Doctor of Traditional
Chinese Medicine
This is an immersive 5-year program that will provide you with all the skills and knowledge necessary to write the CCHPBC Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Exam. Graduates will have a thorough knowledge of herbalism, and acupuncture, as well as many advanced techniques in Chinese Medicine.
Being a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a fascinating and enriching journey into the ancient healing practices that have been refined over thousands of years. In this role, a TCM doctor combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese philosophy with the principles of holistic medicine to treat patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Being a TCM doctor demands a deep understanding of traditional medical texts, as well as ongoing research to integrate ancient wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Patience, empathy, and a compassionate approach are essential qualities for these practitioners as they often spend significant time with patients, delving into their medical histories and emotional well-being.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Program Hours: Program Months: | Program Weeks: Practicum Hours: |
What does a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) do?
A Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) assesses patients using Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic methods and provides individualized treatments to support physical, emotional, and overall health.
What is the difference between a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) and an acupuncturist?
A Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) receives broader training that includes herbal medicine and advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics, while an acupuncturist focuses primarily on acupuncture techniques.
Can a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) be self-employed?
Yes. Many Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCMs) choose to operate private clinics or work as independent healthcare practitioners.
How does the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program prepare students for professional practice?
The Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program combines in-depth Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, hands-on clinical training, and professional practice education to prepare graduates for licensing and clinical work.
What skills are important for success in the Traditional Chinese Medicine field?
Important skills include strong communication, attention to detail, professionalism, manual technique proficiency, ethical practice, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
Year One
The focus of year one will be on the orientation into the paradigm of Chinese medicine. Following the introduction of fundamental theories and concepts the student will gradually be introduced to diagnosis, disease, and treatment principles. The practical training will be focused on Taiji Quan. The study of the Chinese language is used to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and to prepare the student for independent research of TCM manuscripts still in their language of origin, as well as preparation for possible further studies in China for those students who choose to do so.
Year one of the program is a particularly significant phase of the program in that, students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse levels of knowledge will establish in themselves not only the actual detailed knowledge of TCM but also a solid conceptualization of medicine as a whole. In general, this involves a transition from the romantic view of TCM to the realism of medicine as a science in its own right. With the study of Western science initiated in tandem with that of TCM, students will begin to foster the integrated medicine approach advocated within the TCM profession today.
Year Two
The focus of year two is to introduce the more technical elements of Chinese medicine, including acumoxa techniques and therapeutics, Chinese herbology, and Chinese herbal formulas. Students will also deepen their study of Western science through musculoskeletal anatomy, pathology, microbiology, and immunology, while beginning clinical observation and supervised Tui Na practice.
Year two marks a significant expansion of both theoretical and practical knowledge. Students will engage with a substantial breadth of new material across TCM and biomedical disciplines while entering the clinical environment for the first time. This year lays the groundwork for the integration and clinical application that will follow in subsequent years of study.
Year Three
The focus in the third year is to systematically examine all patterns of disharmony and their manifestations as illness. This study encompasses etiology, symptomatology, differential diagnosis, principles of treatment, and appropriate therapy. All therapeutic methods in terms of Acumoxa, medicinal formulas, Tui-Na massage, and Gi-Gong will be discussed. This year draws heavily on the previous years’ materials.
Year three begins the integration phase of the program. Students will re-examine all previously learned knowledge and develop the ability to integrate this knowledge into a coherent understanding of disease and its treatment. At KCC, all students will develop the ability to accurately formulate a TCM differential diagnosis, which we consider to be paramount to all other skills. Effective treatment is the natural progression of an accurate diagnosis.
Year Four
The focus of the fourth year of study is on the integration of learned knowledge and skills into the clinical setting. A greater practical and seminar component within the program will assist students in developing the professional skills and attitudes necessary for independent practice.
Year four continues the integration phase of the program; however, the focus will shift from the theoretical understanding of disease and treatment to the practical application of this knowledge in the clinical setting. Students will explore all relevant aspects of patient-practitioner interaction as well as of running a professional practice. At this point in the program, students are well prepared to integrate all learned knowledge with acquired practical skills and make the transition to independent (supervised) practice seem effortless.
