Based on the traditional curriculum taught at Chinese institutions, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program is designed for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge or people who are new to the field.
Students learn about acupuncture, Chinese herbology, Tuina massage, Qi Gong, Tai Ji, diet therapy, the basics of Western medicine, and more. They also gain valuable experience putting what they’ve learned in the classroom to use in a clinical setting.
Admission Requirements
Graduates from this program will be positioned to write the PAN-CAN examinations for Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalists in BC. This program is recognized by the board of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC (CTCMABC) for the purpose of registration. For more informaiton on the requirements for the registration, please visit www.ctcma.bc.ca.
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. The program is offered as an in-person program.
This is the second in a series of two courses which introduces the structure and function of the human body. Students will continue to learn topics in endocrine control, the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems, immune response, and reproduction.
This course introduces safety issues involving TCM and acupuncture practice. This course covers topics in infection prevention and control, safe procedures and processes in acupuncture and herbs, clean needle techniques and risk management. Students will also study the bylaws and regulations of regulatory bodies.
In this clinical training course, students will continue to see patients and learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under “direct” supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM and herbal treatment under “direct” supervision of the instructor.
This is the first in a series of two courses which introduces the structure and function of the human body. Topics in this course include cellular and tissue structures, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, central and peripheral nervous systems, and sense organs.
In this clinical training course, students will begin to see patients and learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under “direct” supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM and herbal treatment under “direct” supervision of the instructor.
This course introduces the skeletal and muscular structures of the human body. Of particular importance are the anatomical landmarks and terminologies used to describe the musculoskeletal system. In this course, actual hands-on palpation will be employed to identify anatomical structures and landmarks, and anatomically dangerous areas for needling are discussed.
In this clinical training course, students will learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM herbal and/or acupuncture treatment under supervision of the instructor. Students along with peers and the instructor will discuss TCM diagnosis and treatment plan before and after each session.
In this clinical training course, students will learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM herbal and/or acupuncture treatment under supervision of the instructor. Students along with peers and the instructor will discuss TCM diagnosis and treatment plan before and after each session.
In this clinical training course, students will learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM herbal and/or acupuncture treatment under supervision of the instructor. Students along with peers and the instructor will discuss TCM diagnosis and treatment plan before and after each session.
In this clinical training course, students will observe and learn general operation of the TCM clinic - general care of patients and clinical management. Students will learn maintenance of a safe work environment, emergency response, clinical protocols, professionalism, consultation and counseling skills, maintenance of a clinical record for a patient, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. In simulated clinical environment and under direct supervision of the supervising instructor, students will also work with peers to practice safety measures, patient assessment, TCM diagnosis, and acupuncture and/or TCM herbal treatment.
In this clinical training course, students will continue to see patients and learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under “direct” supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM and herbal treatment under “direct” supervision of the instructor.
In this clinical training course, students will learn TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under supervision of a clinic instructor. Students will observe, discuss and learn how to draw TCM diagnosis and to perform TCM herbal and/or acupuncture treatment under supervision of the instructor. Students along with peers and the instructor will discuss TCM diagnosis and treatment plan before and after each session.
This course introduces characteristics of TCM pediatric physiology, pathology, diseases and treatment. In this course, students will study common TCM pediatric conditions along with their causes, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, patterns and treatment using TCM herbal formulae. Treatment approaches focus on selecting TCM herbal formulae and their modifications according to clinical manifestations.
This is the last in a series of three courses, and students will continue to learn the detailed study of Jingluo (channels and collaterals) and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points. In this course, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Channel, Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel, Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel, Foot Jueyin Liver Channel, Ren (Conception) Mai, Du (Governing) Mai, and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points are introduced. Students will also learn extraordinary meridians of Chong, Dai, Yin and Yang Wei and Yin and Yang Qiao and commonly used extra acupuncture points which do not have pertaining Jingluo.
This course summarizes essential concepts in acupuncture and TCM foundation and diagnosis. Contents provide students with comprehensive preparation for the Pan-Canadian Written and Clinical Case-study Examinations for Acupuncturists.
This is the first in a series of three courses that introduces the theories of acupuncture and moxibustion. Students will learn general composition, physiology and pathology and clinical application of Jingluo (channels and collaterals). Student will also study proportional body measurement methods, four-sea, rootbranch, Qi collecting areas, special point groups, naming convention of acupuncture points, and detailed study of each Jingluo and the characteristics of its pertaining acupuncture points. In this course, Hand Taiyin Lung Channel, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Channel, and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points are introduced.
This is the first in a series of three courses which introduces basic concepts of the biomedical sciences. This course covers the biochemical structure and nutritive values of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals and describes mechanisms of hemostasis by metabolic reactions inside cells. Student will also learn microbiology as the study of microscopic organisms (unicellular, multi-cellular or acellular) and the human immune system that protect the body against foreign cells and microbes.
