TCM Programs
Acupuncture Program
The Acupuncture Diploma program offers both the knowledge and the delicate techniques in applying the classic needle types, needle selection, sterilization procedures, needle insertion and removal, cupping, sedation, emergency management and much more.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
Duration
6 Semesters
Hours
1,920 Hours
Lecture: 1,464 Hours
Clinical Internship: 456 Hours
Lecture: 1,464 Hours
Clinical Internship: 456 Hours
Start Dates
Fall, Spring, Summer*
You graduate will with:
- A Diploma in Acupuncture
- Clinical internship experience
- Eligibility for CTCMA licensing examination to become a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.)
*Program start dates are subject to change depending on enrolment.
Please contact us for more information
CURRICULUM
This is a three academic year program, which is equivalent to six semesters. Since Central College offers three semesters per year, this diploma program can be completed within two calendar years.
*The following table outlines the program requirements and schedules
| Course Name | Number | Course Name | Unit | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASIC TCM FOUNDATION BLOCK | ||||
| Basic Sciences | ||||
| OCT | 221 | History of Medicine This course encompasses the development of oriental and western medicine from ancient to present times. Cultural, philosophical and religious influences on Western medicine, acupuncture and oriental herbology will be discussed as well as the outstanding accomplishments of physicians. Students are also provided historical background information necessary to understand subtle nuances of oriental medical concepts and the clinical/analytical western perspective of medicine. | 2 | 32 |
| BS | 291 | Practice, Management Laws and Ethics Consider the practical aspects of establishing and operating a medical/acupuncture practice. Setting up a practice, patient file management, legal and ethical aspects of maintaining a professional practice, the laws and regulations governing the practice of oriental medicine in Canada, and the medical ethics and the responsibilities of the practitioner are some main topics that will be discussed in this course. | 2 | 32 |
| BS | 331 | Counseling and Communication This course is designed to develop the student’s ability to communicate with patients. We will learn both innovative and traditional counselling skills for daily practice and discuss the psychodynamics of the patient/practitioner relationship. Patient/practitioner rapports, communication skills, table-side manner, including multicultural sensitivity, are also covered. | 3 | 48 |
| General OM Theories | ||||
| OMT | 401 | Fundamentals of Oriental Medicine This course provides the students with an understanding of the rich and fascinating fundamental theories of TCM, including the history of TCM, the theory of Yin-Yang, the theory of Five Elements, the theory of Qi, blood, body fluids and essence spirit, the theory of Zang-Fu organs, body constitution and the theory of meridians and collaterals. TCM etiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic techniques (four examinations), preventive measures, principles of treatments, and life preservation-diet, exercise, lifestyle will also be introduced to the students. | 8 | 128 |
| OMT | 411 | Oriental Medicine Diagnosis Students will be instructed on diagnostic techniques/four examinations (inspection, auscultation/olfaction, interrogation, and palpation), which includes unique tongue and pulse diagnosis and differentiation of syndromes according to the fundamental theories of TCM, the eight principle syndromes (interior/exterior, deficiency/excess, cold/heat, Yin/Yang) and the differential diagnosis of the Qi, blood and body fluid, and the Zangfu organs. Comprehensive applications of diagnostic methods as well as diagnosis of commonly seen clinical symptoms will be discussed. | 8 | 128 |
Sub Total | 23 | 368 | ||
| INTRODUCTION OF SCIENCES & WESTERN DIAGNOSIS | ||||
| Western Medical Sciences | ||||
| WMS | 311 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I This comprehensively presents the human muscular-skeletal system. While the entire system is covered, particular emphasis is placed on internal areas to avoid when needling and external landmarks that guide the location of acupuncture points. Besides, this course will introduce the students of Oriental Medicine to a comprehensive overview of the human physiology. The course is designed to emphasize broad concepts and principles in medical physiology. The student will understand how each organ in the body functions individually and also the physiological relationships between different organs of human body. Although this course emphasizes normal human physiology, some basic pathological processes will be discussed. | 4 | 64 |
| WMS | 312 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II This is a continuation of Human Anatomy and Physiology I with particular emphasis placed on the function of organs and organ systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, lymphatic, immunological) along with basic blood chemistry, blood pH, body fluids and electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance. This intensely comprehensive study covers all components of the human anatomy, the various tissues and systems of the body, the skeletal, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, urinary, lymphatic, reproductive, integument muscular, endocrine, and blood immune systems. In addition, special sense organs, articulations, and the anatomy of the brain and spinal cord are also part of the criteria. It will introduce students to the upgrading concepts of western medical science, presenting functional systems with emphasis on the relationship between structure and function of the human body, integration of the organ systems and their clinical implications. | 4 | 64 |
| WMS | 325 | Pathology This is the study of the nature of disease, microbiology, immunology, psychopathology, and epidemiology. The course also includes a system by system survey of specific diseases pertaining to individual organs or systems. Side effects of western prescription medicines commonly used in medical practice are covered as well. | 3 | 48 |
