Doctor of Acupuncture Program Overview
Deepen your understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as you study to become a Doctor of Acupuncture and gain advanced skills in diagnostic studies and collaborative and integrative care. You will also gain additional skills in research literacy and professional development.
This degree allows you to enter at the entry-level and achieve a masters and doctorate in acupuncture. No applying for your doctorate after finishing your master’s degree! This acupuncture program includes robust clinical training at both our teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and our off-site community care clinics.
Acupuncture School Highlights
47
number of states (including DC) that legally recognize acupuncture
1,004
minimum number of total clinical training hours before graduation
44
number of preceptor hours shadowing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine professionals in their private practices
Acupuncture Program Details
- Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 135 quarter credits.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Grade C or higher in prerequisite courses
Reference our curriculum table for full prerequisites.
Undergraduate Entry Option
In addition to the prerequisites, applicants who plan to start the program without an awarded bachelor’s degree must also complete the following General education requirements:
- English Literature and Composition - 9 quarter credits
- Speech Communication or Public Speaking - 3 quarter credits
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics - 9 quarter credits
- Arts and Humanities - 15 quarter credits
- Social Sciences - 15 quarter credits
- Electives - 70 quarter credits
Recommended Elective Courses
For students entering the program without a bachelor's degree, the following are strongly recommended courses to take while completing your general education requirements:
- Anatomy
- Chinese Language (Mandarin)
- Physiology
- Chinese History/Culture/Philosophy
- Organic Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Business
- Cellular Biology
- Marketing
Want to know which classes fulfill these prerequisites? Check the General Education Requirements breakdown.
Bastyr accepts graduate and undergraduate transfer credits earned at accredited colleges and universities. Learn what you need to make this process go smoothly.
For more information, visit Financial Aid.
Graduates of Basytr’s DAc program are presented with a variety of opportunities to become a respected healer in both conventional and natural medicine circles.
- Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) in private practice
- Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) with a collaborative patient care model with other private practice practitioners
- Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) within an integrative clinic or collaborative clinic
Join Our Integrative Health Community
As a DAc student, you’ll have the opportunity to leave campus and serve at one of our community care clinics. You'll serve patients that might otherwise not have access to acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), including seniors, low-income, and immigrant communities.
Angela Tseng
DAOM, LAc
Dr. Tseng has been an acupuncturist since 1999. After graduating from Bastyr University with her Master of Science in Acupuncture (1999) and Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine (2000),…
Sara Johanna Bayer
DAOM, MA, LAc, LMP
Sara's past experience was as an instructor and clinical supervisor at various institutions including California Acupuncture Institute, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Northwest…
Kathleen Lumiere
DAOM, MAc, LAc
Dr. Lumiere began an acupuncture program for low-income patients at the 45th Street Medical Clinic in 2000. She has taught as an adjunct faculty member and clinical supervisor at Bastyr…
