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Doctor of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (DAcHM)

Program Overview

Designed for future acupuncturists who want to practice the full breadth of functional & integrative medicine allowed under their license.

The DAcHM can be completed in four years, ideal for full-time students eager to become licensed practitioners. The program is also available part-time for students with other commitments. First-year students focus on academics: learning the fundamentals of Oriental Medicine, Herbology, and Western Medicine. In the second year, students begin the observation portion of their clinical training: shadowing and learning from more advanced students and clinical supervisors. By the third year, students are actively participating in the clinic, taking patients and working with supervisors on the best treatment strategies. In the final year, students focus on the most advanced training, specialized topics, practice management, and electives. 

*The DAcHM program is offered in English and Korean.
*All didactic courses are delivered with approximately 80% conducted online and 20% conducted in person. Students can find details about which classes are delivered online and which are in-person below in the University Catalog. DULA operates the distance learning under the approval of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM).

Doctor of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (DAcHM):

  • Duration: 4 years (full-time) or part-time option available
  • Curriculum: 2,430 hours of academic coursework and 1,000 hours of clinical internship
  • Structure: Classes and clinic shifts are offered quarterly
  • Languages: Offered in English and Korean
  • Delivery Format: In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Program Catalog & Handbook

Admission Requirements

The following items are required to be considered for admission:

  • Application: Complete the application in English (online or paper) with the non-refundable fee ($100 for U.S. citizens/residents, $200 for international students).
  • Official Transcripts: Submit sealed official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  • International students: Provide a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member service (see www.naces.org) for degree equivalency.
  • Non-English transcripts: Must be translated into English and evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation agency for U.S. educational equivalency.
  • Diploma(s): Provide a copy or copies of diplomas from colleges and higher-education institutions.
  • Recommendation Letters: Submit two letters of recommendation (in English or Korean) detailing your strengths and character traits.
  • Personal Essay: Write a one-page typed essay in English addressing:
    • Your motivation to attend Dongguk University Los Angeles.
    • Your interests and/or philosophical views of Oriental medicine.
    • Your strengths and skills that make you a suitable healthcare practitioner.
  • Photo: Provide one recent 2”x 2” color headshot.
  • Proof of Residency: Submit a copy of your passport, birth certificate, permanent residency card, or other documents verifying legal status in the U.S.
  • Interview: Participate in an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee.

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    Entrance Criteria

    All DAcHM applicants must have completed:

    • Education Requirement: Minimum three (3) years of undergraduate-level education (defined as 90 semester credits or 135 quarter credits) of baccalaureate level education from a regionally accredited, degree-granting college or university.
    • GPA Requirement: A minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent international entity.
    • Prior Learning Assessment: A maximum of 30 semester credits (or 50%) of the prerequisite two-year education requirement may be earned through prior learning assessment using either, or a combination, of the following techniques:
      • Credit by examination using standardized tests.
      • Assignment of credit for military and corporate training based on recommendations established by the American Council on Education.

    English Language Requirements

    The language requirement for English program is satisfied by;

    • Four years at a U.S. high school demonstrably delivered in English
    • At least two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate-or graduate-level education in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education;
    • At least two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate-or graduate-level education demonstrably delivered in English;
    • High school or two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate- or graduate-level education in an institution in one of the following countries or territories: American Samoa; Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda;Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands;Cameroon; Canada (except Quebec); Cayman Islands; Christmas Island; CookIslands; Dominica; Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; The Gambia; Ghana;Gibraltar; Grenada; Guam; Guyana; Ireland; Isle of Man; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho;Liberia; Malawi; Montserrat; Namibia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Norfolk Island;Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Pitcairn Islands; Sierra Leone; Singapore; SouthAfrica; South Sudan; St. Helena; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent & theGrenadines; Swaziland; Tanzania; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands;United Kingdom; U.S. Virgin Islands; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe.

    In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used.

    OR

    The applicant must have completed one of the following assessments at the required level:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) –  Total: 61
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Format –  Overall band: 6
    • Duolingo English Test –  90
    • China Standard of English Language (CSE) –  CSE 6
    • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) –  C
    • Cambridge English Advanced –  C
    • Common European Framework Reference (CEFR) – B2
    • Occupational English Test (OET) – 250, C
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE), Academic – Overall: 45

    International Applicants

    DULA is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue an I-20 and enroll non-immigrant international students into both the Master’s program (MAcHM) and the Doctorate degree (DAcHM).

    State Authorization of Distance Education Outside of California

    Due in part to the increased popularity of distance education, many states have prescribed an “authorization” process for out-of-state institutions delivering online programs to its state residents. States are attempting through these processes to ensure quality post-secondary education, to preserve the integrity of an academic degree and to instill greater consumer protection for their student citizens.

    Because of the compliance burden and cost involved in authorization processing online programs in all 50 states, a Commission on Regulation of Postsecondary Distance Education established the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Under SARA, states agree on uniform standards for state authorization of distance education. When a higher education institution meets the standards in its home state and that state is a member of SARA, it is authorized to offer distance education to residents of other states that are members of SARA without having to undertake burdensome and costly state-by-state registration.

    California is not yet a member of SARA in part because a number of California policymakers do not believe that SARA standards offer sufficient protections for students enrolled in distance education. Thus, California higher education institutions are not yet eligible to take advantage of the SARA reciprocity agreement if they offer distance education or clinical placements in other states.

    DULA has taken steps to protect its students and operations nationwide. The institution is working on obtaining granted authorizations, exemptions and waivers from many states. Currently, we do not yet have a list of approved states.

    If you are currently not residing in California, we suggest that you do not to enroll in distance education classes at DULA.

    For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

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