The Master of Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM) and the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) - the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and Chinese medicine practitioners.
In 1986, ACTCM became the first college in the country to award a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM). In 1991, the College was granted accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), and re-approved in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2013, and 2021.
The Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) degree program was granted initial accreditation by the ACAHM in November 2018, effective through February 2025.
The DACM Completion Program is approved as an online program by WSCUC.
Since the merger with California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in July 2015, ACTCM as one of the four schools of CIIS, is institutionally accredited by WSCUC, a regional accreditor.
WSCUC is located at 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100. Alameda, CA 94501; phone (510) 748-9001.
Licensure and Certification
The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at CIIS is approved by the California Acupuncture Board, and graduates of the MSTCM and DACM programs are eligible to take the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination.
For licensure information, contact:
State of California Acupuncture Board
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 180
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone (916) 515-5200
Fax (916) 928-2204
Graduates of the MSTCM and DACM programs at ACTCM are eligible to take both the national certification exam modules offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE). Graduates of the DACM Completion Program are only eligible for NCCAOM certification exams and the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam on the basis of their master’s-level degree, which is a pre-requisite for entry into the DACMCP. The DACMCP does not confer eligibility for certification or licensure on its own.
The ability of an individual candidate to be licensed in a state is dependent on meeting the specific licensure requirements for that state. Graduation from an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program does not guarantee licensure in a state. Please see specific licensure requirements for the state in which you intend to practice for more professional licensure information.