| WMS | 331 | Micro-Biology & Immunology Microbiology is an introduction to the study of bacteria, viruses, and fungi and their interrelationships with humans. General microbiological concepts such as microbial structure, growth, and metabolism are applied to such medically related topics as control and pathogenicity of microorganisms as well as to body defense mechanisms and the immune responses. This course relates current microbiological principles to the understanding of infectious disease. The study of pathogenic organisms is introduced, including common tests for infectious diseases and specific immunities by which the body is protected. | 2 | 32 |
| WMS | 351 | Western Pharmacology This is an essential pharmacology course for medical students. Topics include drugs acting on the peripheral and central nervous systems; renal, cardiovascular, and endocrine pharmacology; chemotherapy (anti-infective, anticancer), and toxicology. Emphasis will be placed on the basic mechanisms of action and major indications of drugs used in medical practice. | 2 | 32 |
| WMS | 413 | Western Clinical Diagnostics This course covers a survey of western clinical medicine. It also includes the following topics: western subspecialties and referral procedures; standard clinical charts analysis and writing; and "complicated patient" examination through early diagnosis/and danger signs. The course discusses western physical diagnosis including physical examination and internal medicine as a means of determining the disease that is producing the sign and symptoms. | 2 | 32 |
Sub Total | 17 | 272 | ||
| ACUPUNCTURE | ||||
| Acupuncture | ||||
| ACM | 491 | Acupuncture Emergency Measures This course introduces students to various acupuncture precautions, including needling especially forbidden points and cautionary points, moxibustion, cupping, accident prevention and clean needle techniques. Proper protocols regarding clean needle techniques are taught. Emphasis will be placed on guidelines and recommendations for equipment safety and infection control, and working environment safety of practical applications. | 1 | 16 |
| ACM | 501 | Acupuncture Theory I This is the first of a 2-part series that you will learn the history of acupuncture and moxibustion, some fundament theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Yin-yang, Five Elements, Zang-fu Organs and its relationship with the system of meridians and collaterals. The main contents are 1) The course and distribution, physiological functions, pathological changes, related Zang-fu organs of Meridians and collaterals System and 2) The meridian systems and acupuncture points will be introduced including forbidden points and cautionary points. It will intensively cover the meridian course, points location, indication, anatomy and puncture method of the Governor Vessel, the Conception Vessel, the Lung meridian, the Large Intestine meridian, the Stomach meridian, the Spleen meridian, the Heart meridian, and the Small Intestine meridian. | 7 | 112 |
| ACM | 502 | Acupuncture Theory II This is the second of a 2-part series that you will learn the meridian course, points’ location, indication, anatomy and puncture method of the Bladder meridian, the Kidney meridian, the Pericadium meridian, the Sanjiao meridian, the Gallbladder meridian, and the Liver meridian. Also, the points’ location, indications and puncture method of extra point on the head, neck, trunk, upper and lower limbs will be learned. Finally, the concept of the micro acupuncture system like Ear Acupuncutre, Head Acupuncture, and Hand Acupuncture will be introduced as well. When you finish this course, you will have a better understanding of which meridian and can treat certain syndromes and symptoms. | 7 | 112 |
| ACM | 511 | Acupuncture Techniques This course introduces acupuncture and moxibustion techniques such as how to insert the needle, especially dermal needling, intra-dermal tack needling and three edge needling, how to use reinforcing and reducing methods, and how to use warm needle, how to use supplementary devices such as heat lamps and electro-acupuncture devices, and moxibustion and cupping. The micro acupuncture system maneuvering method like Ear Acupuncture, Head Acupuncture and Hand Acupuncture are to be introduced as well. | 6 | 96 |
| ACM | 521 | Acupuncture Therapeutics I This is the first of a 2-part series that examines in detail introduction of the etiology and pathogenesis, manifestations, differentiation and treatment of about more than 11 common diseases including internal and external, gynecological, and pediatric diseases. | 6 | 96 |
| ACM | 522 | Acupuncture Therapeutics II This is the second of 2-part series that will continuously introduce the etiology and pathogenesis, manifestations, differentiation, diagnosis and treatment of common diseases in urinary, cardio-pulmonary, infectious, dermatological, gynecological, pediatric, external and geriatric diseases, and many more. | 5 | 80 |
| TN | 401 | Tui-Na I The course will cover a brief history, basic principles and manipulation techniques of Chinese massotherapy. Chinese massotherapy and basic principles of massotherapy that deal with Yin, Yang, Qi, blood, internal organs and diseases involving internal organs are discussed. Special examination of vertebrae, hip joint and lower extremities is to be introduced. This course plays an important role in preparing the student for fundamental abdominal diagnosis, general back point diagnosis, and acupuncture treatment. | 3 | 48 |
Sub Total | 35 | 560 | ||
| ADDITIONAL COURSES | ||||
| ACM | 531 | Acupuncture Theories of Various School About 20 ancient and recent acupuncturists such as Huang Pumi (Jin Dynasty), Zhang Zhongjing (Han Dynasty), Dou Hanqing (Jin Dynasty), Yang Jizhou (Ming Dynasty), Cheng Danan (P. R. China), and Qiu Maoliang (P. R. China), including their main books, successful cases, and special theory standpoints, are to be introduced in this course. | 1.5 | 24 |
| ACM | 611 | Case Review (A) This class emphasizes clinical problem-solving skills. Lectures and other learning experiences allow students to improve areas of weakness, consolidate clinical skills, integrate knowledge from the various disciplines of the program, and achieve their fullest potential before graduation. | 5 | 80 |
