Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM), a discipline that bridges the medicines of East and West, is one of the fastest growing health care professions in America today. Bastyr University, with its broad curriculum and deep respect for both traditional methods and rigorous Western science, is an ideal setting for study in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program (BS/MSA or BS/MSAOM)

Students who have completed at least two years at the undergraduate level (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) have the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree in combination with either the Master of Science in Acupuncture or the Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Master's program prerequisites must also be met prior to matriculation. The bachelor's degree is awarded at the time of graduation from the master's program.
View MSA curriculum.
View MSAOM curriculum.

Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSA)

The MSA provides the didactic and clinical training necessary for eligibility for the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture an Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) board exam, which is the basis for licensing in most states. The MSA program is a three-calendar-year course of study.
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Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM)

The MSAOM is the model comprehensive degree program. It includes all the didactic and clinical training of the MSA but also includes Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese medical language. The MSAOM program is a three-and-a-half-calendar-year course of study.
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Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Doctoral Program (DAOM)

The AOM clinical doctorate was developed to address the current trend of increased collaboration between acupuncturists, physicians and other health care providers. Frequently, the collaboration occurs within a specialty area, and the Bastyr DAOM program focuses on oncology and advanced pain management. These two areas of focus provide excellent opportunities to gain the treatment skills needed for working in integrative settings while learning advanced clinical skills that will directly improve clinical practice. This program of study recognizes the strengths that traditional Chinese medicine contributes to improving the quality of life for both cancer patients and those struggling with chronic pain. The curriculum goes beyond the basic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches obtained at the AOM master's level and provides students with an opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills within a rigorous theoretical framework. The rich academic resources of the university are fully utilized within the DAOM program as students work with highly experienced faculty in TCM, basic sciences and western clinical medicine.

In addition, students develop skills in clinical research and clinical teaching, as well as advanced study in the Chinese medical classics. Course work includes Chinese medical classics, advanced acupuncture techniques, Chinese herbs and therapeutics classes. Basic science classes focus on providing students with a foundation in advanced anatomy, the pathology of cancer and pain, and pharmacological approaches for management of both these conditions. The program of study also includes nutrition and counseling courses and requires a capstone research project. See the Frequently Asked Questions section for additional information.
Visit our DAOM dedicated website.
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Frequently asked questions about this program.

Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine (CCHM)

The Chinese herbal medicine certificate program is designed for those seeking comprehensive training in the field of Chinese herbal medicine. This program is a postgraduate course for licensed acupuncturists.

The CCHM curriculum enables students to gain skills and knowledge in the principles of Chinese herbology, including materia medica, formulations, prepared medicines, dispensary, herbal therapeutics and clinical training at the Chinese herbal medicine teaching clinic. The CCHM curriculum covers a minimum of 300 herbs and other therapeutic substances and a minimum of 150 herbal formulas. Case studies are presented to enhance the learning process. Students also gain skills in understanding drug/herb interactions — a very relevant topic for today’s practitioners. At the conclusion of the certificate program, graduates have enhanced their academic skills through clinical training and have gained the traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic skills to assess and diagnose syndromes relevant to traditional Chinese medicine. They also are prepared to determine and use appropriate Chinese herbal therapies within the appropriate professional scope of practice.
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