Home›››Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Program Overview
The Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine is 10-semester program that deeply explores areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine such as psychology, oncology, gerontology, acupuncture detox, research and the classic texts that first recorded the principles of this powerful and ancient system of medicine.
New students can apply directly to this program, or can take it as a 1-year post-graduate program upon completion of theDiploma of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicineor a 2-year post-graduate program upon completion of theDiploma of Acupuncture. The curriculum is the same whether students apply directly into this program or matriculate from the above-mentioned programs.
Length: 10 semesters
Intakes: Winter, Summer, Fall semesters
Format: On campus with live online options
Clinical Training: 1065 hours
Total Training: 3840 hours
Curriculum
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PRC is not just a school, but is a living educational institution in diversity where one can learn true professionalism in TCM. The TCM program in PRC is not simply a study of books or experimental practice in closed clinic rooms. PRC offers its uniqueGlobal Outreach Program. Through the volunteer experience of GOP, a student can face various diseases in different environments of China, Nepal, and African countries. It provides a great opportunity for a student to become a TCM practitioner outside the school.
– Tae Byun Hyun, Alumnus
Pacific Rim College has been a recognized leader of Traditional Chinese Medicine education since 2007 and has partnerships for practicum training around the globe.
Through Pacific Rim College’s Student Clinic, students provide more than 7,000 treatments a year. Students typically begin clinical training in their very first semester.
This program is approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training (Private Training Institutions Branch) and Canada Student Loans.
Pacific Rim College is actively engaged in many forms of environmental stewardship including 100% green energy offsets for our campus, the highest eco-certification, and planting of 10 trees in British Columbia for every program graduate.
Key Learning Outcome #1
The ancient and powerful system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with extensive research into its classical applications and to contemporary applications in modern medicine and research.
Key Learning Outcome #2
Extensive background of biomedical understanding of the human body, its physiology, common pathologies and modern pharmacotherapy.
Key Learning Outcome #3
The application of extensive herbal knowledge to modern research and potential future therapeutic discoveries.
Key Learning Outcome #4
Psychological applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from landmark ancient texts to Five Element theory to the treatment of addictions.
Key Learning Outcome #5
The experience to establish a private clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine or to join an integrative health centre.
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Learning about TCM has changed my reality and the way I perceive the purpose of life forever. Pacific Rim College allowed me to develop my skills and understanding in a supportive, nurturing, and loving environment. I did a portion of my clinical residency in China, which only reinforced my confidence in all we have been taught at PRC. I could follow what the doctors were doing, I could recognized herbal formulas, predict point prescriptions, and work with the doctors in furthering my understanding of the classic texts. Even fellow TCM students in China were impressed at how much we have learned throughout our studies, which is a testament to the quality of education at PRC. Finally, to me, PRC has been more than school, it has felt like family.
– Carmen Bedard-Gautrais, Alumnus
Rory Knapp-Fisher
Rory has advanced training in Sports Acupuncture techniques is the proprietor of Jin Therapeutics Sports Acupuncture in downtown Victoria.
Dr. Juan Huang
Dr. Huang received her PH.D. in internal medicine of TCM at Beijing University of TCM and Pharmacology, Beijing, China. She has 28 years of clinical experience both in China and Canada.
Dr. Jaime de Melo
Jaime is a Naturopathic Physician and Educator with a special interest in treating disorders of the Respiratory and Digestive Systems.
Dr. Melissa Hawboldt
Melissa is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a special interest in women’s health, mental health and digestion
Brook Paulin
Brook is a Registered Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is also certified in Jin Shin Do, Mei-Zen Facial Rejuvenation, 5-Element Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine Acupuncture.
Dr. Jin Tripp
Dr. Tripp is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner with 11 years of training in Western and Traditional Medicine areas and 30 years’ experience working in Canada and China.
Ted van Hemert
Ted has been a Registered Acupuncturist in British Columbia since 2001, and an instructor of acupuncture for more than 15 years.
