ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAMS
Won Institute of Graduate Studies, located in Warminster, Pennsylvania, is a regionally accredited graduate school offering programs in Acupuncture Studies, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Won Buddhist Studies.
WON INSTITUTE... Employs a diverse faculty, many of whom are professional practitioners, business owners, and meditation specialists. Offers small class sizes, allowing faculty members to share their expertise with students in a personalized learning environment. Has a fully-staffed professional, student acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine clinic that sees patients throughout the week, a well-established library, and strong student support services. Focuses on self-cultivation and personal development through meditation and journaling assignments. This gives acupuncturists a new tool for treating patients and aids students in developing awareness by becoming more perceptive to the needs of others. Hosts a variety of guest speakers, sitting and moving meditation classes, and Continuing Education (CE) events.
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Minutes to Center City Philadelphia Warminster, PA, is a suburb of Philadelphia – less than 20 minutes from Doylestown, 15 minutes to Willow Grove and 45 minutes from Center City Philadelphia.
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"The fact that I have the title of doctor garners more respect from patients and other medical practitioners in the field. What I learned in the program made me more confident in my understanding of medicine and made me a much better researcher". Dr. Anthony Felix, DAc Class of 2020
Since its inception in 2005, the Master of Acupuncture Studies program has combined rigorous academic instruction and early clinical exposure to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Chinese medical theory and the ancient and modern uses of acupuncture.
3-4
Years to Complete
2.5
Days Per Week
The accredited three-year Master’s Degree program integrates two main acupuncture styles:
Study Abroad In South Korea
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Five-Element Acupuncture Additionally, the Acupuncture Studies program offers: Extracurricular opportunities Access to professional development forums Discounted membership to the Association for Professional Acupuncture in Pennsylvania
DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM The Doctor of Acupuncture program is a four-year program consisting of the Master’s level curriculum in the first three years. The final year of the program consists of doctoral-level courses and is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous learning experience. Graduates receive the highest level of education available in the field, allowing them to achieve degree parity alongside other doctorally-trained healthcare professionals. Those with a Doctor of Acupuncture degree hold a competitive edge over Master’s level graduates, and this advanced degree allows them to participate in research and teaching opportunities at the doctoral level.
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CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
600 + 250
Clinical Internship Hours Total Treatments Completed
Students spend the final four terms of the Master of Acupuncture Studies program in an intensive clinical internship, treating patients under the supervision of experienced faculty members.
Understanding and implementing Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element treatment plans are the primary focus during the first two terms. Latter terms encourage students to develop their identities as acupuncturists by crafting their own treatment regimens. Physiological Medicine, Disease Management and Prevention, and Issues in Primary Care Medicine courses provide the fundamental understanding of standard medical terminology, physiological roots of disease, and common medical diagnoses. Integration of western biomedical theories of health and disease allow graduates to communicate effectively with other medical professionals. Meditation provides a unique tool to become attentive practitioners when treating their patients and helps students develop selfawareness, focus, clarity, and composure. Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine serves to provide students with a foundational understanding of Chinese herbal medicine. It covers the historical development, principles, and contemporary applications of Chinese herbology. Students will explore various aspects of herbal medicine, including single herbs, formulas, geographical origins, and practical applications.
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WESTERN BIOMEDICINE
The program includes 24 credits (360 hours) of foundational western biomedicine. Courses include: Physiological Medicine Disease Management and Prevention Issues in Primary Care Medicine
24
Credits
360
Hours
Students learn: Standard medical terminology The physiological roots of disease, and common medical diagnoses How to communicate effectively with other medical professionals How to integrate western biomedical theories of health and disease into their knowledge of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
MEDITATION The integration of meditation, unique to Won Institute’s Acupuncture Studies program, helps students develop selfawareness, focus, clarity, and equanimity. Students take several courses in sitting and moving meditation not only to become attentive practitioners, but to develop another tool to use when treating their patients.
