Overview
ACAHM and acupuncture education
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) — formerly ACAOM — is the recognized accreditor of acupuncture and East Asian / Chinese herbal medicine programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. USDE-recognized.
The Gate
ACAHM, NCCAOM, and licensure
An ACAHM-accredited program is the education route to certification and licensure. Graduates sit for the NCCAOM certification exams (the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine); about 47 states license acupuncturists, and most reference NCCAOM certification. Some states additionally require the Chinese herbology module for herbal practice.
The Scope
Degrees and specializations
- Master’s of AcupunctureWith or without a Chinese herbal medicine specialization.
- Doctoral programsProfessional and post-professional doctorates in acupuncture and herbal medicine.
- Herbal moduleNCCAOM offers a Chinese Herbology module required for herbal practice in some states.
Do It Yourself
Verify an acupuncture program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits acupuncture programs? The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), formerly ACAOM, the recognized accreditor of acupuncture and East Asian medicine programs. It is USDE-recognized.
- Do I need an ACAHM-accredited program to be licensed? In practice, yes. An ACAHM-accredited program is the route to NCCAOM certification, which most of the ~47 licensing states reference for acupuncture licensure.
- What is NCCAOM? The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, whose certification exams most states use for acupuncture licensure.
- Is acupuncture licensed in all states? About 47 states license acupuncture; requirements vary, and a few states do not regulate it. Check your state's current rules.
- What degrees does ACAHM accredit? Master's and doctoral programs in acupuncture and East Asian / Chinese herbal medicine.
- Do I need the herbal module? Some states require the NCCAOM Chinese Herbology module for herbal practice; others do not. Confirm with your state board.
- Is ACAHM recognized by the government? Yes. ACAHM is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- How do I verify an acupuncture program? Search the ACAHM list of accredited programs and confirm certification and licensure with NCCAOM and your state.