The course of study at TCMCH is designed to provide students with a systematic comprehension of Oriental medicine. In learning the history, theories, and practical applications of this medicine, students will gain a deeper understanding of its effectiveness, not just in managing symptoms, but in treating the causes of illness, and restoring balance, harmony and health to the patient through the use of acupuncture, herbs, diet, bodywork, and qigong (energy enhancing exercises). While learning the fundamental theories, applications, and skills of Oriental medicine, they will also receive training in basic and clinical biosciences which will enable them to work effectively with their Western medical colleagues.

First Year Curriculum

The first year of our curriculum provides the foundations necessary for students to become skilled and effective practitioners. The roots of Oriental medicine are explored, along with its fundamental theories and diagnostic methods. Studies of human anatomy are integrated with an introduction to acupuncture points and meridians, and basic sciences are offered to familiarize students with the structure and language of biomedicine. Students will be encouraged to develop practical skills through courses in acupressure,  tui-na, and qigong. Students will be oriented to the herbal dispensary, and learn preparation methods for some of the over 300 single herbs that will be introduced in the first year. Students may begin their clinical observation in the final term of their first year.

Second Year Curriculum

In the second year the focus of the curriculum moves to one of understanding clinical patterns and their applications in patient treatment. This will be accomplished through coursework in point groupings, common patterns of disease and treatment methods of Oriental medicine, and through hands-on experience in needling and other techniques used to promote healing. The history and philosophy of Western medicine will be introduced, as well as an exploration of Western pathology, including microbiology, immunology, and a review of systems. Students will be introduced to both Chinese and Western nutritional therapies, and expand upon their knowledge of single herbs to understand the theories used to create formulas, and apply these to common disease patterns. Clinical observation may be completed in this year, and, after they have passed their clinic entrance examination, students may begin clinical internship.

Third Year Curriculum

In the third year students will spend much of their time in clinic, honing their diagnostic skills and developing and implementing treatment plans. To support this process, they will continue coursework in Chinese therapeutic protocols, and receive instructor guidance specific to their clinic patients. Western clinical medicine and pharmacology will complete students' Western didactic experience, and they will explore the more subtle aspects of being a mindful healer through the Evolution of a Healer series.

Fourth Year Curriculum

In the fourth year, students are encouraged to refine their abilities and their own identity as healers. In addition to completing internship hours, students will prepare for their competency exams, learn professional ethics and practice management, and act as ambassadors of the medicine in the community. A final comprehensive examination ensures their preparedness to take the national licensure examination and to enter professional life.

Electives

Supplementing the core curriculum are opportunities to participate in a variety of elective courses. These electives complement the training received by all students, providing specialized clinical knowledge of particular interest to the individual student. Electives also provide students with opportunities to conduct independent studies under faculty supervision.

The TCMCH program provides a superior education in Oriental medicine. Students gain a thorough understanding of the power of Oriental medicine in treating patterns and causes of illness, not just symptoms; in treating the whole person, not just the body; in becoming healers, not just practitioners. The educational program at TCMCH is challenging, and it is rewarding. We invite you to participate.