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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND FINANCIAL AID
Fall Priority Application Deadline
3.1
Fall International Student Application Deadline
6.1
Fall FInal Application Deadline
7.1
Spring Priority Application Deadline (DAc CT)
9.1
Spring International Student Application Deadline (DAc CT)
10. 1
Spring Final Application Deadline (DAc CT)
11. 1
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For the Master of Acupuncture and Doctor of Acupuncture program, applications are accepted throughout the year, with new students beginning only in the fall. Applications are due prior to July 1. For the Doctor of Acupuncture Program completion track, applicants can start in either fall term or spring term. PREREQUISITES Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from an accredited school. 3 credits each of Anatomy & Physiology I and II with a grade of C or higher. COREQUISITES (Doctoral level program only) 3 credits each of Biology and Chemistry 2 credits of Chinese s Herbal Medicine and Psychology All corequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher. All prerequisites must be completed prior to the first day of classes. Corequisites can be completed during the Doctor of Acupuncture Program and must be completed prior to graduation. Won Institute offers the Anatomy & Physiology courses 100% online over the summer each year. Courses meeting the required DAc corequisites are also offered, including a Biochemistry of Plants course, Herbal Medicine course, and Biology of the Mind-Body Connection course. In addition, all applicants should ensure that they are capable of meeting the Technical Standards.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS Complete the same admissions requirements as domestic applicants. Complete the TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) with a minimum overall score of 80, a MyBest score of 80, OR complete the IELTS test with a minimum overall score of 6.5. Submit all post-secondary transcripts to World Education Services (www.wes.org) or an equivalent NACES-approved evaluation agency to determine U.S. equivalence. Submit a completed application by June 1 for fall term, and by October 1 for spring term (DAc Completion Track). F-1 Visas: While Won Institute allows international students to apply to the program, Won Institute is no longer able to issue F-1 visas to Acupuncture students due to SEVIS regulations. International applicants would need to be legally living in the US under another visa during the program. INSTITUTIONAL AID SCHOLARSHIP The Institutional Aid Scholarship is a merit and need-based scholarship awarded to select members of the incoming class of students. Individuals interested in applying must be an accepted incoming student and submit the Institutional Aid Scholarship Application by April 1 for fall term, and December 1 for spring term. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Presidential Scholarship, donated by Won Institute President Dr. Wonsun Oh, is awarded to eligible students with exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. Recipients are selected from the pool of Institutional Aid Scholarship applicants with top merit scores and do not need to submit a separate application. CHUNSAN KIM CHUNTAEK MERIT SCHOLARSHIP The Chunsan Kim Chuntaek Merit Scholarship for the 3rd Year Acupuncture Student was established to honor the memory of the late Chunsan Kim Chuntaek, ordained Won Buddhist minister and lifelong practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine in Iksan, South Korea and later Brisbane, Australia. This scholarship aims to recognize and support a third-year acupuncture student who has exhibited leadership and outreach efforts to promote acupuncture in the community. Individuals interested in applying must submit the scholarship 9 application by August 1.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
FEDERAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID Won Institute meets the criteria for participation in the Federal Student Financial Aid program. Students are eligible for a Federal Direct Loan of up to $20,500 per academic year, depending upon how much they have previously borrowed in Federal Loans. The first step is to complete an application for financial aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov. The school code for Won Institute is G39493. The FAFSA should be completed online at least one month prior to the start of classes. For full information and instructions, visit our educational loan information webpage. VETERANS BENEFITS Won Institute is approved for veteran’s educational benefits. Benefit recipients must provide a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility. For more information on this process, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@woninstitute.edu and your local VA office.
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Won Institute offers federal financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify. Students interested in setting up custom payment plans are able to do so through the Office of the Registrar.
