MAcCHM Degree Program
3 year, 3,075 hour, 165 credit, Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine specialization (MAcCHM)
The Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MAcCHM) at Colorado Chinese Medicine University (CCMU) is a comprehensive 3-year, 3,075-hour program totaling 165 credits. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) and approved by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE).
Program Highlights:
- Focus Areas: This program integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices—including acupuncture, Tui-na (therapeutic massage), internal medicine (Chinese herbal medicine), Chinese nutrition, and energetic exercises like Qigong and Taiji—with foundational Western medical knowledge.
Curriculum Structure:
- Year 1:
- TCM Fundamentals: Introduction to core theories, including concepts of energy, health, and disease etiology.
- Acupuncture Training: Courses in Acupuncture Meridian and Point Theory with Practicum, covering channels, acupoint classifications, locations, and uses.
- Clinical Exposure: Participation in clinical diagnosis forums begins in the third trimester.
- Practical Skills: Training in Tui-na to develop palpation skills, followed by traditional acupuncture and moxibustion techniques.
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Introduction to Chinese Materia Medica, studying individual herbs and related theories.
- Biosciences: Courses include Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Surface Anatomy, Introduction to Biology, and Introduction to Chemistry.
- Year 2:
- Advanced TCM Studies: Application of TCM theory to understand disease processes, formulation of treatment principles, and development of Acumoxa treatment plans.
- Clinical Practice: Supervised clinical practice begins, with students responsible for all aspects of patient care.
- Specialized Courses: In-depth Acumoxa treatments for musculoskeletal conditions and advanced Chinese herbal medicine studies.
- Year 3:
- Integration and Proficiency: Focus on integrating knowledge and skills, preparing for proficiency exams, and enhancing clinical competencies.
Program Benefits:
- Accelerated Timeline: Completion in 36 months allows graduates to enter the workforce sooner, reducing educational costs and financial aid debt.
- Licensure Preparation: Graduates are eligible for NCCAOM certification in acupuncture and state licensure, enabling them to begin private practice without the expense of setting up a Chinese herbal pharmacy.
- Flexible Learning Environment: The program is designed to accommodate working adults, offering part-time options in a supportive environment focusing on body, mind, and spirit.
Additional Information:
- Transfer Opportunities: Students can transfer between the MAc and MAcCHM programs with appropriate prerequisites and a program transfer fee.
- Licensure Considerations: The MAcCHM program meets the criteria for licensure in states requiring Chinese herbal medicine education. Prospective students should refer to licensing disclosure or consult the school’s Registrar Office for specific licensure requirements.
Program Category Totals
- Biosciences 540 hours / 36 credits
- TCM Theory & Technique 990 hours / 58.5 credits
- Miscellaneous 90 hours / 6 credits
- Observation 150 hours / 5 credits
- Chinese Herbal Medicine 480 hours / 32 credits
- Clinics:
- Acupuncture 645 hours / 21.5 credits
- Chinese Herbal 180 hours / 6 credits
- See Catalog
Total 3,075 hours / 165 credits
