Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

What is the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) program?

An entry-level doctoral program that prepares you to practice acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine within an integrative, whole-health model of care. You’ll learn acupuncture, herbal therapy, and Western biomedical sciences like anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and diagnostic imaging.

What makes SCU’s DAcCHM educational approach different?

The program blends conventional and complementary medicine, considering the physical, mental, social, and environmental factors that affect a patient’s health. You’ll also get interprofessional education, learning with and about other healthcare disciplines.

Is a career in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine a good fit for me?

If you’re drawn to whole-person healing and want a rigorous clinical education grounded in science, this field can be a strong fit. You’ll graduate ready to diagnose and treat using both Eastern and Western frameworks, work in varied care settings, or run your own practice.

What skills and competencies will I graduate with?

You’ll be able to formulate Oriental medicine diagnoses, prescribe acupuncture and moxibustion treatments, design herbal formulas, and build more. You’ll also gain skills in evidence-based practice, business management, communication, and interprofessional collaboration.

What are the basic admissions requirements?

You’ll need a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least 90 semester or 135 quarter credits (or a completed bachelor’s degree) from an accredited institution. Visit the Admissions Requirements page for the full list of requirements.

Do I need a completed bachelor’s degree to apply to SCU’s DAcCHM?

No. With at least 90 semester credits, you can enter the DAcCHM directly. With at least 47 credits, you can start in SCU’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (Eastern Medicine concentration) first. Visit the Admissions Requirements page to see which path fits your credits.

Are there English language requirements if I’m an international or non-native English-speaking applicant?

Yes. You can qualify through prior coursework at an English-based institution or by meeting minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores. See the International Students Admissions page for current score requirements.

When should I apply?

Submit your application and documents three to six months before your intended start term. SCU reviews applications on a rolling basis, so applying early helps. Check the application deadlines for upcoming terms.

What if I’m missing a prerequisite or want to improve my GPA before applying?

Take SCU’s prequalified Accelerated Science Courses, completable in as little as five weeks, to fill gaps or boost your GPA.

I already have my MAOM from SCU. Is there a faster path to the doctorate?

Yes. SCU’s Master’s Graduate Transfer Program lets MAOM alumni transfer applicable coursework into the doctoral curriculum, completing the DAcCHM in as little as 12 months, typically up to two years.

How much does SCU’s DAcCHM program cost?

Please see the Tuition and Scholarships page for the current term-by-term breakdown.

Does my tuition rate change while I’m enrolled?

No. SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee locks in your per-credit rate for your program’s length, as long as you stay on track to graduate. Full terms are on the Cost and Affordability page.

Are scholarships or financial aid available for this program?

Yes. You may qualify for federal financial aid, plus SCU scholarships specifically for DAcCHM students, including merit-based awards, an out-of-state scholarship, and a relocation housing scholarship. See SCU’s Graduate Student Aid page for current offerings.

How long does the program take to complete?

It depends on your format:

• Full-time, daytime/evening: about 3 years, 4 months (10 terms)
• Full-time, evening: about 4 years (12 terms)
• Part-time Flex Schedule: typically 4 to 7 years (12 to 20 terms)

What is the Flex Schedule, and is it right for me?

A part-time, blended option letting you progress at your own pace over 12 to 20 terms. Courses run on-ground, blended, and online, with day, evening, and weekend classes, so it fits well around work or family commitments.

What will I study in the DAcCHM curriculum?

Anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical lab diagnosis, pharmacology, nutrition, emergency procedures, Chinese medical theory, acupuncture and meridians, Chinese herbology, business management, and integrative clinical education.

Can I focus my studies in a specific area?

Yes, through Acupuncture Orthopedics (treating neuromuscular conditions with acupuncture and herbs) or Healthy Aging (managing age-related conditions through Chinese and biomedical approaches, lifestyle, and nutrition).

What kind of hands-on clinical experience will I get?

Training starts in year one at SCU’s on-campus health clinics, which see tens of thousands of patient visits annually. You’ll then rotate through SCU Health Clinics and affiliated sites, treating patients under supervision in an integrative care setting.

Will I get hospital or specialty rotations?

Yes. Beyond campus rotations, you may train at affiliated sites like Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). SCU is the only acupuncture school with hospital rotations at CHOC, a nationally ranked teaching hospital.

Is SCU’s DAcCHM program accredited and state-approved?

Yes. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) and approved by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB).

What exams do I need to pass to become a licensed acupuncturist?

The NCBAHM examination and the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE). Passing both, plus meeting state requirements, is required to practice in the U.S.

What kind of careers can I pursue after graduating?

Primary/general care, integrative practices, and specialty practices like orthopedics/sports medicine or women’s health. Many alumni open private practices, and some teach or research.

Is there demand for acupuncturists and what’s the earning potential?

Demand and pay vary by region, specialty, and practice type. Please visit the Careers page for current data from O*Net OnLine for the latest outlook as you plan your career.

Where do SCU graduates end up practicing?

The large majority practice in Southern California which gives you a strong regional network and referral base if you plan to stay local.

Does this career offer flexibility, like the option to run my own practice?

Yes. The curriculum’s practice management courses and clinical operations experience prepare you to “be your own boss” in private practice, building a schedule and business that fits your goals.

Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?

Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.

Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?

Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.

Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?

No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?

You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.