Application Procedure

Prospective students should apply to the Admissions Office according to the procedures outlined below.  We recommend that prospective students apply at least four months before the beginning of Fall Trimester to allow adequate time for application assessment and interview.  Applications are considered in the order received as long as space is available.

1.  Submit an application for admission and the nonrefundable application fee to:
Traditional Chinese Medical College of Hawaii
P.O. Box 2288, Kamuela, HI 96743
Attention: Admissions

2.  Include with your application (a) a 1-page typed essay describing your motivation to become an Oriental medicine practitioner, and (b) a typed résumé that includes educational background and work experience (give details such as dates, title, name and phone number of employers, and responsibilities in any positions you have held in or related to the healthcare field).

3.  Request that all accredited colleges and/or universities you have attended send official transcripts directly to the Registrar at TCMCH at the address above.  Please note that a decision on your acceptance into our program cannot be made until your official transcripts have been received by the Registrar.

4.  Have two personal references send letters of recommendation attesting to your ability to complete a rigorous professional program of academic study and your desire to become a healer.  These should be sent directly to the school by the reference.

Deadline for Admission
There is no admissions deadline at TCMCH prior to the beginning of the Fall Trimester, and up to that time we accept students until our class is filled.  However, inasmuch as class size is limited to twenty students, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible in order to ensure consideration while class space is still available.

Early Admission
Applicants wishing an Early Admission decision must complete the Application Procedure by March 1 and must request an Early Admission decision.  That decision will be made by March 15, and the applicant will be notified of his or her acceptance or rejection by March 31.

Interview and Tours
If your application has been favorably assessed, TCMCH will contact you and arrange for an interview.  Applicants are interviewed by the President (or his/her designee) and, while on site, are given a tour of the College.  A telephone interview with the President (or his/her designee) will be considered for applicants who live out of state.

Acceptance Into the Program and Enrollment Deposit
Applicants are notified in writing of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program.  An applicant who is offered admission to TCMCH and wishes to enroll must send a non-refundable $500 deposit within 30 days of acceptance or conditional acceptance to reserve a place in the entering class.  This deposit will be credited toward the applicant’s tuition and fees.  If the deposit is not received in the specified time, the place may be offered to another applicant.  An applicant who is accepted, but is unable to attend that year, may request a one-year deferment of enrollment by writing to the Registrar, giving the reason for postponement and leaving an Enrollment Deposit with the College.  Students accepted into the TCMCH Master’s program are required to attend (and pay for) an Orientation Retreat the weekend before school starts in the Fall. 

Registration
New students must register prior to registration deadline established each year, typically 30 days prior to the first day of classes.  After that date, late registration is granted only by written permission from the Administration Office and late registration fees apply..

Health Requirements
The State of Hawaii also requires all post-secondary students to meet examination and immunization requirements which include a record of immunizations, MMR vaccines and Certificate of Tuberculosis Examination.  Specific details are provided as part of the admissions process.  More information can be obtained from The State of Hawaii at www.vaxhawaii.com or at www.hawaii.gov/heath, or by calling the Hawaii State Department of Health Immunization Branch at 1-800-933-4832.