Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization

The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) degree program offered at NUNM is a life-changing journey on the path of the acupuncture and Chinese medicine scholar-practitioner.

The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) is a four-year degree program that incorporates the Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MAcCHM). Students cultivate the capacity to access the profound healing knowledge and ancient wisdom found in classical medical texts.

Immersion within the ancient texts helps our students develop the required competencies to integrate classical wisdom, skills and values into today’s healthcare system through effective communication and collaboration—assuring enhanced clinical outcomes.

Scholar-Mentor Approach to Becoming a Doctor of Acupuncture

The College of Classical Chinese Medicine emphasizes education through a scholar-mentor approach and clinical practice designed to transmit the art, science and spirit of Chinese medicine. Our programs deliver the most comprehensive training in classical Chinese medicine offered within the U.S.

As a DAcCHM graduate, you’ll also receive an MAcCHM degree. Both degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and qualify you to apply for licensure, and to take all of the AOM examinations administered by NCCAOM—used in most states as the basis for licensure.

NUNM’s College of Classical Chinese Medicine believes that the brilliance of biomedicine is most powerfully applied within the context of whole-systems science, and that Chinese medicine can only truly flourish when understood and applied according to its own precepts and tenets. This approach is in conscious contrast to the modern trend of interpreting Chinese medicine from the biomedical perspective.

What is the relationship between classical Chinese medicine and TCM? Perspectives on “TCM” and Classical Chinese Medicine—A Comparative Outlook.

Alumni Story

A confident practitioner: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Elizabeth Rowan, DSOM (’17), reflects on the depths of NUNM’s classical Chinese medicine program.

Watch more videos about our classical Chinese medicine programs

Learn more

Program News

Faculty Highlight

Joon Hee Lee

Joon Hee Lee, DAOM, LAc

“Classical texts are the source and origin of classical Chinese medicine. I feel very fortunate to be able to study and teach them. They are not just theoretical discourses, but very practical clinical manuals. I apply them in clinic and am often amazed by the effectiveness of original instructions in the classics.”

Dr. Joon Hee Lee is fluent in classical literary Chinese and continues to discover wisdom and insights from the classical texts. He is also knowledgeable in the literature from Korea and Japan, and well-informed in the medical traditions of these East Asian countries. Dr. Lee completed his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree at Samra University of Oriental Medicine in Los Angeles, California, in 2004; and Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2010.

Dr. Lee has been with NUNM since 2011, and teaches both academic and clinical courses. “I really enjoy teaching and helping students achieve their goals. I love our students. They are motivated to learn, and come with genuinely warm hearts to help other people.”

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