Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Training in Canada
Program Overview
Pacific Rim College’s Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) is our most comprehensive program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, providing advanced education in Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, TCM diagnosis and therapeutics, biomedical sciences and clinical practice.
Designed for students seeking the highest level of Traditional Chinese Medicine education offered at Pacific Rim College, the program builds progressively from foundational Chinese Medicine and acupuncture studies into advanced diagnosis, herbal medicine, specialized therapeutics and extensive clinical practice.
Students develop comprehensive knowledge of acupuncture and Chinese botanical medicine while studying advanced areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine, biomedical sciences and professional practice. Extensive clinical education allows students to integrate their knowledge while developing the practical experience required to work with increasingly complex clinical presentations.
New students can apply directly to this program, or can take it as a 1-year post-graduate program upon completion of the Diploma of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine or a 2-year post-graduate program upon completion of the Diploma of Acupuncture. The curriculum is the same whether students apply directly into this program or matriculate from the above-mentioned programs.
Credential: Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM)
Length: 10 semesters
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Format: On campus with live-online options for eligible academic coursework
Intakes: January, May and September
Professional Focus: Advanced Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and clinical practice
Clinical Training: 1065 hours
Total Training: 3840 hours
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 unique Global 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
Advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine Education
Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses much more than acupuncture alone. PRC’s Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program provides progressive education across Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, traditional diagnostic systems, diet therapy, therapeutic exercise and other areas of TCM practice while integrating an extensive foundation in biomedical sciences.
As students advance through the program, they move from foundational concepts into increasingly complex clinical applications and specialized areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The DTCM represents PRC’s most extensive Traditional Chinese Medicine educational pathway and is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and clinical experience within the field.
From Acupuncture to Advanced TCM Practice
Students interested primarily in becoming an acupuncturist may begin with PRC’s Diploma of Acupuncture, while those seeking broader training in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can pursue the Diploma of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
The Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine extends this educational pathway further with advanced coursework and clinical education.
Students who have already completed an eligible four-year Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine program may also apply directly to the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program, subject to PRC’s current admissions and transfer requirements.
Why Study Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific Rim College?
What You’ll Learn:
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.
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
Core Program Instructors
Curriculum
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 the Diploma 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
Biomedical/Biological Sciences
Chinese Botanical Medicine
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine Clinical Practice
Elective
Total Requirements
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 |
Clinical Training
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 Student Clinic only.
Admissions
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 the School of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at 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.
Admissions Criteria and Application Requirements
Admission requires successfully meeting the following minimum criteria:
- Applicants must be 19 years of age or older, or have completed high school or an equivalent, such as the GED or CAEC. Applicants who are 19 or older without a high school diploma or equivalent may be considered for mature student status and will be required to complete an essay provided by the college.
- 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.
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
Prior to acceptance applicants must meet at least one of the following language proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 11 with a grade of ‘60%’ 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
- 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.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) – An applicant must earn a score of no less than 16 out of 30 on any of the 4 test sections and a total score of no less than 75 out of 120.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – An applicant must earn an overall score of 5.5 or higher.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test – An applicant must earn an overall score of 40 or higher.
- Duolingo English Test – An applicant must earn an overall score of 95 or higher.
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.
Tuition and Fees
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.
Please click here for a description of Academic Fees in PDF format.
Financial Aid
This program is approved for Canada Student Loans. British Columbia residents can apply for student loans online through StudentAid BC. For non-British Columbia residents, please visit hrsdc.gc.ca for information about Canada Student Loans.
For a list of all financial aid programs available to PRC students, please visit our Financial Aid page.
Post-Graduation
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 the State of Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners are 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 by ACCRAO.
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.