TUITION & FEES BREAKDOWN
ESTIMATED YEAR ONE COSTS..................$25,612 Tuition.............................................................$23,547 Fees (Term, Tech, Lab)..................................$1,065 Estimated Textbook Cost................................$1,000 ESTIMATED YEAR TWO COSTS..................$25,612 Tuition..............................................................$23,547 Fees (Term, Tech, Lab)..................................$1,065 Estimated Textbook / Supplies Cost...............$1,000 ESTIMATED YEAR THREE COSTS...............$25,892 Tuition..............................................................$23,547 Fees (Term, Tech, Clinic, Diploma).................$1,345 Estimated Textbook / Supplies Cost................$1,000 ESTIMATED YEAR FOUR COSTS................ $12,540 (DAc ONLY) Tuition..............................................................$10,995 Fees (Term, Tech........................................... $795 Estimated Textbook Cost................................ $750
TOTAL LICENSURE COSTS (PA) APPRX. COSTS OF LICENSURE................. $1,915
Estimates reflect prices as of October 2025. Tuition and fees are subject to change as decided by the President of the Won Institute. For further explanation and next steps, please contact financial.aid@woninsti tute.edu. Further information on licensure costs can be found at nccaom.org.
(NCCAOM) Application....................................$525 CNT Results Sent to NCCAOM.......................$15 NCCAOM Pregrad Transcript fee....................$25 Practice tests (recommended).........................$250 Point Location Board exam..............................$325 Biomedicine Board Exam.................................$325 Foundation of OM Board Exam........................$325 PA State Board Application Fee.......................$30 NCCAOM Exam Result Request......................$45 NCCAOM Graduate School Transcript.............$25 State Board Graduate School Transcript..........$25
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM? A: The Master of Acupuncture program is a total of three years in length, with fall, spring and summer terms each year. Fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks, while summer semester is 10 weeks. The Doctor of Acupuncture program is four years in length, with the first three years containing the Master of Acupuncture Studies curriculum. The final year is conducted in a 100% online asynchronous format (with the exception of the East Meets West: Clinical Collaboration course) , and consists of the doctoral level courses. Q: DO YOU ACCEPT PART-TIME STUDENTS? A: No, there is only a full-time option, however our Master of Acupuncture program is offered in a flexible, hybrid format, one evening and two days per week. Q: WHEN ARE THE CLASSES HELD? A: The program is held one evening (online) and two days per week. The exact days depend on which cohort you start with. This is a hybrid format with courses conducted via a mix of online and in-person courses. The final year of the Doctor of Acupuncture program is conducted online. Q: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR THE MASTER OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM? A: A Bachelor's Degree in any subject from an accredited school. Three credits / 45 hours each of Anatomy & Physiology I and II. For all prerequisites, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required. The prerequisites must be completed prior to beginning the program. To apply, applicants must complete the online application form, two letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, submit official copies of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and pay the application fee. Additional application documents are required for
doctoral level applications. Further instructions can be found on the online application at woninstitute.edu. Q: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY TO THE FULL DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM? A: The prerequisites are the same as listed above for the Master’s level. Additionally, if not already completed by prior education, Doctor of Acupuncture program applicants will need to complete corequisites including 3 credits each of Biology and Chemistry and 2 credits each of Psychology and an Herbal Medicine course. Corequisites can be completed during the program and must be completed prior to graduation. Students can choose to take our online Biochemistry of Plants course to cover the Chemistry requirement and Biology of the Mind-Body Connection to cover Biology, or can take the requirements through any accredited college. Q: WHAT WILL BE LEARNING? A: Study in the Master’s program includes Acupuncture Medical Theory, Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques, Eastern and Western Biomedicine, Chinese Medical Language and Research, Ethics, Practice Management and Counseling, Sitting and Moving Meditation, Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine, as well as 600+ hours of on-site clinical training in our Student Clinic. For the full curriculum, please see the Curriculum page or access our Course Catalog on our website. Q: HOW MUCH TIME WILL I BE SPENDING IN CLASS AND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM? A: Students can expect to spend up to 24 hours in class per week, with an additional 15-20 hours per week spent completing assignments outside of class. While it is doable to maintain a part time job while attending the program, individuals that are also planning to work will need to have strong time management skills.