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School of Classical Chinese Medicine

Laurie Regan, PhD, ND – Dean of Classical Chinese Medicine
David Berkshire, MAcOM – Associate Dean of Classical Chinese Medicine, Clinical Education

Offering two programs rooted in the ancient traditions of China

• Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM)

• Master of Acupuncture (MAc)

NCNM 's School of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) offers two programs tailored to meet the needs of students seeking classical training in Chinese medicine. Both emphasize a “scholar–practitioner” educational style designed to achieve our mission of “transmitting the art, science, and spirit of Chinese medicine to cultivate practitioners rooted in the ancient tradition of the medical scholar”. Our CCM community believes that the exploration and embodiment of the original tenets and practices of this medicine are essential if we are to bring its true power to today’s patients.

To begin the journey toward your Classical Chinese Medicine degree, click here to fill out our application form

Learn more about CCM Program

About the Medicine

CCM Faculty

Clinical Training

Questions? 503.552.1660 / Toll-free 877.669.8737 or admissions@ncnm.edu

Master of Science in Oriental Medicine

The MSOM program is the most comprehensive training in classical Chinese medicine offered in the US. In this four–year, 3,474 hour/226 credit program, students are immersed in the classical foundations of the medicine, receive a holistic education in Western medical sciences, and are trained in the clinical application of the major modalities of Chinese medicine—herbal formulation, acupuncture, moxibustion, bodywork, qigong and nutrition. The curriculum has a strong focus on personal and professional cultivation in order to support the health of the students as they progress through school, as well as to optimize their proficiency as practitioners.

The ideal MSOM student wants:

  1. A solid foundation in classical theory, including grounding in the classical texts of the medicine.

  2. Training in the broadest spectrum of modalities within the scope of CCM, including classical herbal prescription.

  3. A strong emphasis on cultivation, including weekly practica and nine weekend qigong retreats held in natural settings.

  4. Mentorship training in CCM.

  5. Access to an extensive set of elective courses designed to connect the serious student of classical Chinese medicine with the authentic milieu of the ancient scholar–practitioner.

Graduates of the MSOM program are eligible to apply for acupuncture licensure in the state of Oregon and to take both the herb and acupuncture exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which many states use as a basis for licensure.

Students who are concurrently enrolled in the MSOM and ND programs complete a six–year course of study. Many hours of coursework from the ND program are transferable to the MSOM program.

Click here to fill out our application form to begin the journey toward your Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Master of Acupuncture

The Master of Acupuncture is a three–year, 2,394 hour/155.25 credit program designed for students having a special affinity for classical acupuncture and moxibustion, and wanting a more streamlined graduate experience. The foundation of the MAc program is similar to that of the MSOM program, with fewer hours of theory and without herbal instruction. An increased emphasis is placed on the refinement of palpation and perception skills used in acupuncture diagnosis and treatment.

The ideal MAc student wants:

  1. To focus their practice on acupuncture rather than Chinese herbs

  2. Serious classical training that emphasizes “hands–on” experience

  3. A strong emphasis on cultivation, including weekly practica and three weekend qigong retreats held in natural settings

  4. Mentorship training in acupuncture

  5. A “streamlined” program that can be selectively enhanced through an extensive set of elective courses

  6. The opportunity to have several weeks with four days in the week off, for work or other reasons. During most terms all Monday through Thursday classes start after 4:30 p.m. Friday classes start anytime after 9:30 a.m..

Who should be cautioned against doing the MAc?

  •  Anyone planning to practice in California or New Mexico. Only our MSOM program is approved for licensing in these states.

  • Anyone who might practice in a state that requires herbal training in order to be eligible for licensing (see www.nccaom.org for state–by–state requirements).

Graduates of the Master of Acupuncture (MAc) program are eligible to apply for acupuncture licensure in the state of Oregon and to take the acupuncture exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which many states use as a basis for licensure.

Students who are concurrently enrolled in the MAc and ND programs have the choice of completing either a five– or six–year course of study. Many hours of coursework from the ND program are transferable to the MAc program.
MAc Professional Track

It is expected that professional healthcare practitioners (NDs, MDs, DOs, DCs, RNs, NPs, PAs, etc) will qualify for transfer credit for the western science portion of the program, leaving a core program of 1,854 hours and 113.25 credits. These can be taken over three or five years, with an average of 11 or 7 credits per term, respectively. Courses will be offered primarily in the evenings, to accommodate the needs of working professionals seeking to attain a second degree.

To begin the journey toward your Master of Acupuncture degree, click here to fill out our application form. We look forward to reviewing your application!