Course variations

Course summary

This is a comprehensive program carefully designed to lead beginning students to the level of knowledge and clinical proficiency necessary to become a successful independent health care provider - whether as an individual practitioner or as part of a team of health care providers. The first year of the master’s program is the foundation on which all future quarters are based. During the first four quarters, students learn about the main theories of TCM, including five-element theory, the yin yang relationship, the properties and medicinal uses of Chinese herbs, the various meridians and acupuncture points of the body, elementary Mandarin and medical Chinese, acupuncture techniques, TCM diagnosis and Western medicine. During the second year, students continue to advance through the program while refining their skills. In-depth studies include Chinese herbal formulas, classical and advanced acupuncture techniques and theory, TCM pathology and Western internal medicine. The second year clinical experience gives students more autonomy as their skill base continues to grow. During the third year, students focus on their clinical training and additional specialized courses in TCM and Western medicine. Students take a series of courses in Western medicine including Physical Exam, Women’s Primary Care, Diet and Nutrition, Pharmacology, and Drug and Herbal Interactions. Students spend their last quarter working primarily as a clinic intern, preparing for the graduation and state board exams and learning the skills needed to establish and run a successful practice. This final quarter of study allows students to refine their skills, culminate their clinical experience with possible areas of specialty and form relationships they will continue to maintain after graduation. Upon completion of all required coursework and clinical training, students also have the option of studying in China at the Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Entry requirement for international students

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester credits (or 135 quarter credits) from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education or a foreign equivalent with a GPA of 3.0. Credits must be at the college level and be applicable towards a degree program such as an associate's degree or bachelor's degree. All international applications must take the TOEFL exam. Scores of 550 on the paper exam, or 213 on the computer exam, are required for acceptance to ACTCM.

Qualification

Masters

Awarding body

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Department name

American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine