MSAHM

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Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM)
4 Academic Years, 204.5 units, 3562.5 hours

The Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM) program at Oikos University is a comprehensive four-year professional degree designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Asian medical practices. It comprises 204.5 credit units, including 2572.5 hours of didactic and laboratory training and 990 hours of supervised clinical practice. The curriculum includes basic sciences, Asian medicine principles, acupuncture, herbal medicine, biomedicine, patient assessment, case management, practice management, public health, and clinical practice. The training emphasizes theoretical and practical competencies needed to diagnose and treat patients using holistic and integrative approaches. The program fosters a strong foundation in both Eastern and Western medical principles, enabling graduates to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and provide comprehensive care for diverse patient populations. The program is rooted in the humanitarian medical values and spiritual integrity, which are used to prepare students to serve the community.

Graduates pursue careers as licensed acupuncturists, herbalists, educators, researchers, wellness experts, health consultants, authors, and more. Career opportunities include working in private practice, healthcare settings, hospitals, community clinics, sports and fitness settings/teams, corporate wellness, educational/research institutions, government organizations, pharmacological/herbal companies, and even cruise ships.

MSAHM Program Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM) program is to prepare knowledgeable, competent, ethical, and compassionate practitioners of acupuncture and herbal medicine who are capable of providing safe, effective, patient-centered care to diverse communities.
Through comprehensive education in Asian medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine, biomedical sciences, clinical assessment, case management, research, public health, and supervised clinical practice, the program prepares students to integrate traditional Asian medical principles with contemporary healthcare knowledge and to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
Consistent with the mission and values of Oikos University, the program promotes lifelong learning, professional integrity, humanitarian service, and spiritual development, preparing graduates to contribute responsibly to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

MSAHM Program Goals

The MSAHM program seeks to:

  1. Develop competent acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioners with a strong foundation in Asian medicine theory, diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and related therapeutic modalities.
  2. Prepare students for safe and effective clinical practice through progressive, supervised clinical education that develops competency in patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment delivery, documentation, follow-up care, and appropriate referral. The curriculum provides 990 hours of clinical education progressing from observation and assistantship through internship and senior internship.
  3. Integrate Asian and Western medical knowledge by developing students’ understanding of biomedical sciences, physical examination, laboratory and imaging studies, pharmacology, psychology, clinical specialties, and case management alongside Asian medicine principles and practices.
  4. Promote patient safety, ethical practice, and professional responsibility by preparing students to recognize clinical red flags, practice within appropriate professional boundaries, respond appropriately to emergencies, and make timely referrals when necessary.
  5. Develop effective healthcare communication and collaboration skills so graduates can communicate appropriately with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders and participate effectively in interdisciplinary healthcare environments.
  6. Prepare graduates to serve diverse individuals and communities through education in public health, cultural awareness, patient-centered care, disease prevention, health promotion, and attention to the needs of the communities they serve.
  7. Foster evidence-informed practice and lifelong learning by developing students’ ability to critically evaluate medical literature, understand research methods, apply relevant evidence to patient care, and continue their professional development throughout their careers. The curriculum specifically incorporates research design, critical analysis, evidence-based practice, statistical literacy, and research ethics.
  8. Develop ethical and sustainable healthcare professionals who understand practice management, regulatory compliance, healthcare documentation, risk management, and the responsibilities associated with operating or participating in professional healthcare practices.
  9. Cultivate compassion, integrity, and service by promoting respect for human dignity, ethical decision-making, humanitarian medical values, and the spiritual principles of Oikos University in the care of patients and communities. This directly reflects the existing PLO language concerning empathy, integrity, human dignity, humanitarian principles, and service to the community.

Program Learning Objectives (PLOs)

Upon completing the program, students will be skilled and confident healthcare providers in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Asian medicine, possessing the following knowledge and skills:

  1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Asian medicine theories, systems, and methodologies, including historical foundations and contemporary applications, with a well-rounded understanding of core themes, principles, and frameworks.
  2. Integrate basic sciences and Western medical concepts—such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and psychology—with Asian medicine principles to improve diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy in clinical settings. Demonstrate an understanding of public health principles and epidemiology, applying this knowledge to serve diverse communities, address health disparities, and promote wellness.
  3. Apply both Western and Asian diagnostic techniques, including patient history-taking, physical exams, imaging, and lab diagnostics, to create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency in acupuncture and herbal medicine clinical techniques, including meridian palpation, point selection, and therapeutic strategies, as well as a thorough knowledge of using individual herbs, formulas, and pharmacological interactions for safe, effective patient care.
  5. Demonstrate clinical competencies in all phases of patient assessment and treatment. Follow the Clean Needle Technique, adhere to safety protocols, and show awareness of clinical red flags and emergency response/referral strategies to ensure patient safety across treatment settings.
  6. Cultivate practical communication skills to articulate treatment rationale clearly and collaborate successfully within multidisciplinary healthcare settings, enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.
  7. Exhibit empathy, integrity, and respect for human dignity in all patient interactions, using medical ethics and counseling skills to support patient-centered, holistic healing and build therapeutic rapport. Uphold Christian principles and spiritual integrity while providing compassionate care that serves the church and the community and promoting holistic well-being.
  8. Engage in lifelong learning and professional development, applying evidence-based practices, contributing to research, and developing practice management skills to maintain a successful, ethical healthcare practice.