Dr. Jing Zhang
Dr. Zhang completed a Bachelor of Medicine degree (specializing in acupuncture and moxibustion), a Master of Medicine degree (specializing in integrating TCM and modern medicine) and a PhD in Internal Medicine of TCM at the Chengdu University of TCM.
TheSchool of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicineoffers year-round educational opportunities with an academic calendar based on 3 semesters per year. New students may enrol every January, May and September and students may either choose to pursue year-round studies or to take a semester or more off at their discretion. By choosing their course load each semester, students may complete any semester on a part-time or a full-time basis.
Students who wish not to enrol in any program are also eligible to take individual courses for personal enrichment provided that applicable course prerequisites have been met. Please see Non-Matriculating Students below for more information.
Students aiming for practitioner registration with the CCHP of British Columbia must complete a minimum of 3,250 hours of study over 5 academic years, including a minimum of 1,050 hours of clinical instruction of which at least 825 hours must be in supervised practice.
Program Course Schedule »
Below is a list of all courses that must be completed to be eligible for graduation with a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diploma provided that a student has first fulfilled graduation requirements for theDiploma of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Some course prerequisites do exist, and it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are eligible to enrol in any particular course. Please click on course links below to see more course information including descriptions and prerequisites.
Acupuncture
ACU521
Advanced Acupuncture Techniques
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Total
3 credits 3 crds
45 hours 45 hrs
Biomedical/Biological Sciences
BMS431
Western Pharmacology
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Total
3 credits 3 crds
45 hours 45 hrs
Chinese Botanical Medicine
CBOT501
Modern TCM Herbal Research
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Total
3 credits 3 crds
45 hours 45 hrs
Chinese Medicine
OM501
TCM Classics II
6 credits 6
90 hours 90
OM502
TCM Classics III
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
OM511
Advanced TCM Internal Medicine
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
OM512
TCM Psychology
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
OM513
TCM Gerontology and Pediatrics
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
OM521
Advanced TCM Differentiation and Therapeutics
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Total
21 credits 21 crds
315 hours 315 hrs
Chinese Medicine Clinical Practice
CMCP500
TCM Clinical Independent Practice
12 credits 12
360 hours 360
Total
12 credits 12 crds
360 hours 360 hrs
Elective
Elective
ACU/CBOT/OM Elective
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Total
3 credits 3 crds
45 hours 45 hrs
Total Requirements
Acupuncture
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Biomedical/Biological Sciences
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Chinese Botanical Medicine
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Chinese Medicine
21 credits 21
315 hours 315
Chinese Medicine Clinical Practice
12 credits 12
360 hours 360
Elective
3 credits 3
45 hours 45
Grand Total
45 credits 45 crds
855 hours 855 hrs
Total Requirements including Diploma of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture | 42 credits | 630 hours |
Biomedical/Biological Sciences | 26 credits | 390 hours |
Chinese Botanical Medicine | 42.5 credits | 637.5 hours |
Chinese Medicine Clinical Practice | 40 credits | 1065 hours |
Nutrition | 3 credits | 45 hours |
Chinese Medicine | 55.5 credits | 832.5 hours |
Professional Development | 13 credits | 195 hours |
Elective (ACU/CBOT/OM) | 3 credits | 45 hours |
Grand Total | 225 credits | 3840 hours |
Students in the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program complete 1065 hours of direct clinical practice. Students must complete all clinical training in PRC’s on-campus <a href=”https://www.pacificrimcollege.com/clinical-services/student-clinic/”>Student Clinic</a> only.
Pacific Rim College is committed to educating the highest quality industry professionals, and we offer priority acceptance to applicants who demonstrate the highest potential for success. Admission into theSchool of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicineat Pacific Rim College is on a competitive basis, and applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, humanitarian activities, community involvement, program-related experience, communication skills, professionalism, emotional maturity, independence, ambition, and passion.
Admission requires successfully meeting the following minimum criteria:
- A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. Applicants without a high school diploma or equivalent are welcome to apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for mature student status.
- A minimum grade of 70% in previous coursework. All grades will be taken into consideration with emphasis on related language and science-based courses, such as but not limited to general English, general science, creative and professional writing, biology, and chemistry.
