20 Best Acupuncture Schools in the United States in 2026

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and treat various health conditions. As acupuncture grows increasingly mainstream in the US, more students are seeking accredited training programs to become licensed acupuncturists.

According to the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), there are over 60 accredited acupuncture schools across the country as of 2024. With so many options to choose from, prospective students may feel overwhelmed determining which programs best fit their needs and career aspirations.

This guide profiles the 20 top ACAOM-accredited acupuncture schools in the US based on quality of education, value, hands-on clinical training, career support services, and more.

How We Ranked the Schools

We used a methodology focused on academic excellence and real-world preparation to rank the top acupuncture schools. Some of the key factors we considered include:

• Accreditation: All schools hold regional and ACAOM accreditation.
• Faculty: Schools boast experienced faculty, often with advanced degrees. Many instructors also maintain active practices.
• Curriculum: Programs offer in-depth, hands-on training in acupuncture, herbal remedies, anatomy, physiology, and other traditional Chinese medicine disciplines. Curricula bridge Western and Eastern medical approaches.
• Clinical Training: Schools provide extensive supervised clinical experience in student clinics and offsite externships.
• Success Outcomes: Schools demonstrate exceptional graduate licensing exam pass rates and career placement.
• Facilities/Resources: Modern equipment and abundant learning resources support dynamic hands-on education.
• Research Activity: Robust research agendas advance the field and create opportunities for student participation.

Based on these criteria, these are the recommended acupuncture schools to launch your career.

20 Best Acupuncture Schools in 2024

1. Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (Portland, OR)

Founded in 1983, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) pioneered acupuncture education in the US. OCOM offers Master’s and Doctoral degrees imparting advanced clinical mastery of acupuncture, herbal remedies, and integrative care.

The college is acclaimed for its evidence-based curriculum bridging Western biomedicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students benefit from a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and modern 28,000 square foot teaching clinic hosting 80 treatment rooms. They gain over 1,100 hours of supervised clinical training via 100,000+ annual patient visits.

OCOM has received $8 million in research funding to-date. Its research arm, the Helfgott Research Institute, continually advances healthcare practices.

2. Emperor’s College School of Traditional Oriental Medicine (Santa Monica, CA)

Emperor’s College employs one of the country’s most esteemed faculties with renowned practitioners and researchers shaping its rigorous academic programs. Students obtain Master’s or Doctoral degrees through intensive study of acupuncture theories complemented by extensive practical application.

The school operates two acupuncture clinics offering over 15,000 patient treatments annually. Learners acquire close to 1,000 supervised clinical hours across their education. Emperor’s College partners with UCLA clinics and hospitals to provide additional real-world training.

Emperor’s organizes student exchanges with its sister colleges in Europe and Asia. It also directs students to alumni-run clinics nationwide for job placement assistance after graduation.

3. Bastyr University (Kenmore, WA)

Bastyr University, the largest natural health university in the world, is globally respected for its accredited acupuncture programs bridging Eastern medicine and conventional science.

Students gain proficiency in theoretical concepts and practical skills through the school’s science-based Master’s and Doctoral curricula encompassing herbal therapies, nutrition, counseling, physical medicine, and advanced acupuncture modalities.

The school’s Teaching Clinic offers integrated care across disciplines, welcoming over 30,000 annual patient visits. Learners obtain over 1,100 supervised clinical training hours. Extensive community clinical rotations further enrich experiential learning.

Bastyr‘s research initiatives help define best practices in natural health and integrative care locally and internationally.

4. American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (San Francisco, CA)

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), part of the California Institute of Integral Studies, has been advancing authentic teachings of Chinese medicine for over 40 years.

ACTCM offers highly selective Master’s and Doctoral programs delivered by distinguished faculty. The programs unite essential theories with extensive clinical learning using proven training models from China.

The school provides plentiful hands-on experience across San Francisco Bay clinics. Students gain outstanding preparation either for professional practice or integration with Western treatments.

ACTCM directs several impactful research projects and academic exchanges with top universities in China and Taiwan. Its graduates consistently display exceptional competency and pass rates for California licensing.

5. AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine (Austin, TX)

AOMA Graduate School, renowned for its academic rigor and rich experiential opportunities, is highly ranked for advanced acupuncture education.

The school offers incomparable Master’s and Doctoral curricula guiding students to master the advanced practices of traditional East Asian medicine. Learning concentrates on the intricate interplays of acupuncture, herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and bodywork therapies.

Students obtain over 600 supervised clinical hours within the school’s intern clinic and Austin-area hospital rotations. They serve over 8000 patients annually while developing clinical confidence.

AOMA’s healthcare research institutes add immense value to student development while serving the wider community. The school also has a strong international collaboration, including exchange programs with China’s Chengdu University.

6. Academy for Five Element Acupuncture (Hallandale Beach, FL)

The Academy for Five Element Acupuncture leads with uniquely aligned spirit-based education for the mastery of both acupuncture practice and life itself.

The school pioneers the transformative “Five Element – Conscious Living” educational approach. By aligning students to their highest potential, the school prepares masterful healers to support true vitality in their future clients.

While students gain proficiency in traditional techniques, the Academy’s programs evolve beyond a common professional focus to help learners embody their mind, body, and spirit for compassionate patient care.

Specialized curriculum blankets all aspects of Eastern medical theory along with abundant clinical training to build student competence with confidence and heart-centered guidance to make a meaningful difference.

7. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

The Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine is a hidden gem among US acupuncture schools. Its prestigious Chinese Medicine hospital affiliations across Asia offer graduates unparalleled career opportunities abroad.

The Institute’s renowned Master’s program in Chinese Medicine delivers outstanding classical applications training unavailable in conventional curricula. Expert faculty with international medical backgrounds mentor students in advanced techniques.

Learners gain invaluable knowledge across specialized disciplines like Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. Extensive clinical rounds in the on-campus clinic and externships reinforce real-world competency.

Graduates from Atlantic Institute unlock exclusive career paths within Asia’s premier TCM hospitals and clinics based on formal alliance agreements.

8. Northwestern Health Sciences University (Bloomington, MN)

Northwestern Health Sciences University‘s College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine offers acclaimed Master’s-level training in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture rooted in classical theories adapted to modern integrative care practices.

Renowned faculty provide in-depth understanding of relevant philosophical concepts and healing wisdom from China’s past while advancing TCM applications benefiting today’s patients.

The program stresses hands-on learning and clinical skills reinforced through 500 supervised patient treatments within the University‘s teaching clinic. Students additionally gain exposure across community clinics serving diverse populations.

Extensive interdisciplinary studies allow graduates to converse fluently across medical systems and thrive within integrative care settings. Northwestern‘s holistic, patient-centered education model nurtures graduates able to address complete patient wellbeing.

9. Englander Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (Bernardsville, NJ)

Englander integrates evidence-based education with compassionate care values rarely rivaled by competitors. Their Master’s in Acupuncture program inspires seasoned healers through a rich fusion of scientific and humanities education accentuated with proven Traditional Chinese therapies.

Small classes averaging just 20 students coupled with abundant clinical training foster personal advancement. Learners gain over 1,300 hours of clinical experience across the school’s Teaching Center and prestigious hospital/community externships.

Englander also operates an Acupuncture Clinic providing compassionate, affordable healthcare to local residents which serves as an invaluable clinical training platform. The school holistically nurtures its graduates to reach their true potential while making service-focused contributions.

10. Maryland University of Integrative Health (Laurel, MD)

Maryland University of Integrative Health offers highly tailored Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine integrating holistic care across its Natural Care Center and community wellness partners.

Its world-class faculty lead dynamic classroom and clinical learning applying integrative care models. Comprehensive programs bridge essential Eastern medicine diagnostics and therapeutics with Western scientific understanding for managing complex health conditions.

Students gain invaluable interpersonal and clinical skills via 1,000+ hours of clinical training with over 30,000 annual patient visits. They further benefit from groundbreaking research activities advancing integrative healthcare locally and globally.

