Doctoral Program
Welcome to the Doctoral Program
Choose Your Path
The Master of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (MAHM) program is the entry-level degree required to become a licensed acupuncturist.
At AIMC, this program is accredited by both the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) and the California Acupuncture Board (CAB), ensuring graduates are fully prepared for licensure, regardless of where they choose to practice.
The Doctor of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (DAHM) program provides advanced training for both new students and licensed practitioners who wish to deepen their expertise in acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Students can earn both degrees through a dual-degree pathway, with just two additional terms after completing the MAHM.
Licensed acupuncturists may also enroll directly through a streamlined Doctoral Completion Track.
This program is designed to enhance clinical skills, broaden integrative healthcare knowledge, and elevate professional practice and opportunities.
Doctoral Program Overview
AIMC offers two distinct doctoral pathways for acupuncture professionals
Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (DAHM)\
A comprehensive 4-year professional doctorate designed for students seeking both a Master’s and Doctorate in Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine.
Trimesters
12 Terms (4 Years)
Didactic Hours: 2,265
Clinical Internship Hours: 1,071
Program Length & Hours
Tuition: $370 per unit
Clinic Internship: $15 per clinical hour
Estimated Total Cost: $74,000
Program Highlights
Comprehensive doctoral-level training in acupuncture, herbal medicine, integrative medicine, and functional medicine.
Advanced clinical education in hospital settings, community health clinics, and specialized integrative medicine clinics.
Human dissection, functional medicine, and laboratory diagnostics training to enhance diagnostic and treatment precision.
Designed for aspiring practitioners looking to establish a successful acupuncture career at the highest level of clinical competency.
Doctoral program applicants must have:
High school diploma or GED. AIMC Berkeley does not accept ability-to-benefit (ATB).
The minimum education requirements of 90-semester units (equivalent to 135 quarter units) of undergraduate work from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must also be in good academic standing.
Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Completion Track (DAHM Completion Track)
A 1-year advanced program for licensed acupuncturists who have already completed a Master’s degree in Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (or equivalent).
Trimesters
2 Terms (1 Year)
Didactic Hours: 172.5
Clinical Internship Hours: 136
Program Length & Hours
Tuition: $520 per unit
Books, Fees & Supplies: $1,855 (estimated)
Estimated Total Cost: $10,175
Program Highlights
For licensed acupuncturists with a Master’s degree looking to advance their expertise while continuing their practice.
Fast-tracked completion of doctoral-level competencies, research, and integrative clinical training.
Enhanced clinical education focusing on case studies, critical analysis, and advanced treatment strategies.
Flexible scheduling designed to accommodate working professionals.
Doctoral completion applicants must have:
A Master’s degree equivalent to AIMC’s MSTAM. Most California-board approved programs grant Master’s degrees equivalent to AIMC Berkeley’s.
High school diploma or GED. AIMC Berkeley does not accept ability-to-benefit (ATB).
The minimum education requirements of 90-semester units (equivalent to 135 quarter units) of undergraduate work from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must also be in good academic standing.
Academics