Application Procedure

Students may apply for admission at any time of the year, and may begin their studies at the beginning of any trimester. The following documents must be submitted for application:

1. A completed copy of one of the following application forms.
   • Doctorate Application
   • Master’s Application
2. A letter stating applicant’s personal, educational and professional goals, with reasons for wishing to attend AAHW.
3. Official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s) attended. These must indicate satisfactory completion of a minimum of two years’ post-secondary education (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits). Applicants who have completed college or university-level education in another country please refer to “International-Student Requirements”, below.
4. Two letters of recommendation. These letters must be from people who are in a position to evaluate the applicant’s general character, academic abilities, perseverance, and determination.
5. English is the language of instruction for all classes at AAHW. Applicants whose native language is not English, please refer to “International-Student Requirements”, below.
6. The application fee as specified by the application form.

Doctoral applicants must hold a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from an ACAHM-accredited institution, or an ACAHM-candidate institution. This ensures a minimum standard of academic achievement and clinical background in the field of TCM.  Prospective students must demonstrate a cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who have a GPA below 3.0, or show weak areas in their transcripts, will be evaluated carefully. Any other factors which show strong motivation, such as a successful practice or participation in professional organizations will be taken into consideration by the Admissions Committee.

Doctoral applicants who have completed college or university-level education in another country, or whose native language is not English, please refer to “International-Student Requirements”, below.

In addition to the documents required for admission, you will have an interview with the Admissions Director.

Students who have completed their education in another country must have their foreign credentials evaluated by a recognized evaluation service, such as an agency which is an accredited member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A copy of the evaluation must be forwarded directly to AAHW’s Admissions Office from the evaluation agency. Received transcripts will then be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

English is the language of instruction for all classes at AAHW. An applicant whose native language is not English may be admitted to the program if s/he has previously completed one of the following:

1. Four years at a U.S. high school demonstrably delivered in English.
2. At least two years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) undergraduate-level or graduate-level English-language education in an institution which is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of
3. At least two years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) undergraduate-level or graduate-level education demonstrably delivered in English.
4. High school or two years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of English-language undergraduate-level or graduate-level education at 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; Cook Islands; 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; South Africa; South Sudan; St. Helena; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Swaziland; Tanzania; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands; United Kingdom; U.S. Virgin Islands; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe.

Non-native speakers who cannot demonstrate a qualifying English-language educational background must have completed one of the following language-competency assessment tools at the required level:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based test (TOEFL iBT), with a minimum total score of 61. (AAHW TOEFL reporting code: 0104)
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, Academic Format, with a minimum overall band score of level
3. Duolingo English Test, with a score of 90.
4. China Standard of English Language (CSE), with a CSE score of 6.
5. Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), with a score of C.
6. Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), with a score of C.
7. Common European Framework Reference (CEFR), with a score of B2.
8. Occupational English Test (OET), with a score of 250 or C.
9. Pearson Test of English (PTE), Academic, with a minimum overall score of 45.