University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute

Choose Connecticut's fastest-growing university for a M.S. in Acupuncture.

Integrating the medical concepts of East and West, the Master of Science in Acupuncture program provides traditional acupuncture and Oriental medical training in the context of the growing modern healthcare system in the United States. The student will learn classical acupuncture and Oriental medical theory, as well as up-to-date Western biomedical science. With a stronger background in basic biomedicine than can be acquired through most other acupuncture programs in the United States, UB graduates are able to serve as both respected independent practitioners and valued team members in integrated care centers and hospitals around the country.

The University of Bridgeport is the only university in the United States where chiropractic, naturopathic, and Oriental medical students can study and work together in a clinical setting. Cooperation with other healthcare practitioners in the Health Sciences Center gives students the opportunity to integrate their care of patients with providers in other healing modalities. Thus, UB students gain a real-world, clinical experience before commencing their career in the growing healthcare field.

What degree would I receive from the University of Bridgeport?

The Master of Science (M.S.Ac.) in Acupuncture degree program is three years in length (36 months, 118 credits total) and is scheduled on a semester basis.

What other treatments does Oriental medicine offer?

While acupuncture is the best known of the Oriental medicine modalities, UB students receive training in the use of several other therapeutic tools. Oriental massage techniques include Shiatsu and Tui Na. Therapeutic exercise, called Tai Ji Chuan and Qi Gong, can help individuals resist disease and improve their overall health. Oriental dietetic counseling is used in both the treatment and the prevention of disease.

To Apply

Students applying to the Master of Science of Acupuncture degree program should submit a completed application, an application fee, and official transcripts for undergraduate course work to the Office of Acupuncture Admissions. Admissions requirements for the acupuncture program include a bachelor's degree or its equivalent (i.e. 120 completed semester credits). The following undergraduate courses must be included: 6 hours of English skills, 3 hours of psychology, 3 hours of social science, 6 hours of biology, and 6 hours of chemistry. Biology and chemistry courses must include a laboratory, must be passes with a grade of "C" of better, and must be courses offered for science majors. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required in the science prerequisites.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Master of Science in Acupuncture program of the University of Bridgeport has received candidacy for accreditation with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is the recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and oriental medicine practitioner.

State Accreditation

In June 2003, the Acupuncture Institute was accredited by the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education to offer the Masters of Science-Acupuncture degree.

A major goal for the Acupuncture Institute has always been to have an excellent program that allows licensure for our graduates in as many states as possible. Having attained the status of candidate for accreditation with ACAOM, current students in their last year of training, as well as graduates of the Acupuncture Institute will be able to take the NCCAOM national board exam for acupuncture. Passing the exam, plus taking the Clean Needle course for the CCAOM (Council of College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) is required for licensure in many states. Please be aware that there are a handful of states that require significantly more herbal training, or more training in other areas of healthcare than we offer before graduates can be licensed. However, our graduates will be eligible for licensure in the majority of the 42 states that grant independent licensure in acupuncture, if they meet all other state-specific licensure criteria.

Currently, graduates of the Acupuncture Institute are licensed and working in Connecticut, Arizona, New York, and Washington.

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.