Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA): a schoolfor those interested in alternative medicine

Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA), College and Clinic, was founded by a group of highly motivated teachers, s...

Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA), College and Clinic, was founded by a group of highly motivated teachers, students and administrators who sought to bring the ancient practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to Arizona through the creation of Arizona’s first educational program designed to meet nationally recognized standards in these fields.

School Description

PIHMA has taken upon itself the mission to help anybody who want to learn acupuncture and oriental medicine to become a professional in the field and meet the national and professional certification standards prescribed for the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

The school wants to help students in that transition into the role of a healing facilitator but also assist them as they prepare for their own medical practice. For those with an already busy schedule, they also offer evening classes.

How long does it take to complete the course?

PIHMA offers two different courses:

• Master of Science in Acupuncture


• Master of Science in Oriental Medicine

Both courses can be finished in 3 to 4 years depending on whether the student is attending full time or not. That said there are options for extensions if the student is having a busy schedule. The main difference between the 2 courses is that the first one is mainly focused on Acupuncture while the second one combines both acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine.

The students taking the Master of Science in Acupuncture are required to go through a 900 hours of student clinical internship under the direction of an experienced Professional Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.). They are trained to master Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxibustion, TuiNa, and Oriental nutritional counseling in their practice.

For the students taking the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine, they are required to take at least 200 hours (in addition to the 900 clinical internship) of clinical experience in creating customized herbal formulas for patients.

At the end of the training each student is eligible to sit for the national certification exams in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology.

Is the School Accredited?


The school is indeed accredited and has been reaccredited over the years since 2001. Actually PIHMA is the Valley’s first college to be approved by the Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners and to be awarded full accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

What is the cost involved in the schooling?

The school offers 2 main degrees, the second one somewhat seen as an extension of the first one. 

For the Master of Science in Acupuncture a student is required to pay an amout of $52,900 for the whole program itself and an additional $4800 for the books and supplies. Mind you this is not a cost per year. This is the total cost involved after you finish the program and finally sit for the national certification exams. It is not required to pay to full amount right from the beginning.

The cost involved with the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine is $62,600 with an additional cost of $4800 for the books and supplies.

Also, note that students pay only for the classes they attend each semester. This allows PIHMA students to tailor their class schedule according to their individual financial needs. That also means that each students is allowed to have a job and still continue with their education.

Financial aid is also offered to those eligible. You will have to request for it.

Talking about relocation

The Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture is located in Central Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is surrounded by scenic desert mountains and towering saguaro cacti. Combining an old west setting with modern sophistication and style, Phoenix is famous for its luxurious accommodations, rich cultural community and award-winning restaurants. Students will find Phoenix a wonderful atmosphere for relaxing, working, studying and playing!

What happens once you get your degree?

In most cases, graduates from PIHMA start their own independant private practice while some other work with healthcare providers in integrated practices, hospitals and spas. PIHMA is proud of the fact that their graduates were among the first acupuncturists at Valley-wide Banner Hospitals and the Phoenician Resort.


PIHMA also has an Alumini Network that support their graduates by helping them building a relationship among themselves, get jobs and creating business opportunities.

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Here are some videos where Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture appeared on the news.






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