Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Acupuncture Education in Bloomfield, NJ
Founded in 1997 by Julie Puretz, the Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine (ESATM) has established itself as New Jersey's first and most respected institution for acupuncture education. Our mission centers on training compassionate, competent practitioners of East Asian Medicine by integrating ancient wisdom with modern clinical practice. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), we offer a Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc) and a Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine, preparing graduates for national certification and state licensure. With over 30 years of excellence, our curriculum combines Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese acupuncture, and Western biosciences, supported by hands-on clinical training in our Intern Clinic. Our faculty, recognized as leaders in the field, provide personalized instruction that bridges historical traditions with contemporary healthcare standards. Graduates join a network of 440+ alumni practicing across the U.S., benefiting from our career support services and continuing education opportunities.We maintain partnerships with the New Jersey Acupuncture Examining Board and national organizations to ensure our programs meet evolving industry requirements. Our Bloomfield campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, a comprehensive library, and student resources that foster academic and professional growth. Through flexible scheduling and a commitment to holistic education, ESATM empowers students to become patient-centered practitioners capable of transforming healthcare through integrative approaches.
Services
Acupuncture Program
Chinese Herbal Medicine Certificate
Continuing Education Classes
Intern Clinic Training
Career Support Services
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 30 years of excellence in acupuncture education since 1997
- Nationally recognized ACAHM accreditation ensures career-ready qualifications
- Unique curriculum blending TCM, Japanese acupuncture, and Western biosciences
- Hands-on clinical training through our Intern Clinic with patient supervision
- 94% job placement rate for recent graduates in acupuncture practices
Associations and certifications
- Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM)
- New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)
What people say
Life-changing education
Excellent clinical training
Supportive faculty
Career growth opportunities
Flexible scheduling
Services
Master of Science in Acupuncture
Our 2,700-hour MSAc program trains students in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Japanese acupuncture techniques, and Western biosciences. The three-year curriculum includes 870+ clinical hours in our Intern Clinic, preparing graduates for national certification and state licensure. Students study anatomy, pathology, meridian theory, and modern treatment protocols.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Certificate
This 870-hour certificate program explores classical Chinese herbal formulations and their integration with modern healthcare. Students learn diagnostic techniques, herb preparation methods, and treatment strategies for various conditions through case studies and clinical practice under experienced faculty guidance.
Continuing Education Classes
Monthly CEU courses taught by industry leaders cover advanced topics like perinatal acupuncture, sports medicine applications, and chronic disease management. These classes help licensed practitioners maintain certification while expanding their clinical expertise in specialized treatment areas.
Intern Clinic Training
Students develop practical skills through supervised patient care in our teaching clinic. They perform diagnoses using traditional methods, create treatment plans, and administer acupuncture under faculty oversight while learning professional communication and practice management techniques.
Career Support Services
Our alumni network connects graduates with job opportunities through exclusive job boards and networking events. We provide resume development guidance, interview preparation, and practice management resources to help new acupuncturists establish successful careers in private practice or healthcare institutions.
People
Aida Almanzar
CEO & President
MBA holder leading ESATM since 2007, continuing her mother Julie Puretz's legacy. Focuses on maintaining educational excellence while expanding program accessibility through flexible scheduling and modern clinical integration.
Dr. Ilona Abitbol
Academic Dean
DAOM holder overseeing curriculum development and faculty training. Ensures program alignment with ACAHM standards while integrating contemporary research into traditional acupuncture education frameworks.
Kelly Williams
Director of Admissions
Manages admissions process and student recruitment. Provides guidance on program requirements, financial aid options, and career pathways for prospective students seeking acupuncture education.
Questions
What accreditation does ESATM hold?
We maintain ACAHM accreditation for our MSAc and Chinese Herbal Medicine programs, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national standard for acupuncture education.
How long do programs take to complete?
The MSAc program requires 3 years (2,700 hours) with weekend/weekday evening classes. The Chinese Herbal Medicine Certificate takes 2 years (870 hours) with part-time study.
What licensure preparation do you offer?
Our curriculum prepares graduates for NJ state licensure exams and national certification through NCBAHM (formerly NCCAOM), meeting requirements in NY, PA, CT, and DE.
Do you offer financial aid?
Federal student aid is available for MSAc students. We also offer payment plans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying students in both programs.
What clinical experience is included?
Students gain hands-on training in our Intern Clinic under licensed faculty supervision, treating real patients while developing diagnostic and treatment skills.
