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. 45
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 and 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 virtual and in-person Continuing Education (CE) events and workshops.
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.
"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.
The accredited three-year Master’s Degree program integrates two main acupuncture styles:
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
3-4 Years to Complete Days Per Week 2.5 Study Abroad In South Korea
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.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
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
WESTERN BIO
The program includes 24 credits (360 hours) of foundational western biomedicine.
Courses include:
Physiological Medicine
Disease Management and Prevention
Issues in Primary Care Medicine
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
24 360 Credits Hours
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND FINANCIAL AID
Fall Priority Application
3.1
Deadline Fall FInal Application Deadline
International Student Application Deadline
Spring Priority Application Deadline Spring Final Application Deadline 6.1 7.1
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, Chemistry and Psychology and 2 credits of Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine, with a grade of C or higher.
All prerequisites must be completed prior to the first day of classes. Co-requisites can be completed during the Doctor of Acupuncture Program. Won Institute offers the Anatomy & Physiology courses 100% online over the summer each year Courses meeting the required co-requisites are also offered, including a Biochemistry of Plants course, Introduction to Herbs course, and Biology of the Mind-Body Connection course.
In addition, all applicants should ensure that they are capable of meeting the Technical Standards.
For more information about our admissions requirements, please visit woninstitute.edu.
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 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. Individuals interested in applying must submit the application by April 1
CHUNSAN KIM CHUNTAEK MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
The Chunsun Kim Chuntaek Merit Scholarship supports third year acupuncture students who exhibit leadership and outreach efforts to promote acupuncture in the community. Eligible students must submit their applications prior to April 1 prior to starting their third year. The scholarship was established in honor of the late Chunsan Kim Chuntaek, ordained Won Buddhist minister and lifelong practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
FEDERAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Won Institute meets the criteria for participation in the Federal Student Financial Aid program. Students are eligible for a Direct Loan or a Direct Graduate Plus Loan. Information about these loans and how they differ is available from the Department of Education Currently, the upper limit of the Direct Loan is $20,500. The upper limit of the Direct Graduate Plus Loan depends on the cost of attendance of a student’s program.
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 but may be completed earlier. Learn more about financial aid and scholarships on our website at woninstitute.edu.
VETERANS BENEFITS
Won Institute is approved for veteran’s educational benefits. For more information on this process, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@woninstitute.edu and your local VA office.
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.
Estimates reect prices as of October 2024 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
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 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 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 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, Doctor of Acupuncture program applicants will need to complete corequisites including 3 credits each of Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, and 2 credits Introduction to Herbology.
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. Won Institute also offers and Introduction to Herbs course. All corequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
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.
Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?
A: Estimated cost for the three-year Master of Acupuncture Studies program is a little over $24,000 annually. This includes tuition, fees, and estimated book costs. Please see the tuition breakdown page 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 $41,000-$140,600+ per year. The national average salary as of 2023 is $84,260 per year. Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes29 1291.htm
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
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.
MASTER OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM
COURSES BY YEAR
YEAR ONE / TERM ONE
NTR 500 (2 credits) Nutrition & Food Energetics
AM 501 (3.5 credits) Acupuncture Medical Theory I
AM 545 (2.5 credits) Point Location and Energetics I
AM 545L (1.5 credits) Point Location and Energetics I LAB
Ob-A 551 (1.5 credits) Clinical Observation I
BMS 580 (1.5 credits) Surface Anatomy I
BMS 590 (2 credits) Physiological Medicine I
CP 510 (0.5 credits) Moving Meditation I
CE 400 (non-credit) New Student Online Orientation
YEAR ONE / TERM TWO
AM 502 (3.5 credits) Acupuncture Medical Theory II
RES 515 (3 credits) Research in Acupuncture Acupuncture Medical Theory
AM 546 (2.5 credits) Point Location and Energetics II
AcS 546L (1.5 credits) Point Location II and Energetics II LAB
Ob-A 552 (1.5 credits) Clinical Observation II
BMS 581 (1.5 credits) Surface Anatomy II
BMS 591 (2 credits) Physiological Medicine II
CP 551 (0.5 credits) Sitting Meditation
YEAR ONE / TERM THREE
AM 503 (3.5 credits)
Acupuncture Medical Theory III
Ob-A 553 (0.5 credits) Clinical Observation III
AM 565 (1 credit) Asian Bodywork Therapy I (Tuina)
BMS 592 (3 credits) Physiological Medicine III
BMS 599 (2 credits) Orthopedic and Neurological Testing for Acupuncture
CE 500 (non-credit) AcS Year One Comprehensive Exam
YEAR TWO / TERM ONE
AM 611 (4 credits) Differentiation of Disease I
AM 630 (2 credits) Diagnostic Techniques (Tongue, Pulse)
AM 631 (1 credit) Needle Technique Practicum I
Ob-A 654 (1.5 credits) Clinical Observation IV
BMS 601 (3 credits) Disease Management and Prevention I
CT-A 641 (2 credits) Clinical Skills / Mentor Group I
CP 620 (0.5 credits) Moving Meditation II
YEAR TWO / TERM TWO
AM 612 (4 credits) Differentiation of Disease II
BMS 602 (3 credits) Disease Management and Prevention II
AM 632 (1 credit) Needle Technique Practicum II
CT-A 642 (2 credits) Clinical Skills / Mentor Group II
BMS 603 (3 credits) Disease Management and Prevention III
CT-A 651 (4 credits) Clinical Internship I
EPM-A 673 (2 credits) Medical Ethics
AS AVAILABLE
Elective (3 credits) WBS or CC Elective**
YEAR THREE / TERM ONE
AM 748 (1 credit) Five Element Point Energetics and Treatment Planning
BMS 704 (3 credits) Disease Management and Prevention IV
CT-A 752 (6 credits) Clinical Internship II
AM 765 (2 credits) Asian Bodywork Therapy II (Advanced Tuina)
AM 791 (3 credits) Acupuncture Medical Specialties I
CP 721 (0.5 credits) Moving Meditation III
YEAR THREE / TERM TWO
AM 749 (1 credit) Five Element Point Energetics and Treatment Planning II
AM 720 (2.5 credits) History of East Asian Medicine
CT-A 753 (6 credits) Clinical Internship III
AcS 682 (3 credits) Practice Management I
AcS 692 (3 credits) Acupuncture Medical Specialties II
CC 581 (0.5 credits) Sitting Meditation
YEAR THREE / TERM THREE
AcS 605 (1 credit) Issues in Primary Care Medicine
AcS 654 (4 credits) Clinical Internship IV
AcS 684 (2 credits) Practice Management II
CC 591 (2 credits) Mental Health: Special Topics
**These courses are not part of the curriculum and must be taken off-site at some additional cost.
***Electives may be taken in the student’s preferred term, as offered. Most students take their electives in Year 2.
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 are as follows:
TERM ONE
EPM-A 820 (3 credits) Leadership in Integrative Medicine
CE 800 (non-credit) 4th Year Online Orientation Training
TERM TWO
AM 860 (3 credits) Nourishing Life: Integrative Medicine for Community Health and Wellness
CT-AM 861 (3 credits) East Meets West: Clinical Collaboration and Cooperation - 75 Hours***
RES 865 (3 credits) Research Proposals: From Creation to Publication
TERM THREE
EPM-A 880 (3 credits) Career and Professional Development: Advancement & Options
EPM-A 885 (3 credits) Healthcare Systems and Systems-Based Practice
***Course CT-AM 861 consists of one didactic credit and 2 clinical credits.
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.