Year Five
The focus of the last year of study is to direct students’ study in advanced fields of knowledge and research within the paradigm of Chinese medicine. The study will include more advanced classical TCM writings, as well as the modern evolution of the tradition of Chinese medicine as it continues to integrate with the knowledge of modern science.
Year five is a year of gaining expertise. During this phase of the program, students will investigate, to a much greater depth, a variety of clinically relevant aspects of TCM. Just as the tradition of Chinese medicine has evolved to integrate with Western medicine over the past several decades, so will our students develop the expertise necessary to carry on this tradition in an integrated medicine system.
* For full credit breakdown please contact us
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:
Comprehensive understanding of the theoretical basis and applications of Chinese medicine, including Chinese medical history and modern applications.
Comprehensive understanding of biomedical studies including Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Western Lab & Diagnostics, and Pharmacology.
Comprehensive training and practical application of medical Mandarin language as it pertains to assessing, diagnosing, and treating a patient.
Comprehensive understanding and practical ability to assess, diagnose, and generate treatment principles and treatment plans.
The ability to successfully select acupoints and administer needling techniques appropriate for respective condition(s).
The ability to successfully select Chinese medicinal herbs and formulas appropriate for respective condition(s).
The ability to utilize supplementary techniques for treatment that may include but are not limited to: moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, tui na massage/acupressure, electrostimulation, and dietary recommendations.
Practical knowledge and experience in interviewing and counselling skills to support the role of health practitioners.
A comprehensive understanding of the classical view of mental and emotional disharmony and the corresponding patterns of various illnesses.
Practical knowledge of the self-care modalities of Yang Sheng Fa (Nourishing life principles), Taiji Quan, Dao Yin, and Nei Gong.
Training in research methods to successfully review, analyze, and generate an academic research paper.
Fundamental training in business and records management. The introduction to business models, approaches, marketing, record keeping, and business plan generation.
Fundamental understanding of practical safety protocols and jurisprudence framework for operating a business and practicing as a practitioner in the jurisdiction of BC under the regulations set out by the CCHPBC.
Development of the professional skills and attitudes necessary for an independent and/or collaborative practice.
Training in advanced classical TCM writings, as well as the modern evolution of the tradition of Chinese medicine as it continues to integrate with the knowledge of modern science.
Students will investigate a variety of clinically relevant aspects of TCM in much greater depth. Students develop the expertise necessary to carry on the traditional proficiencies of TCM in an integrated modern medicine system.
Admission Requirements:
- High School Diploma & Official Transcripts
- Post-Secondary Diplomas & Official Transcripts (if applicable)
- Personal Essay
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Physician’s certificate of health (Western, Chinese or Naturopathic Doctor/practitioner) including severe allergies
- Resume
- Proficiency in written and oral English
English Proficiency Requirements:
Provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10, with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- Evidence of graduation from a language program with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada, or
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT – Minimum overall score of 46
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall score of 40
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum overall score of 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
- The Michigan English Test (MET) – Minimum overall B2 level
- iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Upon successful completion of this program:
- Is qualified to write the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine exam in British Columbia and exams in many other jurisdictions.
- Once registered, a Doctor of TCM can practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, which in BC includes:
- Chinese acupuncture (Zhen)
- Moxibustion (Jiu), and suction cup (Ba Guan)
- Chinese manipulative therapy (Tui Na)
- Chinese energy control therapy (Qi Gong)
- Chinese rehabilitation exercises such as Chinese shadow boxing (Tai Ji Quan)
- Prescribing, compounding, or dispensing Chinese herbal formulae (Zhong Yao Chu Fang) and Chinese food cure recipes (Shi Liao).
- Can find employment in Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinics, spas, health retreats, wellness clinics, alternative therapy clinics, healing centers, and private practice.
- Teach, conduct research, and publish academic works.
- Know the theoretical basis & applications of Chinese medicine
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