| OCT | 211 | Breathing Techniques and Oriental Exercise Awareness of energy pathways and flows through own experience with one’s own body is introduced through, Nei Gong, which is a Shaolin style of breathing exercise techniques to nourish one’s energy. This relates to the Chinese system of movement and meditation, which is performed to maintain good health and prolong longevity by promoting free flow of Qi, a reduced form of Tai Chi. There are 27 movements in all. | 2 | 32 |
| BS | 211 | Medical Terminology Fundamental terminology required for understanding western clinical sciences and pathology with particular focus on the language of physical diagnosis and clinical medicine will be discussed in this course. | 4 | 64 |
| WMS | 220 | Bio-Chemistry This course introduces basic concepts of biochemistry to help students become familiar with the essential ideas and facts central to biochemistry. Introduction to the organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, amino acids and proteins, enzymes, antibodies, membranes, Nucleic Acids, DNA, ATP Production, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Vitamins, Hormones, minerals, and drugs role in human metabolism. Students will be made aware of the Biomedical use of clinical biochemistry as it is used in the identification of common metabolic disorders. | 2 | 32 |
| WMS | 425 | Western Internal Medicine Students are introduced to a survey of clinical practice of medicine and familiarized with the practice of other health-care practitioners. This includes osteopathy, chiropractics, homeopathy, naturopathy, reflexology, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, polarity, therapy, and other natural healming modalities. Western Internal Medicine also studies the ability to read and write standard clinical charts; recognition of the “complicated patient” through early diagnosis/danger signs; and the structures of Western medicine sub-specialties and referral procedures. Determining diseases by their signs and symptoms include: history-taking, palpation and percussion, auscultation, blood pressure, and internal medicine, which includes cardiology, neurology, obstetrics, gynecology, urology, laboratory findings, x-ray findings, public health and epidemiology. | 2 | 32 |
Sub Total | 16.5 | 248 | ||
| CLINICAL INTERNSHIP | ||||
| CIT | 701 | Clinical Internship: Observation & Diagnosis Evaluation Students observe the various aspects of clinical practice in order to gain an overall picture of patient reception, record keeping, examination, treatment methods, and herbal prescriptions. Students observe treatment of patients by licensed practitioners. In addition, students participate in review and discussion of cases. The instructor presents case studies, which represent commonly encountered complaints and conditions. Students learn the procedures used to diagnose, evaluate, and treat these conditions from oriental medicine perspectives. Case simulations are used to illustrate diagnostic methods and treatment techniques. Interns assist the supervisor in formulating diagnoses and administering treatment with emphasis on asepsis, proper examination and diagnosis. Interns also spend time working in the herbal pharmacy to become familiar with the herbal dispensary and preparing herbal prescriptions. | 12.5 | 200 |
| CIA | 722 | Clinical Partial Supervision In partial supervision, the interns assume a more active role in the treatment of the patient. The interns are involved in the diagnosis and perform the appropriate procedure. At this stage of their training, interns are expected to have a working knowledge of situations in which treatment by acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and other treatment methods are contraindicated. | 4 | 64 |
| CIA | 732 | Clinical Proximal Supervision In proximal supervision, interns are allowed near or total independence. They are responsible for precise judgment regarding the quantity and method of stimulation and the appropriate course of acupuncture (moxibustion, cupping) treatment. Interns are expected to monitor the patients’ progress and adjust acupuncture treatments accordingly. | 4 | 64 |
| CIA | 742 | Clinical Case Review In this course, students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate greater responsibility in practice management of patients under minimal supervision by clinic supervisors. Each intern student will be able to demonstrate clinical ability and competency by diagnosing and developing a treatment protocol including needling, moxibustion, cupping, dietary suggestion and other related methods that are applicable to the patient’s condition. The intern is required to diagnose and provide proper treatments to patient independently. However, interns shall consult with the clinic supervisors before and after each treatment. In addition, interns are required to prepare a case, complete with history, examination, intake results, diagnosis, evaluation, herbal medicine treatment principles, and treatment method including herbal medicine nutrition and other related methods. These discussions, chaired by clinic instructors, enhance the students’ clinical and analytical skills and confidence level as herbalist. | 8 | 128 |
Sub Total | 28.5 | 456 | ||
Lecture Hours | 1,464 | |||
Clinical Internship Hours | 456 | |||
TOTAL HOURS | 1,920 |
Important Notice
All applicants are required to complete not less than two (2) years of liberal arts or sciences study (comprised of at least 60 credits) in an accredited college or chartered/approved university acceptable to the registration committee. For more information, please visit http://www.ctcma.bc.ca/registration/transcript-requirements/
A student who went to school abroad needs to bring a translated transcript of his or her prior school to BCIT to obtain an International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) report. It is to compare education earned outside of Canada to the general education ladder in Canada and is required for graduates to take a licensing exam at CTCMA. For more information, please visit http://www.bcit.ca/ices/