11. Pacific College of Health and Science (San Diego, CA)

Pacific College enjoys an outstanding reputation delivering integrative healing education including Master’s degrees in Acupuncture, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and Oriental Medicine.

Its renowned faculty provide unparalleled mastery of Chinese medicine philosophy and hands-on therapies. Specialized curricular concentrations plus NCCAOM certification exam preparation ensure graduates have exceptionally strong licensing and practice establishment prospects.

Students gain over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience across diverse settings including the college’s dynamic teaching clinic hosting 18 treatment rooms. They serve 1,200 patients weekly while developing skills and confidence.

Pacific also partners with local hospitals, clinics, and community organizations facilitating externships. These deepen cultural competencies and understandings of integrative care coordination.

12. Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (Oakland, CA)

For over 35 years, ACCHS has set the standard for classical Chinese medical education in the West. Its prestigious faculty adopt time-proven learning models from China emphasizing proficient application of holistic diagnostics, acupuncture therapies, herbal formulations, nutrition and Qigong self-care.

The school offers two exemplary Master’s programs in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine ensuring graduates have far-reaching capabilities for professional success. Students gain over 1,150 hours of clinical training via the Academy’s high-volume Student Clinic and externships at Oakland’s Highland Hospital, drug treatment programs and community clinics.

Extensive interdisciplinary studies centered in classical Chinese Medicine philosophy help graduates understand complete patient wellbeing and drive transformative outcomes.

13. Ohio College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Cincinnati, OH)

Ohio College of Traditional Chinese Medicine delivers professional Master’s degrees in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine advancing integrated healthcare. Its dedicate faculty mentors foster compassionate aptitude applying evidence-based techniques bridging Eastern and Western clinical models.

Students obtain over 1,250 direct patient treatment hours across the college‘s teaching clinic and facility partnerships. They build clinical skills and confidence serving Cincinnati’s diverse neighborhoods. Ohio College further enables global understanding of TCM via faculty exchanges and student study trips to China.

Robust career planning services help graduates establish rewarding integrative care practices nationwide. Flexible online graduate offerings make OCTCM a choice destination for non-resident students.

14. Alhambra Medical University (Alhambra, CA)

Alhambra Medical University offers premier clinical training in classical Chinese Medicine. Its core Master’s curriculum bridges essential Eastern diagnostics and therapies with Western sciences for managing today’s prevalent chronic illnesses.

Close student-faculty interactions facilitate impactful learning. Graduates unlock opportunities within California’s booming integrative care sector. They further benefit from faculty guidance establishing thriving local practices.

The University Teaching Clinic and Hospital rotations provide over 1,200 supervised clinical hours. Students gain mastery applying customized acupuncture, herbal formulations, cupping, scraping and tissue massage across over 30,000 patient visits annually.

Alhambra Medical University has achieved particular distinction addressing women’s health issues. Students obtain specialized training supporting fertility, pre-natal care, delivery and postpartum recovery integrating both Eastern traditional and modern Western techniques.

15. Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine (Gainesville, FL)

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine offers Florida’s preeminent Master’s-level education in Classical Chinese Medicine with emphasis on fluent assessment, acupuncture therapies and herbal interventions.

Its esteemed faculty provide deep insights into holistic diagnostics and treatment applications from China’s past adapted to 21st century Western healthcare settings. Graduates gain competencies to launch successful integrative care businesses.

Students obtain over 1,200 hours of clinical training via the school’s Teaching Clinic and diverse community externships. They gain proficiency addressing disorders including chronic pain, women’s health issues, autoimmune conditions, cancer support, arthritis, hypertension and more. Global university partnerships enrich cultural perspectives.

16. Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Denver, CO)

The Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine prepares exceptional graduates to provide complete holistic care framed by Classical Chinese Medicine wisdom. Its prestigious four-year Master’s program accentuates proficient needling, herbal formulations, patient counseling and practice development savvy.

Proven curricular models from China focus on specialized clinical competencies including pain management, sports injury, digestive health, gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology and circulatory wellness. Students obtain over 1,000 supervised clinical hours across diverse settings instilling adaptability.

