What the National University of Natural Medicine offers in acupuncture

The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), located in Portland, Oregon, operates a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). The program trains students in acupuncture needle technique, herbal medicine, diagnostic methods, and clinical practice. Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam, which most states require before you can practice acupuncture independently.

The school also runs a clinic where students perform treatments under faculty supervision, giving them hands-on experience before graduation. NUNM offers both full-time and part-time enrollment paths, and the program runs year-round rather than on a traditional semester schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • NUNM's Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is accredited by ACAHM and prepares graduates for NCCAOM national certification.
  • The program requires approximately 3,000 hours of coursework and clinical practice, with both full-time and part-time options available.
  • Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, and a personal statement; some prerequisites in sciences may be required depending on your background.
  • Tuition and fees vary by enrollment pace and payment plan, and the school participates in federal student loan programs.
  • Graduates must pass the NCCAOM exam and meet individual state licensing requirements, which differ by location.

Program length, structure, and course content

The Master of Science program at NUNM spans approximately 3,000 hours of instruction and clinical work. Full-time students typically complete the program in two to three years, while part-time students may take four to five years. The curriculum includes acupuncture theory and technique, Oriental medicine diagnosis, herbal medicine, anatomy and physiology, and Western medical sciences relevant to practice.

Students spend time in the campus clinic treating actual patients under faculty oversight. This clinical component is required for graduation and counts toward the hours needed to sit for the NCCAOM exam. The school also covers business and ethics topics to prepare graduates for independent practice or employment in clinics.

Admission requirements and how the process works

To be considered for admission to NUNM's acupuncture program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. You will need to submit official transcripts from any college or university you have attended, a completed process form, and a personal statement explaining your interest in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Some applicants may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework in sciences if their background does not include these subjects.

NUNM does not require the GRE or other standardized entrance exams. The school reviews applications on a rolling basis, meaning decisions are made as applications arrive rather than all at once. You can contact the admissions office directly to ask about current prerequisites and timeline for your specific situation.

Tuition, fees, and financial aid options

Tuition at NUNM varies depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time and which payment plan you choose. The school participates in the federal student loan program, meaning you may be able to borrow through Direct Loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized). NUNM is a Title IV institution, which makes students potentially may be able to access for federal financial aid.

The school also offers payment plans that allow you to spread tuition costs over the length of your enrollment. Some students work part-time during their studies, though the program's clinical requirements and coursework load make full-time work difficult. Contact the financial aid office at NUNM for a current tuition estimate based on your enrollment choice and to discuss loan options.

Accreditation and licensing after graduation

NUNM's acupuncture program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation means the program meets national standards for acupuncture education and that graduates' hours count toward licensing requirements in most states.

After graduation, you must pass the NCCAOM exam to become nationally certified. However, state licensing requirements vary: some states require NCCAOM certification, some require state-specific exams, and some have no licensing requirement at all. You will need to research the requirements in the state where you plan to practice before or shortly after graduation. NUNM's career services can point you toward state-specific licensing information.

Campus location and student resources

NUNM's main campus is in Portland, Oregon. The school operates a teaching clinic where students gain clinical experience, and the campus includes classrooms, labs, and library resources. Portland's location in the Pacific Northwest means the surrounding community has a strong interest in natural medicine, which can be useful for networking and finding internship or employment opportunities after graduation.

The school offers academic advising, career counseling, and access to online learning resources. Students can also join professional organizations like the American Acupuncture Association or state acupuncture associations while still in school, which can help with networking and staying current on licensing changes.

How NUNM compares to other acupuncture programs

Several other schools in the United States offer ACAHM-accredited acupuncture programs, including the Pacific College of Health and Science (California), the Maryland University of Integrative Health, and the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These programs vary in length, cost, location, and whether they emphasize acupuncture alone or combine it with herbal medicine and other modalities.

NUNM's program is one of the longer-established schools in the field and has a teaching clinic on campus, which some students prefer for clinical training. The year-round schedule and part-time option make it accessible to students who cannot commit to a traditional semester-based program. Comparing program length, total cost, location, and whether the school's teaching philosophy aligns with your goals will help you decide if NUNM is the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bachelor's degree to get into NUNM's acupuncture program?

No. NUNM requires a high school diploma or GED, not a bachelor's degree. If you have college credits, you will submit those transcripts, but they are not required for admission. Some prerequisite science courses may be needed depending on your background.

Can I work while attending NUNM's acupuncture program?

Many students work part-time, but the program's clinical requirements and course load make full-time work difficult. Full-time students typically attend classes and clinic several days per week. Part-time enrollment spreads the schedule over more years, which may make part-time work more manageable.

What happens if I don't pass the NCCAOM exam after graduation?

You can retake the exam. NCCAOM allows multiple attempts, though you will need to pay the exam fee each time. NUNM may offer study resources or tutoring to help you prepare for a retake.

Does NUNM's degree work in all states?

NUNM's accreditation is recognized nationwide, but state licensing requirements differ. Some states accept NCCAOM certification, some require additional state exams, and a few have no licensing requirement. You must check your state's specific rules before or after graduation.

How much does the NUNM acupuncture program cost in total?

Total cost depends on whether you enroll full-time or part-time and your payment plan. Contact NUNM's financial aid office for a current estimate. Federal student loans are available to help cover tuition and fees.