This is the second in a series of three courses which introduces basic concepts of the biomedical sciences. This course introduces general principles and terminologies of pharmacology and pathology. Students will learn the common classification of drugs along with their uses and effects, the nature of diseases and their causes, processes, developments and consequences.
This is the last in a series of three courses which introduces basic concepts of the biomedical sciences. In this course, students will continue to learn the nature of diseases and their causes, processes, developments and consequences, and commonly used drugs.
In this course, students will discuss TCM herbal clinical cases. Students will present their analysis, diagnosis and herbal prescriptions on cases, and these will be compared to the thoughts of peers and other TCM practitioners. Students will also learn how modern TCM herbal research and treatments work on TCM herbal and biomedical conditions.
This is the second in a series of three courses which introduces theories of acupuncture and moxibustion. Students will continue to learn the detailed study of Jingluo (channels and collaterals) and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points. In this course, Foot Yangming Stomach Channel, Foot Taiyin Spleen Channel, Hand Shaoyin Heart Channel, Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, Foot Taiyang Bladder Channel, Foot Shaoyin Kidney Channel, and the characteristics of their pertaining acupuncture points are introduced.
This course is the last in a series of three courses and continues to undertake a detailed study of classic TCM herbal formulae. Students will learn the origins, compositions, administration, actions, indications, detailed analysis, and applications of classical formulae. Formulae for stabilizing and binding, calming the spirit, opening the orifices, regulating Qi and blood, treating wind, treating dryness, removing dampness, removing phlegm, reducing food stagnation, eliminating parasites, inducing vomiting, and abscess are introduced.
In this course, students will learn how to identify the body of knowledge that deals with the various pathological manifestations (symptoms and signs) or data, how to look and compile them into syndromes and how to interpret them. Topics such as interpreting basic medical laboratory and imaging test results and understanding and applying basic techniques in medical examination are covered.
This course introduces various techniques in acupuncture and moxibustion. Students will learn various needling techniques (such as Nei Jing's supplementing and draining techniques, setting the mountain on fire and penetrating the sky's coolness), moxibustion, cupping and Guasha (scrapping) techniques. Students will also study the theories of electro-acupuncture, point injection, scalp (WHO standard) and auricular acupuncture.
This course introduces characteristics of TCM gynecological physiology, pathology, diseases and treatment. In this course, students will study common TCM gynecological conditions along with their causes, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, patterns and treatment using TCM herbal formulae. Treatment approaches focus on selecting TCM herbal formulae and their modifications according to clinical manifestations.
In this course, students will discuss clinical cases in acupuncture. Students will present their analysis, diagnosis and acupuncture point prescriptions on clinical cases, and these will be compared to the thoughts of peers and other acupuncturists. Students will also study how biomedical and TCM view clinical conditions and how modern acupuncture research and treatments affect on acupuncture and biomedical conditions.
This is the second in a series of three consecutive courses and continues with the detailed study of individual herbs including their properties, functions, indications, contraindications, interactions, and administration. Herbs in the categories of removing wind-dampness, transforming dampness, leaching out dampness, warming the interior, regulating Qi, reducing food stagnation, eliminating parasites, and stopping bleeding are introduced. Identifying common TCM herbs is also required.
This course introduces how to read and write Standard Chinese Pinyin (a system of transcribing Standard Chinese using the Latin alphabet) and simple conversation in Chinese. The course content and vocabulary focus on TCM terminologies.
This is the first in a series of three courses which introduces the theories of TCM herbology. This course introduces safe herbal procedures and processes, the classification of TCM herbs, properties and functions of TCM herbs, interactions between herbs and other compounds, indications, contraindications and the general administration of herbs. Herbs in the categories of resolving the exterior, clearing heat, and purging are introduced. Identifying common TCM herbs is also required.
This course introduces the principles of TCM pattern differentiations based on information collected from the TCM four diagnostic methods. These include eight principles (exteriorinterior, excess-deficiency, heat-cold, Yin-Yang), pattern differentiation according to the pathogenic factors, pattern differentiation according to Qi, blood and body fluids, pattern differentiation according to Zangfu organs, pattern differentiation according to meridians, pattern differentiation according to the six channels (Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin), and pattern differentiation according to the four levels (Wei, Qi, Ying, Xue) and the three Jiao. Students will also learn differences and similarities among different pattern differentiation methods.
This course introduces some of traditional and modern acupuncture techniques. Students will study selected topics from Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Spiritual Pivot) regarding characteristics of "the nine needles" and their associated techniques. Students will also learn "time acupuncture" techniques (such as Zi Wu Liu Zhu (midnight-noon ebb-flow), Ling Gui Ba Fa (eight methods of the mystic turtle) and Fei Teng Ba Fa (eight methods of flying and jumping)), some of modern “micro” acupuncture techniques (such as wrist, hand, foot, eye, nose and abdominal acupuncture), and basic theories of point injection, laser acupuncture and ultrasound treatment. This course also introduces the ideas and teachings of wellknown acupuncturists.
