Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students and Advisors

What is the cost of a Master’s degree program?

As with all college degree programs, costs vary by school and include tuition, living expenses and course materials. In general, the costs associated with a Master’s program align with those of other postgraduate medical degree programs across the country. 

Is financial assistance available for students?

Federal student aid is available for students who attend acupuncture & herbal medicine programs colleges that are accredited (or pre-accredited) by the ACAOM. The financial aid office can provide details on all options, including scholarships that may be available. The following organizations also offer scholarship opportunities:

• Trudy McAlister Foundation
• Nuherbs

How does an acupuncture degree program compare with an herbal medicine degree program?

Acupuncture programs do not include required coursework in Chinese herbal medicine. For this reason, herbal medicine degree programs require more time and credit hours for graduation. Be aware that some states require training in Chinese herbal medicine. The prospective school is the best source of information about program differences, requirements and curriculum

How much do licensed acupuncture & herbal practitioners earn?

Like all professions, salaries vary based on experience, education, specialization, location and many other factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2018 salary updates, the average annual wages for health diagnosing and treating practitioners is $73,960. Average salaries for licensed practitioners are typically higher than those of some other professionals in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) field. There are approximately 38,000 acupuncture & herbal medicine practitioners in the U.S. and growth in the next 10 years is estimated to be 10 – 14%.

Can practitioners be licensed in more than one state?

Yes, but it typically requires a license in each state. Some states offer reciprocity, which allows a practitioner to be licensed in second state based on already being licensed in one state. Each state’s requirements are set by an acupuncture licensing board. See a complete list of state acupuncture laws and legislation.