The School directs students in establishing viable Denver-area practices meeting community needs. Ongoing career mentoring and support lifts graduates to achieve their highest potential while delivering compassionate, ethical care.

17. Iowa College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Des Moines, IA)

Iowa College of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a lauded professional Master’s program sharing Classical Chinese medical wisdom adapted for Western healthcare settings. Students obtain exceptional insights into holistic patient assessment, acupuncture therapies, herbal interventions, diet/lifestyle counseling and practice development from esteemed faculty.

Robust clinical rounds across the College’s Teaching Clinic and community externships build proficiencies managing disorders including chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalance, pain, migraines, gastrointestinal conditions and emotional distress. Students participate in over 1,200 supervised patient encounters nurturing empathy and care mastery.

Iowa College graduates unlock abundant career prospects across the Midwest given exceptional training tailored to prevailing regional health profiles. Ongoing alumni support aids smooth clinic establishment and licenses portability between states.

18. Tri-State College of Acupuncture (New York, NY)

Tri-State College, located in historic Manhattan, prepares highly capable healing professionals through its time-proven clinical Master’s curriculum. Students gain exceptional insights into holistic care centered by Classical Chinese Medicine gifted from the school’s senior faculty raised overseas.

Distinguished graduates uphold strong national licensing exam pass rates and consistent placements within prestigious urban healthcare settings. The program stresses proficient needling, cupping and tissue massage applications across common pain syndromes, women’s health disorders and chronic diseases.

Clinical experiences across the college’s busy campus clinic accounting for up to 1,000 supervised patient encounters ensure graduates have far-reaching capacities to heal diverse urban populations.

19. Tennessee College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Knoxville, TN)

Tennessee College shares profound healing wisdom equally balancing classical Chinese medical texts and proven contemporary healthcare perspectives. Its select Master’s program admissions and modest class sizes foster personal advancement mastering both the science and spirit of holistic care.

The College is renowned for its Compassionate Care approach guiding students to best understand and serve patients across Tennessee’s rural communities. Clinical training concentrated in preventative wellness and specialized techniques including pediatric tuina massage distinguishes graduates for Appalachian practice success.

Students obtain over 1,200 hours of hands-on training via the School‘s Teaching Clinic and externships. They further benefit from faculty-led efforts to expand acupuncture access and collaborative care options across TN healthcare facilities.

20. Pacific Rim College (Emeryville, CA)

Pacific Rim College offers a highly respected 36-month Master‘s program in Traditional Chinese Medicine providing students a focused environment to master both essential theories and hands-on skills from revered senior faculty.

The program integrates classroom learning with over 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training within Pacific Rim‘s panoramic Teaching Clinic and hospital externships.

Students engage closely with expert faculty in developing mastery across diagnostic examinations, meridian therapies including acupuncture and massage, herbal remedies, and diet/lifestyle counseling suiting patient needs.

Pacific Rim further distinguishes itself through plentiful counseling upon business establishment, practice management, and collaboration opportunities preparing graduates for integrative care leadership roles locally and nationwide.

Finding the Right Acupuncture School

With more outstanding programs across the country, prospective students have enviable options when seeking reputable acupuncture education aligned to personal interests and professional goals.

The schools profiled above provide exceptional foundational courses, hands-on clinical training, research participation opportunities and career launch support. They prepare graduates to pass licensing exams at high rates and establish rewarding practices.

Learners seeking maximum career flexibility gravitate towards programs integrating a dual Eastern and Western medical perspective. This education model qualifies graduates to incorporate acupuncture alongside other services in diverse integrative care settings.

Those drawn exclusively to classical Chinese modalities may prioritize schools concentrated in traditional needling, herbal formulations and ancillary techniques still prevalent overseas. These teachings offer invaluable treatment insights even where scope of practice regulations limit certain applications stateside.

Regardless of which educational direction inspires you most, renowned US acupuncture schools have the specialized programming, experiential depth and wise faculty mentors to transform passion into purpose and profession.