Tri-State College of Acupuncture

Master's Programs in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Tri-State College of Acupuncture (TSCA) is one of the oldest accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools in the United States. The college's comprehensive Master of Science programs offer rigorous hands-on training in three styles of acupuncture, within the context of a well-rounded education in classical Oriental medicine. Students learn from experienced acupuncturists in a curriculum designed to build strong clinical abilities. Graduates are prepared to practice as independent acupuncture providers, and are eligible for licensure in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and many other states.

Three Styles of Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine is the most common form of East Asian medicine taught in the United States. TCM uses an analytical diagnostic methodology and is very well suited to the practice of internal medicine. TCM practitioners routinely combine acupuncture with herbs.

Traditional Japanese Acupuncture is rooted in the Classics, and is largely defined by its use of a highly evolved method of abdomen, pulse, and meridian palpation for diagnosis. Japanese style needling techniques tend to be delicate and shallow, and are frequently combined with moxibustion, which involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb.

Acupuncture Physical Medicine is a fusion of Classics-based French-meridian acupuncture with Western physical medicine techniques, most notably trigger point dry-needling. APM uses extensive palpation to find areas where a patient has become constrained and imbalanced by physical and mental stress. The practitioner then intervenes with needles, pressure, and friction to release this "holding pattern."

Programs of Study

Acupuncture Program (MS/Ac)
The 3-year Master of Science degree program in Acupuncture begins each September, and is limited to 55 students per year. Enrollment is full-time, with many classes held on weekends and evenings.

Oriental Medicine Program (MS/OM)
The 4-year Master of Science degree program in Oriental Medicine combines the Acupuncture Program with 810 hours of training in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. MS/OM students begin herbology studies during their third year of acupuncture training.

Schedule

The TSCA schedule is designed to accommodate the needs of adult students, with many classes held on weekends and evenings. The academic year runs in two semesters, with classes beginning in September and ending in May. A schedule for the entire academic year is published in late summer so that students may plan ahead. Most students continue to work while they are in school, and more than 90% complete the program. All classes are held on campus (no distance learning).

Admissions

Prospective students should visit the school for an Open House event, and are encouraged to experience an acupuncture treatment in the Community Clinic. Applicants are required to have an interview with a member of the admissions committee, and must have at least an Associate's Degree (or 60 semester credits) and proficiency in English. Applications for September admission are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, as space allows. Admission is limited to 55 students per year.

Financial Aid

Several forms of financial aid are available for qualified students, including federal Stafford loans, NY State TAP Grants, and GradPLUS loans. Approximately 75% of the college's student body receives some form of financial aid. The Director of Admissions & Financial Aid will meet with you personally to discuss your situation and guide you through the financial aid process.

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