04/15/2026
How Long Does It Take To Become An Acupuncturist?
This is probably the number one question I get asked when I tell people I’m in grad school to become one!
So let’s break it down because there are a few parts to it-
Here are the 2 masters degrees you can opt for:
•Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc): A 3-4 year program focusing on acupuncture techniques, diagnosis, and biomedical sciences.
•Master of Science in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MSAcCHM): Includes all MSAc coursework plus comprehensive training in Chinese herbal medicine. Minimum 4 years full-time
(Certain states won’t allow you to practice acupuncture without an herbal degree too)
After you graduate, you then need to take board exams to become licensed in order to be able to practice 📝
THEN there’s also the option of doing your Doctorate which is about another year!
So basically I’m in it for a min of 4 years since I am also working while in school!
Just know that your acupuncturist have been THROUGH it!
Think of this as Eastern Medical School- because it is 🤍