This course introduces basic theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that are essential to the study of all other subsequent TCM and acupuncture courses. This course covers history and development of TCM, basic theories of TCM (Yin Yang and Wu Xing), TCM physiology involving vital substances (such as essence, Qi, spirit, blood and body fluids) and Zangfu (internal organs), TCM etiology and pathogenesis, and general TCM principles of preventing and treating diseases.
This course introduces characteristics of TCM orthopedic conditions, traumatic injuries, and external conditions. In this course, students will study common TCM orthopedic conditions, traumatic injuries, and external conditions along with their causes, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, patterns and treatment using TCM herbal formulae. Treatment approaches focus on selecting TCM herbal formulae and their modifications according to clinical manifestations.
This course is the second in a series of three courses and continues to provide students with a detailed study of classic TCM herbal formulae. Students will learn the origins, compositions, administration, actions, indications, detailed analysis, and applications of classical formulae. Formulae for resolving the exterior, harmonizing, clearing heat, purging, warming the interior, supplementing, calming the spirit, and opening the orifices are introduced.
This is the last in a series of three courses and continues with the detailed study of individual herbs including their properties, functions, indications, contraindications, interactions, and administration. Herbs in the categories of promoting circulation of blood and transforming blood stagnation, transforming phlegm and stopping coughing, calming the spirit, pacifying liver and tranquilizing wind, opening the orifices, supplementing, stabilizing and binding, inducing vomiting and external use are introduced. Identifying common TCM herbs is also required.
This course introduces basic principles, manipulation techniques, functions, indications and contraindications in TCM Tuina, which is a form of TCM manipulative therapy. Students will also learn how to draw up Tuina treatment plans for patients and how to apply manipulation techniques to ease or treat various conditions.
This is the first in a series of three courses which introduces the basic theories of treating diseases using acupuncture and moxibustion. This course introduces general actions and indications of acupuncture treatment, general acupuncture treatment principles, and general principles of acupuncture point prescriptions. In this course, students will also learn definition, etiology, pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles, and acupuncture point prescription of common TCM diseases. In this course, students will study various TCM internal conditions (digestive, cardiopulmonary, infectious, psychiatric, geriatric, endocrine, and immunological diseases).
This is the first in a series of three courses that introduces general theories of TCM herbal formulae. In this course, students will study TCM herbal formulae classification, general treatment principles in TCM herbal formulae, the principles of organizing TCM herbal formulae and the administration of TCM herbal formulae.
This course introduces internal diseases in TCM. In this course, students will learn common TCM internal diseases along with their causes, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, patterns and treatment using TCM herbal formulae. Treatment approaches focus on selecting TCM herbal formulae and their modifications according to clinical manifestations.
This is the last in a series of three courses which introduces the basic theories of treating diseases using acupuncture and moxibustion. This course continues to explore etiology, pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles, and acupuncture point prescription of common TCM diseases. In this course, students will study various TCM pediatric, external (musculoskeletal, infectious, endocrine and immunological diseases), sensory and emergency conditions.
Rehabilitation is important to a patient’s successful recovery. This course introduces TCM rehabilitation exercises, Qi Gong or Tai Ji Quan. Students will learn the basic set of movements or routines in Qi Gong or Tai Ji Quan.
This course introduces common food substances according to their TCM categorizations and the roles that they play in maintaining health. Topics include food classification based on TCM principles, simple prescriptions of food substances for the treatment of diseases and the maintenance of health, and possible interactions between food substances and TCM herbs
This course introduces the principles, techniques, and ethical considerations in patient counseling. Students will learn how to effectively communicate and counsel their patients, while maintaining professional and ethical relationships with patients.
This is the second in a series of three courses which introduces the basic theories of treating diseases using acupuncture and moxibustion. This course along with the last in the series introduce definition, etiology, pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles, and acupuncture point prescription of common TCM diseases. In this course, students will study various TCM internal (urogenital, neurological, infectious and immunological diseases) and gynecological conditions.
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to establish and manage a proper clinical practice. The course introduces legal, ethical, and compliance regulations as prescribed by the CTCMA and the British Columbia Ministry of Health. Topics involving professional communication between healthcare professionals are also covered in this course.
In this course, students by integrating the concepts and techniques studied in previous TCM courses will learn fundamentals of how to correctly devise TCM diagnosis. Students will practice identifying underlying TCM pattern(s), etiology, and pathogenesis involved in TCM diagnosis, drawing up general treatment plans and educating patients with concept of prevention, diet and exercises.
This course introduces four diagnostic methods commonly used in TCM. These include Wang Zhen (observing), Wen Zhen (inquiring), Wen Zhen (listening and smelling) and Qie Zhen (palpating). Students will study the techniques of collecting relevant information, analyzing the clinical importance of the information and why and how such pathophysiological changes occur.
This course introduces the four major TCM classics: Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic), Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damages), Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Chamber) and Wen Bing Xue (Warm Disease Theories). Students will learn the history, basic concepts behind the four major classics and how these classics provide insight into TCM.