Hi Jennifer. You definitely don’t have to have a degree in western sciences to get your masters in Chinese medicine – just makes it easier, that’s all. Most (all) acupuncture schools offer all of the required western science classes as part of their program (usually 4 years to get your master’s). I’m a massage therapist with a pretty extensive background in Chinese Medicine and I started acupuncture school but quit after two years. For me, the education was taking me too far from my roots (heavy in western thought and a little light in Taoist philosophy). If I was younger I probably would have stuck it out, but I’m at a point where I just want to do what I do so I quit. I have a lot of friends who have made the leap from massage to acupuncture and they’re doing just fine. If that’s what you want, you should go for it. It’s a lot of work, but that’s why they call it a Master’s degree :)

As for it being easier for medical professionals I'd have to disagree. It may be easier for them to meet the requirements, but some of the people I know who came from that world struggled a little bit trying to grasp the theory behind the medicine...

Thank you so much for your info. I'm from Nebraska and there are no schools offering the degree and very few Acupuncturists there. I have moved to Phoenix and have the opportunity to make this happen now but obviously I'm a little nervous about making the jump. I think I'm going to start with some continuing education in Tui- Na massage to see how I transition to the Eastern Philosophies. In Nebraska they teach very little Eastern massage there. I'm finally at the age where I'm ready to work really hard and make the commitment to 4 years of school I just need to do a little more research and I think I'll be ready.

Thank you for the suggestion. I remember one of my teachers recommending that book and I completely forgot about it. I will definitely check it out. Thank you again for all of your help :)