- Written and spoken English language competency. Applicants may be required to submit an official score report from an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL or iELTS upon request.
To apply, please click on the link below.
Application Deadline
We offer three semesters of study per year for our diploma programs – Fall (September – December), Winter (January – April), and Summer (May – August). Diploma students are welcome to apply to begin in any semester. We do not have a set deadline for applications and will continue to accept students up until the start of classes provided there is space within the program, however, programs do fill prior to the semester start, so we recommend applying 6 months to one year in advance.
Transfer Students
Students who have earned credits in another recognized Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (ACM) program in North America (schools from other countries will be evaluated on case-by-case basis) can apply for transfer into the School of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diploma transfer students need to complete the equivalent of one year of coursework (45 credits) at PRC to be eligible to receive a diploma, and all eligible ACM college credits will be transferred for a total transfer fee of $150 for each ACM college attended. Students do not need to submit a Prior Learning Assessment for previous eligible ACM college education but will instead have credits evaluated automatically upon confirmation of acceptance into the School of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Contact our Office of Admissions today for more information.
Students who have completed a 4-year Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine program can apply for admission directly into our Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program without needing to transfer any credits.
International Students
As Pacific Rim College is a government Designated Learning Institution (#O19304067532), international students are able and welcome to attend, and we accept many international students each semester from all over the world. Once a student has been accepted and paid their $200 enrolment deposit (deposit not applicable for 4-month certificate programs or the Permaculture Design and Resilient Ecosystems diploma program) they will be provided with their official, signed acceptance letter and international student document, which will be required for a study permit application.
As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations, international students planning to study in a program longer than 6 months in length in Canada require a Study Permit. Students in programs shorter than 6 months do not require a study permit, but IRCC recommends applying for one in case you desire to extend your studies or work part-time while in school.
According to IRCC, to be eligible for a study permit, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have been accepted by a school, college, university, or other educational institution in Canada.
- International students require a minimum of $10, 000 CAD per year ($833 per month) in addition to the tuition amount to prove financial self-sufficiency and immigration officers may request a variety of financial information to establish that the applicant can support themselves while studying in Canada.
- You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
- You must be in good health and willing to supply a completed medical examination by a Canadian Immigrations designated physician.
- You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
You may apply for a study permit online or with a paper application. Processing times vary and can depend in part on your country of citizenship. Please visit the Canadian Immigrations website here and see our International Student Study Guide here for more information.
Non-Matriculating Students
Anyone who wishes to take courses at PRC without enrolling in a program is welcome to do so as a non-matriculating student. Provided that course prerequisite requirements are met, an individual is eligible to enrol in nearly any diploma program course. Enrolment priority is given to program students, and full course tuition is due at the time of registration. Any student who has previously been denied admission into any program at PRC or has had an enrolment position revoked must receive written permission from PRC before enrolling as a non-matriculating student. PRC reserves the right to academically dismiss any non-matriculating student who knowingly or blatantly interferes with the learning of program students. Visit Continuing Educationfor more information.
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Tuition is based on a per credit system. Although the college provides guidance for the order of course completion within each program, ultimately each student determines personal course load and schedule and thus per semester tuition. Audited credits do not apply towards graduation requirements. All prices listed are in Canadian dollars. For each semester, full tuition payment is due on the first day of the semester.
Program Student
Academic Credits: $245/credit
Clinic Observation/Supervised Credits: $245/credit
Clinic Independent Credits: $275/credit
Auditing (General Public)
Auditing: $180/credit plus tax
Auditing (PRC Students and Alumni)
Auditing: $180/credit
Discount Auditing: $120*/credit*Discount Audit tuition is available to current program students and PRC diploma alumni. Current program students must maintain the equivalent registration of 9 semester credits to be eligible and pay the regular rate should registration drop below that threshold. Discounted audit rate is not available for courses for which there is a waitlist, weekend workshops, or CPR and First Aid. Diploma alumni no longer enrolled in a program are required to pay all applicable tuition at the time of course registration.
Please clickherefor a description of Academic Fees in PDF format.
