Admissions
Five Branches University is currently accepting applications for the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Masters program.
Five Branches is interested in enrolling students who have a sincere interest in the study of Traditional Chinese medicine and who show the aptitude and determination to successfully complete the program. Our program attracts individuals who are seeking to become a TCM practitioner, those currently studying at another TCM school who wish to transfer to Five Branches, International students who have a desire to study TCM in the U.S., and non-degree seeking students who desire to study TCM for the enhancement of their personal health and well-being.
The Masters program curriculum is taught on a semester basis and is available in a daytime program at both of our campuses, in Santa Cruz and San Jose, and in an evening and weekend program at the San Jose campus. You can complete the program in four years, or you can choose to accelerate the program if you wish to finish your degree early. Summer and winter breaks allow you to assimilate what you have learned during the semester or to relax and have fun with your friends and family. Enrollment on a part-time basis is available based on consideration and approval by the academic dean and admissions director of Five Branches.
The TCM Masters program includes coursework representing the “five branches” of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Herbology, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Energetics (Qigong and Tajiquan) and Dietetics (Nutritional medicine). As in China, where TCM and Western medicine are practiced harmoniously, Western medical studies are an integral part of the curriculum and provide you with an understanding of Western diagnosis and pharmaceuticals, essential for appropriate patient care. The Masters program also includes in-depth clinical practice, beginning in your first semester, comprising one-third of the curriculum. In clinical classes, you will work closely with highly skilled faculty diagnosing and treating patients. This integrative learning component will allow you to comprehend and absorb the nuances of Traditional Chinese Medicine more completely.
Upon completion of the TCM Masters degree program at Five Branches University you will be prepared for the California state licensing board examination to become a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). In California, LAc’s are considered primary healthcare providers qualified to accept standard heath insurance, Medi-Cal (state health insurance), workman’s compensation, and personal injury claims for acupuncture treatments. A degree from Five Branches also meets the criteria to sit for the national board examination enabling you to practice Chinese Medicine nationwide. Our graduates have gone on to become successful and esteemed practitioners of Chinese medicine across the nation and internationally.