Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization

The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM, formerly known as DSOM) program offers a life-changing journey on the path of the acupuncture and Chinese medicine scholar-practitioner. Over four years, you’ll delve into the rich tapestry of classical Chinese medicine (CCM), utilizing the wisdom of ancient texts to meet modern healthcare demands. By immersing yourself in classical medical texts, you’ll cultivate the capacity to access profound healing knowledge, enhancing your clinical outcomes through effective communication and collaboration.

Our unique scholar-mentor approach at the College of Classical Chinese Medicine will guide you through the most comprehensive training in CCM available in the United States. Upon graduation, students will hold both a DAcCHM and a MAcCHM degree.

By the Numbers

Program Length Icon

Program Length:
4 years

Total Credits:
226.25

Total Hours

Total Hours:
3,930

Per Credit Cost Icon

Per Credit Cost:
$504

Learn more:

Accreditation & Licensure

NUNM is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The DAcCHM program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), qualifying graduates to sit for the national board examinations administered by NCCAOM, the basis for acupuncture licensure in most states.

Contact Us

Questions about the program or application process? Contact NUNM Admissions today!

FAQ

Heiner Fruehauf, founder of the College of Classical Chinese Medicine at NUNM has written the introduction to Liu Lihong’s book, Classical Chinese Medicine, which represents the culmination of a 10 year project that Heiner has been overseeing. This influential book has been translated into English and communicates what is so unique and special about the nature of NUNM’s College of Classical Chinese Medicine. Read Heiner’s introduction and explore the difference in education from a classical Chinese medicine (CCM) program, compared to a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) program. Read more
No, as a private, non-state institution, tuition is the same for residents and non-residents.


Program News

Faculty Highlight

Xiaoli Chen, Doctor of Medicine (China), LAc

“As a teacher, I want to pass along to my students classical Chinese medicine theories and practices, starting where Chinese medicine begins: at the roots. When you go to the roots, you really understand; you have a better way to absorb the essence of our work.” Dr. Chen’s practice is, for her, a calling. “Using Chinese medicine to heal wounds, treat illness, and prevent diseases is my holy mission. My intention is to always practice with a kind heart.”

Dr. Chen earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in Acupuncture at China’s Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and teaching hospital, where she taught and practiced for many years. At NUNM, she teaches acupuncture and moxibustion, and supervises observers and interns on teaching shifts at the NUNM Clinic. Dr. Chen treats a wide variety of conditions at NUNM’s clinics and in her private practice at Kwan-Yin Healing Arts Center using acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, diet, qigong and Chinese massage.

An award-winning researcher, Dr. Chen has written three books and published extensively in professional journals. Her research has included a case series on depression associated with menopause and an NUNM Helfgott Research Institute project on the effects of adjunctive acupuncture in the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia (a voice disorder).

Program Options

The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization program may be taken concurrently with the following programs.

  • DAcCHM

    Admissions Requirements for DAcCHM

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

    A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

    Prerequisite Courses

    Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

    General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
    General Chemistry 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
    Physics 1 Must include mechanics.
    Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    • General Biology — 1 Course
      Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
    • General Chemistry — 1 Course
      Science-major level preferred with lab.
    • Physics — 1 Course
      Must include mechanics.
    • Psychology — 1 Course
      Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    • Humanities — 1 Course
      Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Documents and Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the DAcCHM Program

    • Resume

      A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

    • Personal Statement

      Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants. (double spaced)

    • DAcCHM #1

      Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the DAcCHM Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.

    Estimated Program Cost

    First-Year Tuition & Fees for DAcCHM*
    Credits 58.5
    Cost/Credit $504
    Tuition $29,484
    Fees** $1,810
    Total $31,294

    * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2023-2024 academic year.

    ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the DAcCHM program.

