Pacific College of Health and Science

The Pacific College of Health and Science^[1][2] is a private for-profit institution specializing in traditional medicine and integrative health science education. Founded in 1986, it was originally known as Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. The college's main campus is located in New York.^[3]

Pacific College of Health and Science

Type	Private for-profit college
Established	1986
Accreditation	WASC ACAHM ACEN AHNCC
President	Malcolm Youngren
Academic staff	200 over three campuses
Administrative staff	105 over three campuses
Students	1,200 average 75% full-time 25% part-time
Location	San Diego New York Chicago
Colors	Blue and white
Nickname	PCHS, Pacific College
Website	PacificCollege.edu

History

The Pacific College of Health and Science^[4] was established in 1986 in San Diego, California, following the closure of the California Acupuncture College (CAC). Its founder, Jack Miller,^[5] alongside a small group of administrators and faculty, including Joseph Lazzaro, Richard Gold, Ana de Vedia, and Alex Tiberi, sought to continue the mission of teaching traditional Oriental medicine. The college initially offered certificates in traditional Oriental medicine and massage therapy to meet the needs of students affected by the CAC's closure.^[6]

In its early years, the college achieved certain milestones:

• 1989. Hosted the first Pacific Symposium, which later became an annual event focused on education and innovation in Oriental medicine.
• 1990. Earned accreditation and California state approval to offer a master’s degree in traditional Oriental medicine.
• 1993. Opened a campus in New York City’s Flatiron District in response to new state regulations governing acupuncture schools.^[7] To comply with state naming conventions, the campus was initially called the Pacific Institute of Oriental Medicine but later adopted the Pacific College name.^[8]
• 2000. Established a third campus in Chicago, Illinois.

In January 2020, the institution rebranded itself as the Pacific College of Health and Science.^[9][10] New name showed integration of traditional medicine with broader healthcare fields, including nursing, massage therapy, and cannabis-based medical education.^[11][12]

Campuses

Pacific College of Health and Science operates three campuses across the United States. The campuses are located in San Diego, California, New York City, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. These campuses serve as hubs for hands-on learning.

New York

In January 2014, the campus moved to more modern facility at 110 William Street, offering 42,000 square feet of space. A new campus provides more classrooms, an expanded faculty lounge, and improved clinic facilities, including 22 private treatment rooms.^[13] The space was designed with input from students and a Feng Shui specialist.

The campus is located near Wall Street, Battery Park, and Chinatown, in a neighborhood with access to public transportation. It is located in an area serving diverse populations, including government employees, financial sector workers, and local residents. The on-site clinic provides low-cost acupuncture and massage services to populations including 9/11 survivors and individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy. The location facilitates the college’s educational and healthcare services. The New York campus offers programs in traditional and integrative medicine.^[14]

San Diego

The San Diego campus of Pacific College of Health and Science is located in the Mission Valley District at 7445 Mission Valley Road. The area includes restaurants, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, including the San Diego River area with walking and bike paths. The campus is accessible by public transportation and offers parking.^[15]

The campus occupies 38,141 square feet and includes twelve classrooms, student lounges, group study areas, and a dedicated room for meditation and massage practice. It also houses a library with a collection of Oriental medicine resources, including works by Dr. Ted Kaptchuk.^[16]

The campus includes a professional clinic with 30 treatment beds and an herbal dispensary. Clinical training is included as part of the program.

Chicago

The Chicago campus of Pacific College of Health and Science is located at 65 East Wacker Place in the Downtown Loop. The campus opened in 1999 with approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, becoming the first graduate program in Oriental medicine in the state. It is accessible by public transportation, including Chicago’s "L" train system, and is located near the Chicago River.

The campus occupies three floors - 17th, 20th, and 21st - and includes nine classrooms, ten administrative offices, student lounges, and common areas. It houses the largest Chinese Medicine and Bodywork Library in downtown Chicago. The on-site acupuncture clinic includes 12 treatment rooms and an herbal dispensary, where students receive clinical training in acupuncture and related healthcare fields.^[17]

Online

Pacific College of Health and Science offers an online campus that provides education in holistic and integrative medicine.^[18] The programs are fully online and are intended to offer flexibility for students in various locations. The curriculum includes subjects such as Chinese medicine, integrative health, medical cannabis certification,^[19][20] and holistic nursing.^[21]

Faculty includes individuals with experience in clinical practice and academic teaching. The institution states that its online programs follow the same academic structure as its on-site offerings. Financial aid is available, and course schedules are designed to accommodate a range of student needs.^[22][23]

Academics

Pacific College of Health and Science offers academic programs in integrative health practices, including acupuncture, massage therapy, holistic nursing, and medical cannabis education. The curriculum has elements of both Eastern and Western healthcare approaches, mixing clinical training with theoretical instruction. The college also offers advanced certificates and degree programs intended for licensed professionals pursuing specialization or leadership roles in healthcare-related fields.

Accreditation and Licensure

Pacific College of Health and Science is accredited by several organizations. These include the WASC Senior College and University Commission,^[24][25] the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM),^[26] the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing^[27] (ACEN), and the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). The college is also licensed to grant degrees by the appropriate state authorities.

Admissions

Prospective students can apply to Pacific College of Health and Science through an online application process. Admission requirements vary depending on the chosen program, such as entry-level acupuncture, massage therapy, nursing, or the transitional doctoral program. Specific requirements also apply to international and public education applicants. The Admissions Committee may allow limited enrollment in specific courses for individuals with general interest who do not meet all prerequisites.

Credit and Transfer Student Policies

Pacific College of Health and Science follows the Carnegie unit system, requiring two hours of outside work for every hour of in-class instruction. Credits are based on semester hours, with one credit equating to one hour of guided instruction and two hours of independent study weekly. Transfer credits are assessed on a case-by-case basis and must come from accredited institutions. Courses must generally be completed within five years, with a minimum grade of "C" (2.0). Final decisions regarding transfer credits rest solely with the college. Courses taken across Pacific College campuses are interchangeable and not considered transfer credits. The college does not currently hold articulation or transfer agreements with other institutions.

Military Students & Veterans

Pacific College of Health and Science participates in education benefit programs for military students and veterans, including the GI Bill. Financial aid is available for those who meet eligibility requirements.

International Students

International students applying to Pacific College of Health and Science must meet several requirements, including an application fee, financial proof for one year of tuition and living expenses, and official transcripts translated into English. Students are required to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. For Master's and Doctoral programs, additional English competency criteria apply. Applicants transferring from other U.S. institutions need specific documentation, such as a transfer form and visa copies. Permanent residents follow the same admission process as U.S. citizens, with potential waivers for English proficiency if prior education was completed in English.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Pacific College of Health and Science offers financial aid services to students at its campuses in San Diego, New York, and Chicago, as well as to online students. Financial Aid Assistants in New York and Chicago provide support with paperwork, while the San Diego campus houses the main Financial Aid Office. Students can access various resources, including scholarships, grants, loans, and funding options for veterans and their families. Communication with the Financial Aid Office is available via email, phone, or in person, with no need for an appointment. Refunds are managed through BankMobile Disbursements.

Student Outcomes

Dr. Felice Indindoli, a Transitional Doctorate graduate, was the first acupuncture doctor to present at PAINWeek National Conference. Dr. Kerry Boyle, a 2020 graduate, was named Vermont’s 2024 Small Business Person of the Year. Dr. Pia Franco was featured in San Diego Magazine for her expertise in cosmetic acupuncture, and Dr. Gudrun Wu Snyder appeared on WGN News to discuss facial acupuncture and ear seeds. Sandra Chiu was recognized by Well+Good for her contributions to cosmetic acupuncture.