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM? A: Estimated cost for the three-year Master of Acupuncture Studies program is a little over $25,000 annually. This includes tuition, fees, and estimated book costs. Please see the tuition breakdown in this booklet for more information. Q: DO YOU OFFER FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID OR SCHOLARSHIPS? A: Yes. Federal financial aid is available to students who qualify. Scholarships are also available based on need and merit. Q: Is Won Institute an accredited school? A: Yes, Won Institute is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Additionally, the Master and Doctor of Acupuncture programs are programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). Q: Will I be able to take the acupuncture licensure exam when I graduate? A: Yes. The Master of Acupuncture program prepares students to sit for the national board exam which is required for licensure as an acupuncturist in many states including Pennsylvania. Q: What salary range can I expect as an acupuncturist? A: Salary range varies greatly depending on experience, hours worked and treatments per week. Range is $41,600-$140,600+ per year. The national average salary as of 2023 is $84,260 per year. Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes 291291.htm
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Q: WHAT TYPE OF JOB CAN I EXPECT AFTER BECOMING LICENSED? A: Alumni of our Master of Acupuncture Studies program work in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, wellness centers, addiction treatment centers, community clinics and private practices. Some alumni with previous medical experience have taken their acupuncture skills and incorporated them into an existing clinical practice, while others have built their own practices and wellness centers that offer a variety of treatment options. Others have focused on practicing in sports medicine and have worked with athletic teams in the area. Q: Why should I attend Won Institute’s acupuncture program? A: Small class sizes (20-25 students) and community environment Hybrid program format allows for more flexibility for the adult learner Diverse and highly experienced faculty members Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element acupuncture modalities, exposure to a wide range of other acupuncture modalities Opportunity to study abroad in South Korea and learn Traditional Korean Medicine Practice Management classes in your third year, which help prepare you to open your own practice Professional Development events and programs Sitting & moving meditation (tai chi) incorporated into the curriculum Complete your education in the field with our Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine Program and Doctor of Acupuncture Program Federal Financial Aid and scholarships offered Unique opportunity to dual-enroll in our Won Buddhist Studies Programs
GOLDEN NEEDLE CEREMONY Starting in 2018, this tradition unique to Won Institute is the symbolic ceremony marking the transition of second-year acupuncture students from pre-clinical study into their Clinical Internship. The Clinical Director, Dr. Doreen Lafferty, and the Acupuncture Faculty present each student with a yellow rose adorned with a golden needle to signal their readiness to begin their clinical service.
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MASTER OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM COURSES BY YEAR YEAR ONE / TERM ONE NTR 500 AM 501 AM 545 AM 545L Ob-A 551 BMS 580 BMS 590 CP 510 CE 400
(2 credits) (3.5 credits) (2.5 credits) (1.5 credits) 1.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (2 credits) (0.5 credits) (non-credit)
Nutrition & Food Energetics Acupuncture Medical Theory I Point Location and Energetics I Point Location and Energetics I LAB Clinical Observation I Surface Anatomy I Physiological Medicine I Moving Meditation I New Student Online Orientation
YEAR ONE / TERM TWO AM 502 RES 515 AM 546 AcS 546L Ob-A 552 BMS 581 BMS 591 CP 551
(3.5 credits) (3 credits) (2.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (2 credits) (0.5 credits)
