three years, and accreditation or reaffirmation lasts no more than seven years before the next full review. [4] It says it does not currently accredit schools outside the United States. [4] Its public directory lists accredited and pre-accredited programs. [5] Ask a school exactly which status it holds, because ACAHM has a separate recognition policy for graduates of programs still in the accreditation process. [4]Degree names
Since 1 January 2024 ACAHM recognizes only these entry-level program names for licensure or national certification: Master of Acupuncture (MAc), Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization (MAcCHM), Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) and Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization (DAcCHM). The advanced practice doctorate is the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM). [6] For what each title means in practice see titles explained.ACAHM adds that:
- entry-level doctoral accreditation standards date from 2013, with the first programs accredited in 2018; [7]
- DAOM programs require, at minimum, completion of an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program for admission; [7]
- these are professional or clinical doctorates, not academic doctorates such as a PhD. [7]
How many hours?
Requirements come from whoever sets the rule, so figures differ:| Who | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NCCAOM (national certification) | Three-year acupuncture program: 1,905 hours, including 660 clinic hours. Four-year program with Chinese herbal medicine: 2,625 hours, including 870 clinic hours. | Handbook, Jan 2024 [8] |
| California (state license exam) | Approved program of at least 3,000 hours of theoretical and clinical training, or a board-approved tutorial of at least 3,798 hours. | Acupuncture Board [9] |
| New York (state license) | ACAHM-accredited or state-registered program, or equivalent: at least 4,050 hours including at least 200 bioscience, 600 acupuncture and 650 supervised clinical hours. | State Education Department [10] |
| Florida (state license) | For applicants after 1 August 2001, an ACAOM candidate or accredited four-year master's-level program, plus listed courses such as 15 hours of supervised universal precautions instruction. | Board of Acupuncture [11] |
Hours are counted differently (contact hours, credits, study hours), so compare totals with care.
Physician training routes
Physicians typically add acupuncture training to a medical degree rather than attending these programs. The American Board of Medical Acupuncture requires at least 300 hours of acupuncture education after medical school for its voluntary certification. [12]If you have a concern about a school
ACAHM says its complaint process starts only after a school's own grievance process is exhausted, and that it will not intervene for individuals in disciplinary matters. [4] It points health concerns, such as clean needle technique, to local or state health departments and state licensing boards. [4]See also TCM education and degrees for the wider Chinese medicine field.
Frequently asked questions
What is ACAHM?
The US Department of Education recognized accreditor for acupuncture and East Asian medicine programs, formerly called ACAOM. [1]
Is a doctorate in acupuncture a medical degree?
No. ACAHM calls its doctorates professional or clinical doctorates, not academic ones, and they are not physician degrees. [7]
Do I need an accredited school to become licensed?
Often, but it varies. Texas accepts US schools accredited by ACAHM, [3] while California approves programs through its own board. [9]
Does ACAHM accredit schools outside the US?
Not at this time. [4]
Can you recommend a school?
No. ACAHM publishes a directory of accredited and pre-accredited programs. [5]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Accreditation is not a license
Graduating from an accredited school does not by itself let you practice. California, for example, requires passing its own exam and does not accept the national exam in place of it. [9] National certification and state licensing are covered in NCCAOM certification and US licensing and licensing by US state. A degree level also does not show how good a practitioner is.
References
- Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). About Us. Read 2026-10-22.
- NCCIH. Credentialing, Licensing, and Education. Read 2026-10-22.
- Texas Medical Board (Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners). Acupuncturist License Application. Read 2026-10-22.
- ACAHM. FAQ. Read 2026-10-22.
- ACAHM. Directory of Accredited/Pre-accredited Programs and Institutions. Read 2026-10-22.
- ACAHM. Program Naming Policy, last updated 23 January 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- ACAHM. Position Paper: ACAHM-Accreditable Doctoral Programs, updated 20 February 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- NCCAOM. Certification Handbook, January 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- California Acupuncture Board. Examination Requirements. Read 2026-10-22.
- New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. License Requirements for Acupuncture. Read 2026-10-22.
- Florida Board of Acupuncture. Licensing: Acupuncturist. Read 2026-10-22.
- American Board of Medical Acupuncture. Requirements for Certification in Medical Acupuncture. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.