    Total DAcCHM Degree Credits

    • Core program credits

      256.25

    • Elective credits

      10

    • Total required credits

      266.25

    • DAcCHM/MScGH

      Admissions Requirements for DAcCHM/MScGH

      Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

      A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

      Prerequisite Courses

      Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

      General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
      General Chemistry 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
      Physics 1 Must include mechanics.
      Mathematics 1 Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
      Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
      Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
      Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
      • General Biology — 1 Course
        Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
      • General Chemistry — 1 Course
        Science-major level preferred with lab.
      • Physics — 1 Course
        Must include mechanics.
      • Mathematics — 1 Course
        Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
      • Psychology — 1 Course
        Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
      • Humanities — 1 Course
        Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
      • Social Science — 1 Course
        Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

      A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

      Documents and Essays

      Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

      Required Documents and Essays for the DAcCHM/MScGH Program

      • Resume

        A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

      • Personal Statement

        Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants. (double spaced)

      • DAcCHM #1

        Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the DAcCHM Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.

      • MScGH Personal Statement

        Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree. (2000 words max, double spaced)

      Estimated Program Cost

      First-Year Tuition & Fees for DAcCHM*
      Credits 58.5
      Cost/Credit $504
      Tuition $29,484
      Fees** $1,810
      Total $31,294

      * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2023-2024 academic year.

      ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the DAcCHM program.

      The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

      Total DAcCHM Degree Credits

      • Core program credits

        256.25

      • Elective credits

        10

      • Total required credits

        266.25

        Total MScGH Degree Credits

        • Core program credits

          50

        • Elective credits

          12

        • Total required credits

          62

        • DAcCHM/MScN

          Admissions Requirements for DAcCHM/MScN

          Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

          A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

          Prerequisite Courses

          Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

          General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
          General Chemistry 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
          Physics 1 Must include mechanics.
          Mathematics 1 Algebra or Statistics preferred.
          Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
          Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
          • General Biology — 1 Course
            Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
          • General Chemistry — 1 Course
            Science-major level preferred with lab.
          • Physics — 1 Course
            Must include mechanics.
          • Mathematics — 1 Course
            Algebra or Statistics preferred.
          • Psychology — 1 Course
            Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
          • Humanities — 1 Course
            Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.

          A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

          Documents and Essays

          Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

          Required Documents and Essays for the DAcCHM/MScN Program

          • Resume

            A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

          • Personal Statement

            Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants. (double spaced)

          • DAcCHM #1

            Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the DAcCHM Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.

          • MScN: Career Goals

            Speaking to your background in nutrition, interests, and philosophy around nutrition, please share how you plan to use nutrition in your career. (maximum of 1,600 words, double spaced)

          Estimated Program Cost

          First-Year Tuition & Fees for DAcCHM*
          Credits 58.5
          Cost/Credit $504
          Tuition $29,484
          Fees** $1,810
          Total $31,294

          * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2023-2024 academic year.

          ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the DAcCHM program.

          The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

          Total DAcCHM Degree Credits

          • Core program credits

            256.25

          • Elective credits

            10

          • Total required credits

            266.25

            Total MScN Degree Credits

            • Core program credits

              52

            • Elective credits

              12

            • Total required credits

              64

            • DAcCHM/MSCR

              Admissions Requirements for DAcCHM/MSCR

              Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

              A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

              Prerequisite Courses

              Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

              General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
              General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab.
              Physics 1 Must include mechanics.
              Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics.
              English Composition 1
              Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
              Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
              Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
              • General Biology — 1 Course
                Science-major level preferred with lab.
              • General Chemistry — 2 Courses
                Science-major level preferred with lab.
              • Physics — 1 Course
                Must include mechanics.
              • Mathematics — 2 Courses
                Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics.
              • English Composition — 1 Course
              • Psychology — 1 Course
                Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
              • Humanities — 1 Course
                Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
              • Social Science — 1 Course
                Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

              A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

              Documents and Essays

              Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

              Required Documents and Essays for the DAcCHM/MSCR Program

              • Resume

                A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

              • Personal Statement

                Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants. (double spaced)

              • DAcCHM #1

                Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the DAcCHM Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.

              • MSCR: Background and Goals

                Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research. (maximum of 1,600 words, double spaced)

              Estimated Program Cost

              First-Year Tuition & Fees for DAcCHM*
              Credits 58.5
              Cost/Credit $504
              Tuition $29,484
              Fees** $1,810
              Total $31,294

              * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2023-2024 academic year.

              ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the DAcCHM program.

              The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

              Total DAcCHM Degree Credits

              • Core program credits

                256.25

              • Elective credits

                10

              • Total required credits

                266.25

                Total MSCR Degree Credits

                • Core program credits

                  57

                • Elective credits

                  9

                • Total required credits

                  66