Acupuncture Medical Theory II Research in Acupuncture Medical Theory Point Location and Energetics II Point Location and Energetics II LAB Clinical Observation II Surface Anatomy II Physiological Medicine II Sitting Meditation
YEAR ONE / TERM THREE AM 503 Ob-A 553 AM 565 BMS 592 BMS 599 CE 500
(3.5 credits) (0.5 credits) (1.0 credits) (2.0 credits) (2.0 credits) (non-credit)
Acupuncture Medical Theory III Clinical Observation III Asian Bodywork Therapy I (Tuina) Physiological Medicine III Orthopedic and Neurological Testing for Acupuncture AcS Year One Comprehensive Exam
YEAR TWO / TERM ONE AM 611 AM 630 AM 631 Ob-A 654 BMS 601 CT-A 641 CP 620
(4.0 credits) (2.0 credits) (1.0 credits) (1.5 credits) (3.0 credits) (2.0 credits) (0.5 credits)
Differentiation of Disease I Diagnostic Techniques (Tongue, Pulse) Needle Technique Practicum I Clinical Observation IV Disease Management and Prevention I Clinical Skills / Mentor Group I Moving Meditation II
YEAR TWO / TERM TWO AM 612 BMS 602 AM 632 CT-A 642 AM 690 CH 670 CP 671 CPR 600 16 CNT 600
(4.0 credits) (3.0 credits) (1.0 credits) (2.0 credits) (3.0 credits) (2.0 credits) (0.5 credits) (non-credit) (non-credit)
Differentiation of Disease II Disease Management and Prevention II Needle Technique Practicum II Clinical Skills / Mentor Group II Acupuncture Medical Theory IV Introduction to Herbs Sitting Meditation Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)* Clean Needle Technique (CCAHM CNT)*
MASTER OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) COURSES BY YEAR YEAR TWO / TERM THREE LAN 605 BMS 603 CT-A 651 EPM-A 673
(1.0 credits) (3.0 credits) (3.5 credits) (2.0 credits)
Chinese Medical Language Disease Management and Prevention III Clinical Internship I Medical Ethics
YEAR THREE / TERM ONE AM 748 BMS 704 CT-A 752 AM 765 AM 791 CP 721
(1.0 credits) (3.0 credits) (5.5 credits) (2.0 credits) (3.0 credits) (0.5 credits)
Five Element Point Energetics and Treatment Planning Disease Management and Prevention IV Clinical Internship II Asian Bodywork Therapy II (Advanced Tui Na) Acupuncture Medical Specialties I Moving Meditation III
YEAR THREE / TERM TWO AM 749 AM 720 CT-A 753 EPM-A 782 AM 792 CP 781
(1.0 credits) (2.5 credits) (5.5 credits) (3.0 credits) (3.0 credits) (0.5 credits)
Five Element Point Energetics and Treatment Planning II History & Development of Ideas in East Asian Medicine Clinical Internship III Practice Management I Acupuncture Medical Specialties II Sitting Meditation
YEAR THREE / TERM THREE BMS 705 CT-A 754 EPM-A 784 EPM-A 791 CE 700
(1.0 credits) (3.5 credits) (2.0 credits) (2.0 credits) (non-credit)
Issues in Primary Care Medicine Clinical Internship IV Practice Management II Mental Health: Special Topics AcS Year Three Comprehensive Exam
As Available by the end of third year*
*Electives may be taken in the student’s preferred term, as offered. Most students take their elective in their first year. WBS/CP
(3.0 credits)
WBS or CP Course of Choice**
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DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM COURSES
The Doctor of Acupuncture Program consists of the Master’s level courses as listed above in the first three years. The courses in the fourth and final year (and those taking the Doctor of Acupuncture Program completion track) are as follows if matriculating in the fall term. If starting in the spring term, students will start with term two courses and end with term one courses.:
TERM ONE EPM-A 820 (3 credits)
Leadership in Integrative Medicine
RES 825
(3 credits)
Medical Research Methodology
BMS 821
(3 credits)
Biomedical Diagnostics: Imaging Studies and Laboratory Values
CE 800
(non-credit) 4th Year Online Orientation Training
TERM TWO AM 860
(3.0 credits)
Nourishing Life: Integrative Medicine for Community Health and Wellness
CT-AM 861 (3.0 credits) East Meets West: Clinical Collaboration and Cooperation - 75 Hours*** RES 865
(3.0 credits) Research Proposals: From Creation to Publication
TERM THREE EPM-A 880 (3.0 credits) Career and Professional Development: Advancement & Options EPM-A 885 (3.0 credits) Healthcare Systems and Systems-Based Practice
**CT-AM 861 consists of one didactic credit and 2 clinical credits
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LICENSURE Our program prepares students to sit for the national board exams that are required for licensure in most states, including Pennsylvania. Graduates of our program are eligible to meet board exam testing requirements in states that accept NCCAOM board exams and those that require diplomate status. Additional requirements for licensure may be necessary and often differ between states. Individuals wishing to obtain a license to practice acupuncture outside of Pennsylvania should contact the licensing board of that state or visit www.nccaom.org for updated requirements.
800 Jacksonville Road, Warminster, PA 18974 Phone 215-884-3468
woninstitute.edu
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