9 Best Acupuncture Schools in California & Their Details

Acupuncture has become very popular over the last decade or so. People from all walks of life are now seeking out acupuncture treatments. If you want to get into this field, then you should consider studying at an accredited acupuncture school.

There are several types of acupuncture schools in California. The most common type is a diploma program. This is usually offered through community colleges or universities. Another option is a certificate program. These programs are offered by hospitals or clinics. Some schools offer both options.

There are two main reasons why you would choose to study at an acupuncture school. First, you want to gain knowledge about the practice of acupuncture. Second, you want to develop skills that will allow you to provide quality care to patients.

The List of Accredited Acupuncture Schools In California 

  • Pacific College – San Diego 
  • Southern California University of Health Sciences
  • American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 
  • University of East-West Medicine
  • South Baylo University 
  • Five Branches University
  • Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College – Berkeley 
  • Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine
  • California Institute of Integral Studies

Pacific College – San Diego 

Pacific College – San Diego is a graduate institution in  San Diego, California that is for profit. 

With only 842 graduate students enrolled, it has a small graduate student body. One graduate program is the only one offered online or through graduate distance education programs at Pacific College of Health and Science – San Diego. 

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are the two most well-liked graduate degree programs at Pacific College of Health and Science – San Diego. Part-time graduate students make up about 37% of its student body.

Southern California University of Health Sciences

Southern California University of Health Sciences is a private graduate institution Located in California. With only 557 graduate students enrolled, it has a small graduate student body. 

All three of Southern California University of Health Sciences graduate programs are solely available on-campus; none are available online. 

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Physician Assistant, and Chiropractic are the three graduate degree programs at Southern California University of Health Sciences that are most in demand. Part-time graduate students make up about 2% of its student body.

University of East-West Medicine

A graduate program in the San Francisco Bay Area located in Sunnyvale, California is called East-West Medicine. There are just 227 graduate students enrolled there, which is a modest number. 

The University of East-West Medicine offers just one graduate degree, and none are available online. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are the most sought-after graduate degree programs at the University of East-West Medicine. Its graduate enrollment is made up of 51% part-time students.

American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 

Since its founding in 1980, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has led the way in acupuncture and Chinese medicine education, providing first professional and postgraduate degrees in these fields. 

Students have had the opportunity to work with renowned academics throughout their studies and gain practical experience in our cutting-edge acupuncture clinic and herb garden. 

The programs have offered an acupuncture and Chinese medicine industry professional education that is genuinely excellent.

South Baylo University 

Private graduate school South Baylo is located in Anaheim, California, near the Los Angeles area. With only 410 graduate students enrolled, it has a small graduate student body. 

There is only one graduate degree offered on-campus at South Baylo University; none are available online.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are South Baylo University’s two most well-liked graduate degree programs. Part-time graduate students make up about 30% of its student body.

Five Branches University 

In Twin Lakes, California, there is a graduate school called Five Branches. With only 324 graduate students enrolled, it has a small graduate student body. 

Five Branches University only offers its one graduate degree on-campus; none are available online. 

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are the two graduate programs at Five Branches University that are most popular. Part-time graduate students make about 17% of the school’s graduate population.

Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College – Berkeley 

One of the best universities in the United States to earn a degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine is the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College-Berkeley. 

Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College – Berkeley is a private, non-profit university with a modest student body that is situated in Berkeley.

Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine 

Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine should be visited by any student with an interest in acupuncture and oriental medicine. Emperor’s College is a private for-profit university with a modest enrollment that is situated in the town of Santa Monica. 

In the most recent year for which data are available, roughly 69 students at Emperor’s College pursued degrees in acupuncture and oriental medicine.

California Institute of Integral Studies 

One of the top universities in the nation to earn a degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine is California Institute of Integral Studies. San Francisco is home to the small private, non-profit institution known as CIIS. 

In the most recent year for which we have data, there were about 80 acupuncture and oriental medicine students who received this degree from CIIS.

In California, How Long Does it Take to Become an Acupuncturist? 

The exam gauges the proficiency of beginning acupuncturists. According to California Code of Regulations Section 1399.434, students who enrolled in accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine training program must complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of theoretical and clinical training.

In California, Are Acupuncturists Also Doctors? 

California licensed acupuncturists are designated as treating physicians in the worker’s compensation system by California acupuncture rules and regulations but not as primary care physicians.

What Drawbacks Does Acupuncture Have? 

Acupuncture may have the following risks: At the insertion sites, bleeding, bruising, and pain could happen.

By using unsterilized needles, you risk getting sick. A needle can occasionally break and harm an internal organ.

Conclusion

Acupuncture schools in California are a great way to learn how to treat your patients with needles. 

Acupuncture is a growing field that has the potential to provide many benefits to patients. 

If you’re interested in learning more about this practice, we recommend checking out our website for information on how to get an education in acupuncture schools in California. 

You can also find contact information for these schools so that you can get started on your path toward becoming an acupuncturist today! 

Have you considered pursuing an education in acupuncture? What are some of the benefits you see from this type of training? Let us know in the comments below.

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