Turn Your Massage Practice into a Full-Scope Healing Career

This blog is sponsored by the Won Institute of Graduate Studies.

Q&A

How can Won Institute of Graduate Studies increase a massage therapist’s professional development? 

As Pennsylvania’s only accredited acupuncture school, Won Institute of Graduate Studies offers licensed massage therapists (LMTs) a pathway to earn a master’s degree in acupuncture and become licensed acupuncturists. Adding acupuncture to your practice protects your physical longevity, prevents hands-on burnout, and expands your clinical toolkit with advanced modalities like Chinese herbal medicine, gua sha, and cupping—allowing you to deepen your healing impact without increasing physical strain.

What are a few of the more common academic programs students take, and why? 

Our master’s in acupuncture is the primary pathway required to sit for the national board exams to become a licensed acupuncturist. Many LMTs also complete our Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine or continue on to earn their doctorate of acupuncture to maximize their clinical impact and earning potential.

Additionally, some students dual-enroll in Won Buddhist Studies for personal growth and development. We find that LMTs are some of the most successful students in our programs due to their solid foundational knowledge in bodywork.

Note: A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to Won’s programs.

What are some of the more popular continuing education (CE) courses offered by Won Institute? 

We offer diverse CEU courses designed for ongoing professional and personal development. Upcoming highlights include a Medical Massage 1 course (November 7–8, 2026) and our online Meditation for Freedom of Mind course (starting September 15, 2026). For current students and alumni, we provide specialized CEU workshops like microneedling and battlefield acupuncture, and study abroad trips and convenient online CEU modules.

What should readers know about Won Institute? How is Won Buddhism integrated into the academic programs at the institute? 

We are a nonprofit, accredited graduate school outside of Philadelphia founded by Won Buddhist ministers from South Korea in 2001. We offer student and professional clinics, as well as veterans and community clinics, and a beautiful on-site Chinese herbal dispensary.

To accommodate working professionals, we offer a flexible hybrid schedule, small class sizes, and a supportive community. Won Buddhist principles are woven into the curriculum through sitting and moving meditation, reflective journaling, and mind practice—fostering personal well-being alongside professional growth.

For more information, visit woninsitute.edu.