What's the actual difference between MAcHM, DAcHM, and DAOM?
Comparing these three by name alone is confusing — MAcHM, DAcHM, and DAOM all sound like variations on the same acronym, but they actually differ on three separate axes: how much prior education you need, how long the program runs, and whether you're starting from scratch or already hold a master's.
Comparing these three by name alone is confusing — MAcHM, DAcHM, and DAOM all sound like variations on the same acronym, but they actually differ on three separate axes: how much prior education you need, how long the program runs, and whether you're starting from scratch or already hold a master's.
The core distinction: MAcHM and DAcHM are entry-level programs — a new student enters here. DAOM is an advanced doctorate — you can only apply to it once you already hold a master's-level TCM/OM degree — licensure documentation, if you have it, is requested but not required.
| MAcHM | DAcHM | DAOM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree level | Master's | Doctorate (dual-degree, awarded with the MAcHM) | Advanced doctorate — admits master's-holders directly |
| Who enters | New students | New students | Existing master's-holders (TCM/OM) |
| Admission requirement | 2 years undergrad | 3 years undergrad | Prior master's degree in TCM/OM (licensure documentation only if applicable) |
| Curriculum | Identical to DAcHM | Identical to MAcHM | Distinct — advanced clinical specializations + research capstone |
| Length | 3,435 hrs / 195.5 units, 11 trimesters (≈4 yrs) | Same | 1,280 hrs / 62.47 units, as little as 24 months |
| Format | Weekday in-person classes | Same | Monthly 4-day weekend intensives, ~49% online |
(Source: Five Branches DAcHM-MAcHM-DAc-MAc Catalog for MAcHM/DAcHM figures, and the separate Postgraduate DAOM Catalog for DAOM figures; last checked 2026-07-12 and 2026-08-03 respectively.)
The MAcHM/DAcHM split is really about admissions, not coursework — the two run the identical curriculum, so it's less "which is easier" and more "which credential and undergrad-year requirement fits you." DAOM is a different animal entirely: built for someone already practicing, with research and clinical-specialization modules layered on top, designed to fit around an existing private practice rather than replace it.
One cost note, held loosely since tuition pages change: when we last checked the school's fee page (07/2026), DAOM tuition ran about $25,000 total over 2 years — worth confirming on the current Tuition & Fees page before relying on it.
Is it the entry-level choice (MAcHM vs. DAcHM) you're weighing, or are you already a master's-holder looking at what comes next?
Sources
- Five Branches University — Applying To Dtcm Mtcm Or Dac Mac Dual Degree checked 2026-08
- Five Branches University — Applying To Five Branches checked 2026-08
- Five Branches University — Curriculum Phd checked 2026-08
- Five Branches University — Dac Mac Dual Degree Program checked 2026-08
- Five Branches University — Dtcm Mtcm Program checked 2026-08
- Five Branches University — Educational Requirements checked 2026-08
- Five Branches University — Financial Aid checked 2026-08
- The school's own published catalog and website checked 2026-07
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