Doctor of Acupuncture Completion Track

A degree for the licensed acupuncturist who wants to obtain a higher skill level.

Program Overview

The Doctorate in Acupuncture Completion Track is designed for those who have previously graduated from an ACAHM-accredited master’s program and want to obtain a higher skill level in advanced diagnostic studies, collaborative and integrative care, and professional development.

Deepen your understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and gain advanced skills in diagnostic studies and collaborative and integrative care. Students in this program will be required to be co-enrolled in the Master's program.

Next start date
Location
Seattle
Program Length

1 year (2 quarters)

Credentials Earned

DAc

Cost

$587/credit hour (average)

Program Highlights

47

47 number of states (including DC) that legally recognize acupuncture

1,004

minimum number of total clinical training hours before graduation

44

number of preceptor hours shadowing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine professionals in their private practices

Program Details

GPA 3.0 in master’s degree from an ACAHM accredited or pre-accredited program 

Prerequisites for the DAc Program: A bachelor’s degree and the required prerequisite coursework (minimum GPA 2.75). If without a bachelor’s degree, then must complete the required prerequisite coursework in addition to specific general education requirements, which total a minimum of 135 quarter credits. 

  • General Chemistry with lab (survey level)  - 1 course 
  • General Biology with lab (survey level) - 1 course  
  • Physics - 1 course 
  • General Psychology - 1 course 
  • Intermediate Algebra* - 1 course 

*Intermediate Algebra is not college level, and credits will not transfer towards undergraduate degree completion. 

Undergraduate Entry Option 

In addition to the detailed prerequisites listed above, applicants who plan to start the program without an awarded bachelor’s degree must also complete the following General Education Requirements: 

  • English Literature and Composition  - 9 quarter credits 
  • Speech Communication or Public Speaking - 3 quarter credits 
  • Natural Sciences and Mathematics - 9 quarter credits 
  • Arts and Humanities - 15 quarter credits 
  • Social Sciences - 15 quarter credits 
  • Electives - 70 quarter credits 

Recommended Elective Courses 

For students entering the program without a bachelor's degree, the following are strongly recommended courses to take while completing your general education requirements: 

  • Anatomy 
  • Chinese Language (Mandarin) 
  • Physiology 
  • Chinese History/Culture/Philosophy 
  • Organic Chemistry 
  • Microbiology 
  • Biochemistry 
  • Business 
  • Cellular Biology 
  • Marketing 

Bastyr accepts graduate and undergraduate transfer credits earned at accredited colleges and universities. Learn what you need to make this process go smoothly.

For more information, visit Financial Aid.

Graduates of Basytr’s DAc program are presented with a variety of opportunities to become a respected healer in both conventional and natural medicine circles. 

  • Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) in private practice
  • Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) with a collaborative patient care model with other private practice practitioners
  • Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) within an integrative clinic or collaborative clinic