Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Total graduates
1,451
2025 · 44 schools
International share
5.0%
72 international students
Bachelor's degrees
28
14.3% international
Master's degrees
790
4.9% international
Overview
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a specialized field that integrates traditional healing practices from East Asian cultures, primarily focusing on acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other holistic therapies. This discipline emphasizes the balance of energy, or "Qi," within the body and aims to restore health by addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
Students in this program typically study the principles of acupuncture, including the identification and manipulation of acupuncture points along meridians, which are believed to be pathways for Qi flow. In addition to acupuncture, the curriculum often includes training in herbal medicine, nutrition, and various therapeutic techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, and Qi Gong.
The program usually requires a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology to effectively diagnose and treat various health conditions. Practitioners are trained to address a wide range of ailments, including chronic pain, digestive issues, stress, and more, often working in conjunction with conventional medical practices.
Graduates of this field may pursue careers as licensed acupuncturists, herbalists, or holistic health practitioners. They often work in private practice, wellness centers, or integrative health clinics. With the growing interest in alternative and complementary medicine, the demand for trained professionals in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has been on the rise, providing opportunities for practitioners to make a significant impact on patients’ health and well-being.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 86% and the international share went from 8.1% to 5.0%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 44 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | 28,630 | $61.38 | $127,660 |
| Acupuncturists | 7,830 | $41.84 | $87,020 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.