The Master of Acupuncture (MAc) curriculum at the National University of Natural Medicine is designed to blend scholarship and practice, nurturing a generation of clinical practitioners deeply rooted in the art, science, and spirit of classical Chinese medicine (CCM). This in-person program starts by providing a strong foundation in CCM, including an immersive retreat to enhance cultural sensitivity and appreciation. Throughout the program, students delve into the art and science of acupuncture, moxibustion, Asian bodywork, qigong, and nutrition.
As a MAc student at NUNM uou will also receive training in Western biomedical sciences to complement your CCM education. The program emphasizes personal and professional development, equipping you with the skills to run a successful practice that aligns with your values. Additionally, the curriculum includes clinical rotations at the NUNM Health Center and community clinics providing hands-on, real-world experience, as well as an in-depth exploration of Chinese diagnostic techniques, symbolism, and cosmology.
2025-26 MAc Curriculum
Below is the 2025-26 curriculum for the three-year Master of Acupuncture program. For the current curriculum and course descriptions, visit the Course Catalog.
Year One, Fall
Course #
Course
Hours
Credits
CM511
Foundations of CCM I
24
2
CM611
Cosmology and Symbolism I
24
2
CM513
Acu-Moxa Points I
24
2
CM514
Acu-Moxa Techniques I
24
1.5
CM515
Palpation and Perception I
24
1.5
CM617
Survey of Western Medicine I
24
2
CM819
Taiji I Practicum
18
1
CM699
Immunology
36
3
Shiatsu I
30
1.25
CM551
Business of Chinese Medicine I
18
1.5
CM530
Introduction to Clinic
18
1.5
First Year Fall Totals
264
19.25
Year One, Winter
Course #
Course
Hours
Credits
CM500
Observation I
24.00
1.00
CM521
Foundations of CCM II
24.00
2.00
CM501
Professional Development 1
18.00
0.75
CM562
Chinese Diagnostic Techniques I
24.00
1.50
CM523
Acu-Moxa Points II
24.00
2.00
CM524
Acu-Moxa Techniques II
24.00
1.50
CM525
Palpation and Perception II
24.00
1.50
CM627
Survey of Western Medicine II
48.00
4.00
CM829
Taiji II Practicum
18.00
1.00
Shiatsu II
30.00
1.25
IM643
Physics of the Human Body
24.00
2.00
First Year Winter Totals
240.00
18.50
Year One, Spring
Course #
Course
Hours
Credits
CM531
Foundations of CCM III
24.00
2.00
CM572
Chinese Diagnostic Techniques II
24.00
1.50
CM533
Acu-Moxa Points III
24.00
2.00
CM534
Acu-Moxa Techniques III
36.00
2.00
CM535
Palpation and Perception III
24.00
1.50
CM637
Survey of Western Medicine III
48.00
4.00
CM599
Evidence Informed Practice
24.00
2.00
CM839
Taiji III Practicum
18.00
1.00
Shiatsu III
30.00
1.25
First Year Spring Totals
252.00
17.25
FIRST YEAR TOTALS
756.00
55.00
Year Two, Fall
Course #
Course
Hours
Credits
CM612
Pathology: Symptom Patterns and Disease Triggers in Chinese Medicine I
24
2
CMA712
Clinical Medicine I
36
3
CM613
Acu-Moxa Points IV
24
2
CM614
Acu-Moxa Techniques IV
36
2
Western Pharmacology and Biochemistry
30
2.5
OAC523
Tuina I
24
1.25
CM717
Survey of Western Medicine IV
48
4
CM710
Clinical Case Presentation I
24
1
CM600
Clinical Observation II Rotation
48
2
Second Year Fall Total
294
19.75
Year Two, Winter
Course #
Course
Hours
Credits
CM612
Pathology: Symptom Patterns and Disease Triggers in Chinese Medicine I
24
2
CMA712
Clinical Medicine I
36
3
CM613
Acu-Moxa Points IV
24
2
CM614
Acu-Moxa Techniques IV
36
2
Western Pharmacology and Biochemistry
30
2.5
OAC523
Tuina I
24
1.25
CM717
Survey of Western Medicine IV
48
4
CM710
Clinical Case Presentation I
24
1
CM600
Clinical Observation II Rotation
48
2
Second Year Fall Total
294
19.75
Year Two, Spring
Course #
Course
Hours
Credits
CM632
Pathology: Symptom Patterns and Disease Triggers in Chinese Medicine III