This program is approved for Canada Student Loans. British Columbia residents can apply for student loans online throughStudentAid BC. For non-British Columbia residents, please visit hrsdc.gc.cafor information about Canada Student Loans.
For a list of all financial aid programs available to PRC students, please visit ourFinancial Aidpage.
Graduates of the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program who have met the requirements of the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), which includes 60 university credits of liberal arts or sciences, will be eligible to sit for the provincial registration exam to become Registered Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dr.TCM) in the province of British Columbia. Based on reciprocity agreements, this distinction permits registrants to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine across Canada.
Students aiming for licensure by theState of Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examinersare eligible to do so only after completing PRC’s Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program. The DTCM program meets the requirements of R4-8-403 and R4-8-404 (licensure qualifier under Arizona Revised Statutes 32-3924(2)).
Graduates who have completed required electives in appropriate disciplines may also meet the professional standards set by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) in the United States. This has permitted them to sit for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) acupuncture examination and thus be licensed in the majority of US states. PRC graduates aiming for licensure in the United States must have their credentials evaluated byACCRAO.
Licensing Requirements
Practitioner licensing requirements vary based on region of governance. The Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program is approved by the CCHPBCof BC and meets the education requirements of many other provinces, states and countries. It is students’ responsibility to ensure they meet eligibility criteria in their chosen region.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), also commonly referred to as Oriental Medicine, is a comprehensive and ancient medical system developed over many centuries in China and regularly employed there as part of the standard medical system. TCM includes many different therapies, including acupuncture, which is an ancient form of medicine that specifically involves the insertion of extremely thin metallic needles into the body at various points – known as acupuncture points or acupoints – of which there are hundreds. The acupuncture needle metaphorically acts as a key to open up a blockage, which may be physical or energetic (e.g. stress, sadness) in nature. Other therapies also comprise the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and these include herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping and Gua Sha (massage-related therapies using implements), nutrition, Tai Qi Chuan and Qi Gong (movement- and energy-based therapies), and moxibustion (the external application of the herb known as mugwort). The primary goal in TCM is to release blockages to help the body restore balance and thus health.
Why study Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific Rim College?
Pacific Rim College is recognized as a leading college of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada. The acupuncture training and Chinese Medicine courses we provide are taught by experienced and qualified acupuncturists and practitioners and doctors of TCM. Many of our lecturers are world-renowned experts and authors in the field of Oriental Medicine. All programs within our School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine meet or exceed acupuncture certification standards and Traditional Chinese Medicine certification standards throughout Canada and in many US states. Having admitted students from more than 35 counties, we truly are an international college of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our students benefit from studying Chinese Medicine at our beautiful and historic campus in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia. Class sizes in all our herbal and acupuncture classes and Chinese Medicine clinics is monitored to maximize students’ learning of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Do I need to be licensed to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In North America there are a number of different Traditional Chinese Medicine certification standards that vary from state to state and province to province. In British Columbia, one must meet the standards of the CCHPBC to become a registered acupuncturist and practitioner or doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (these credentials are similar to an acupuncture license or Oriental Medicine license in the United States) and thus to legally practice acupuncture and Oriental Medicine throughout Canada. The CCHPBC requires candidates to study acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at a recognized college of Oriental Medicine and to subsequently earn a TCM diploma (an acupuncture degree and a degree in Chinese Medicine are not currently available in Canada).
What is the difference in a Traditional Chinese Medicine diploma and a Traditional Chinese Medicine degree?
There are many schools and colleges that provide the opportunity to study Traditional Chinese Medicine (a system of medicine of which acupuncture is part). A college of Chinese Medicine (also commonly known as a college of Oriental Medicine) in the USA typically awards a Traditional Chinese Medicine degree (Oriental Medicine degree) of some sort, which may be known as a Master’s of Acupuncture or a Master’s of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Currently any school of Chinese Medicine in Canada is only permitted to award diplomas in acupuncture and TCM. A program to program comparison may reveal virtually no differences between a diploma of TCM or program and a Master’s of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree program, but educational regulations vary between countries and thus affect the credentials a college of Chinese Medicine can award.
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