TCM Education: Degrees, Programs and Accreditation
What degrees train TCM practitioners in the US, what ACAHM accreditation means, how entry-level and advanced doctorates differ, and what to ask a school or practitioner.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Why education matters
To be licensed or certified, US practitioners must usually meet education, training or exam standards, and the US Department of Education authorizes specific organizations to accredit programs. For acupuncture programs, NCCIH names the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, now called the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). [1][2] This page covers the US; training in other countries differs and we did not verify it.What ACAHM is
ACAHM describes itself as the nationally recognized accrediting agency of programs in acupuncture and East Asian Medicine. [3] Its Department of Education recognition covers professional non-degree and graduate degree programs, including professional doctoral programs, in the United States. [4] It does not accredit schools internationally. [4] Accredited schools receive between 3 and 7 years of recognition before the next review. [4]Program levels
| Level | What we could verify | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture (master's or professional doctorate) | Described by NCCAOM as three years and 1,905 hours, with biomedicine and clinic components. | [5] |
| Acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine specialization (formerly "Oriental Medicine") | Four years and 2,625 hours, including 450 hours of didactic herbal study. | [5] |
| Entry-level doctorate | ACAHM requires the titles Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) or Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization (DAcCHM), from 1 January 2024. | [6] |
| Advanced practice doctorate | Requires prior completion of an ACAHM-accredited entry-level program; the only ACAHM-recognized title is Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM). | [6] |
| Post-graduate herbal certificate | An option for acupuncture graduates: at least 450 hours of herb instruction, 210 hours of herbal clinic, 60 hours of related biomedical science. | [5] |
Both ACAHM doctoral types are professional or clinical doctorates, not academic ones such as a PhD. [6] ACAHM notes its naming policy for the advanced degree was still under review as of February 2024. [6]
Examples of state education rules
New York requires at least 60 semester hours of college (nine in biosciences) plus an approved acupuncture program accredited by ACAHM or an accepted equivalent. [7] California publishes a list of approved schools through its board. We did not read California's education requirements in detail. See NCCAOM Certification and US Licensing.Questions to ask a school or practitioner
- Is the program accredited or pre-accredited by ACAHM, and what is its current status? ACAHM's directory is the official place to check.
- Does graduation qualify you for licensure in my state?
- How many hours were herbal study and supervised clinic?
- Is the doctorate entry-level or advanced practice?
Do not take a degree title as proof of a medical license: NCCIH reminds consumers that licensing and certification are separate, and neither guarantees qualification. [1] See also Titles Explained and How to Choose a TCM Practitioner.
Frequently asked questions
What is ACAHM?
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, a nationally recognized accrediting agency for acupuncture and East Asian Medicine programs. [3]
Does ACAHM accredit schools outside the US?
Not at this time, according to its FAQ. [4]
What is a DAOM?
An advanced practice doctorate for people who have already completed an entry-level program. It is a clinical, not academic, doctorate. [6]
Is a TCM doctorate a medical degree?
Not in the way an MD is. ACAHM calls its doctorates professional/clinical doctorates, and they are not equivalent to an academic doctorate. [6]
How long is training?
NCCAOM describes three-year and four-year master's or professional doctorate programs of 1,905 and 2,625 hours. [5]
References
- NCCIH (US). Credentialing, Licensing, and Education. Read 2026-10-22.
- Medicare.gov (US). Acupuncture coverage. Read 2026-10-22.
- Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). Home page. Read 2026-10-22.
- ACAHM. FAQ. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). NCCAOM Certification Handbook, January 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- ACAHM. Position Paper: ACAHM-Accreditable Doctoral Programs (updated 20 February 2024). Read 2026-10-22.
- New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. Acupuncture: License Requirements. Read 2026-10-22.