Program Requirements
General Admission Requirements
Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree or Credits:
    • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited American institution or
    • Completion of at least 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) from an accredited U.S. institution, or
    • A foreign bachelor’s degree is evaluated as equivalent to U.S. credits by a NACES member.
  • Official Transcripts from all higher educational institutions attended.
  • Prerequisite Coursework
    • General Biology: 3 units/credits
    • Chemistry: 3 units/credits
    • General Physics: 3 units/credits
    • General Psychology: 3 units/credits
    • Anatomy and Physiology: 5 units/credits

Note: These prerequisites may also be completed concurrently at Oikos University.

Application Requirements

  • Application Form
  • Personal Statement (1,000 words): Covering academic, work, and spiritual background; motivation for studying acupuncture and Asian medicine; and goals for five years post-graduation.
  • Professional Resume: Detailing educational background, work experience, awards, honors, and extracurricular activities.
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Government-issued photo ID

Recommendation Letters

  • Three Letters: At least one from an undergraduate professor and two from other professionals, such as faculty members, church leaders, mentors, supervisors, licensed acupuncturists, healthcare professionals, etc.
  • Letters from family or friends are not accepted.

Additional Requirements for International Students

  • Financial Statements
  • English Proficiency Test
    • TOEFL iBT: scoring a 60 or higher
    • IELTS: scoring a 6.0 or higher

Additional Requirements for Transfer Students

  • Statement of Purpose: Explaining the reason for the transfer.
  • Letter of recommendation: One additional recommendation letter from a faculty member at your current acupuncture school.
  • Course List and Syllabi: For courses intended for transfer credit.

Interview Requirements
Once we have received all application materials, we will contact you to schedule an online interview.

Admission Decisions
The admissions committee and the school will carefully review each application with a thoughtful and holistic approach, considering academic and personal achievements. Every aspect of an applicant’s profile, including educational background, spiritual background, experiences, and potential commitment to the field, will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure alignment with the program’s values and goals. The school aims to admit candidates who are not only well-prepared for the program’s rigors but also demonstrate the potential to become compassionate and effective practitioners. Admission decisions will be made through email.

Graduation Requirements
Academic Credit and Residency Requirements

  • Completion of 204.5 total credit units, equivalent to 3562.5 hours, including:
    • Didactic and Laboratory: 171.5 units, 2572.5 hours
      • Basic Sciences 24 units, 360 hours
      • Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Principles, Theories, and Treatment 94 units, 1410 hours
      • Clinical Medicine (Western Medicine, Patient Assessment, and Diagnosis) 16 units, 240 hours
      • Case Management 6 units, 90 hours
      • Practice Management 3 units, 45 hours
      • Public Health 3.5 units, 52.5 hours
      • Professional Development 4 units, 60 hours
      • Review & Preparation 12 units, 180 hours
      • Bible and Theology 9 units, 135 hours
    • Clinical Practice: 33 units, 990 hours, including observation, diagnosis, evaluation, supervised practice, grand rounds, and integrative rounds
      • Clinical Observation and Assistantship: Minimum of 180 hours
      • Supervised Clinical Practice (Internship and Senior Internship): Minimum of 720 hours
      • Total Patient Count: Minimum of 810 patients
    • Residency Requirement: Minimum of three (3) academic years (9 semesters) as a full-time matriculated student in the program

Grades and GPA Requirement

      • Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all courses in the program
      • No incomplete, withdrawn, or failed classes
      • Capstone Course Requirement: Grade of “B” (3.0) or higher in the Review & Preparation classes

Financial and Administrative Requirements

      • Financial Clearance: All administration, clinic, and library accounts must be settled before graduation
      • Exit Interview: Required with the financial officer or finance advisor, if applicable, to confirm academic standing and clear financial obligations
      • Notification of Examination Intent: Students must notify the administration of their intent to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE)

Professional Licensure Disclosure
Graduates of the MSAHM program will be eligible to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE). Upon meeting all applicable requirements of the California Acupuncture Board, including successful completion of the CALE, graduates may pursue licensure and practice as licensed acupuncturists in the State of California. Oikos University’s MSAHM program is currently undergoing the accreditation process with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). The MSAHM program is not currently accredited by ACAHM. At this time, students enrolled in the MSAHM program are not eligible to take the national certification examinations administered by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) based on enrollment in or graduation from the MSAHM program. Oikos University’s MSAHM program does not meet the educational requirements for acupuncture licensure in any other U.S. state or jurisdiction besides California. Graduates should not assume that completion of the MSAHM program qualifies them for licensure in any U.S. state outside California. For additional information regarding individual state licensure, please visit https://www.ncbahm.org/state-licensure.

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