top of page
Admissions Requirements Background-min.jpg

Master of Science in Acupuncture (MAc) Program

This immersive program blends foundational coursework with hands-on clinical training, equipping you with the skills to practice acupuncture effectively. Backed by both tradition and clinical evidence, it prepares you to diagnose, treat, and promote lasting wellness.

This immersive program blends foundational coursework with hands-on clinical training, equipping you with the skills to practice acupuncture effectively. Backed by both tradition and clinical evidence, it prepares you to diagnose, treat, and promote lasting wellness.

Master of Science in Acupuncture (MAc) Program Admissions Requirements


1) Satisfactory completion of at least two years (60 semester credits/90 quarter credits) undergraduate level education from an institution accredited or pre-accredited by an agency recognized by the US department of Education.


2) Submission of official transcripts. Transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope or directly from the institution in a secure digital format. Students must submit official transcripts from all other institutions from which academic credit was earned to request transfer of credit.


All foreign-trained students who have completed undergraduate and/or graduate-level training overseas must provide Foreign Transcript Evaluation for each degree attained. An official transcript for these degrees will be requested from the student. 


For those who have also completed an advanced degree (Masters, Doctorate) from an accredited institution in the English language in the United States but completed their undergraduate training overseas, the student will not need to provide an official transcript from their foreign institution; foreign transcript evaluations will still be required. The student must provide an official transcript from the US-based institution of study.


  • Degrees earned outside of the US, issued by an institution not recognized by the department of education must be translated and evaluated by an agency recognized by NACES (National association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc.). VUIM offers a service for a fee through FIS (Foundation for International Services, Inc.), a member of NACES.


3) Completed application for admission.


4) Application fee


5) English language proficiency:


  • Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL IBT) — Total: 61

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic Format — Overall Band: 6

  • Duolingo English Test — 90

  • China Standard of English Language (CSE) — CSE 6

  • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) — C

  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) — C

  • Common European Framework Reference (CEFR) — B2

  • Occupational English Test (OET) — 250, C

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE), Academic — Overall: 45

  • Completion of a two year degree (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) at the baccalaureate or masters level, at an accredited US college or University in the US, or at a college or University in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (not including Quebec), New Zealand, or Ireland.


6) 300 – 700 word essay – “What inspired you to pursue a career in acupuncture and/or Oriental medicine?”


7) Recommendation


8) Photo ID

Program Quick Facts:

  • Duration: 4-Year Program

  • Credits Required: 60 Semester Credits (Undergraduate Level Prerequisite)

  • English Proficiency Scores:

  • TOEFL: 61+

  • IELTS: 6.0+

What You’ll Experience

Embarking on your journey in the Master of Science in Acupuncture (MAc) Program at Virginia University of Integrative Medicine means gaining a well-rounded education that blends theory, hands-on training, and holistic approaches. Here’s what you can expect:

Career-Ready Training

We don’t just prepare you to graduate—we prepare you to lead. With hands-on training, expert guidance, and a focus on real-world application, you’ll be ready to bring herbal medicine into clinical practice from day one.

Supportive Community

You’re not just a student—you’re part of something bigger. From faculty to classmates, our tight-knit community offers the support, mentorship, and collaboration to help you thrive in your studies and career.

Holistic Healing Approach

Health isn’t just about symptoms—it’s about the whole person. We teach you how to approach treatment with a balanced, integrative mindset, blending traditional techniques with modern clinical strategies.

Expert Faculty & Mentorship

Learn from leaders in the field. Our faculty brings decades of clinical experience and academic expertise, guiding you through the complexities of herbal medicine with real-world insight and personalized mentorship.

Evidence-Based Learning

Ancient medicine meets modern science. We bridge traditional Chinese herbology with the latest research, ensuring your knowledge is rooted in both time-tested wisdom and clinical validation.

Hands-On Clinical Training

Theory is important, but real learning happens in practice. You’ll work with patients under expert supervision, refining your skills and building the experience you need to step into clinical care with ease.

VUIM Education School-min.jpg

Teaching pharmacology at VUIM has been a wonderful experience. Seeing our students' enthusiasm for learning and dedication to integrative medicine and acupuncture is inspiring.

VUIM Placeholder-min.jpg

Dr. Sara Nadim

Teaching Specialization: Western Medicine

From Classroom to Clinic

VUIM Placeholder-min.jpg

New Changes to Medicare Now Cover Acupuncture

Today the Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a decision to cover acupuncture fo...

VUIM Placeholder-min.jpg

Episode 1: Jeff Millison and His Journey in Teachi...

The state of acupuncture and oriental medicine has grown tremendously over the last few decades in A...

VUIM Placeholder-min.jpg

Episode 2: Life at VUIM and Studying for a Career ...

This week we were joined by 3 current students, Renee Lee, Colleen Rossier, and Jacob Rosenbaum to d...

VUIM Placeholder-min.jpg

Episode 3: A conversation with Dr. Lixing Lao abou...

This week, we have a lecture by the President of VUIM, Dr. Lixing Lao, Ph.D. Dr. Lao discusses the h...

VUIM Placeholder-min.jpg

Episode 4: Fall in Love With Yogapuncture

<p>This week we are joined by Erin Sonn from Eat Yoga Drink to discuss the unique experience of Yoga...

VUIM Placeholder-min.jpg

Episode 5: A Synopsis of Alternative Healing Thera...

This week we do a deep dive into the different treatment methods offered within Eastern Medicine in ...

Student Classroom VUIM

Your Journey Starts Here

Become a Leader in Integrative Healthcare

bottom of page