Graduate School of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Applying to Five Branches

Once you have made a decision to enroll in the Five Branches Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program you are now ready to begin the application process.

Priority application dates

Applications are reviewed throughout the year on a priority status basis. A priority status application process gives preference to early applicants. Applications must be received at least one month before the program starting date to allow time for processing. Applications received on or before the 1 st due date will be given priority. Entering classes are formed once per year, possibly twice, based on the number of incoming applications.

Fall Entrance



1st Due Date: July 1



2nd Due Date: August 1

Spring Entrance



1st Due Date: January 1



2nd Due Date: February 1

Academic requirements

Standard Admissions

Applicants who have a Master’s degree (or Master’s level diploma) in TCM or Oriental Medicine from an ACAOM-accredited program or candidate institution, with at least 2800 hours will be considered for admissions to the DAOM program, after submitting the application form and accompanying documents.

Special Admissions

Applicants with a Master’s degree (or Master’s level diploma) in TCM or Oriental medicine of less than 2800 hours from an ACAOM-accredited TCM or Oriental medicine program; and applicants with a Master’s degree (or Master’s level diploma) from an ACAOM-accredited acupuncture or herbal medicine program; and other applicants who do not otherwise meet the criteria for standard admissions, must demonstrate experience equivalency.

A deficiency in education hours may be remedied by documented clinical experience. Such applications will be reviewed jointly according to formal education hours and clinical experience. The review will include determining the level of knowledge and skills in Western medicine, which may require a successful completion of challenge examinations if deficiencies are potentially apparent, prior to being considered for admissions.

Applicants with a Master’s degree (or Master’s level diploma) in either acupuncture or herbal medicine only are required to satisfactorily complete the ACAOM’s Master’s core curriculum requirements for herbal training or acupuncture, respectively, in an ACAOM-accredited Oriental medicine program before being eligible for the Doctoral program.

Applicants who fall under the Special Admissions category will be required to take the Introductory Western Medicine Module to complete educational requirements for the DAOM program.

Non-Matriculating Students

The admissions procedure and entrance requirements for non-matriculating applicants are the same as for degree-seeking applicants. Non-matriculating students may request change of status to become degree-seeking students at any time during the program.

Part-time Students

Students who cannot commit to the full-time DAOM program and plan on completing the program in

more than two years are considered part-time students. They must complete the program within four years and meet with the Program Coordinator to plan their program of study.

Transfer Credit

Limited transfer credit may be awarded for coursework from an accredited institution that supports the Doctoral program’s objectives and meets the standards for completion of the Doctoral program. No more than one-third of the credits beyond the Master’s level program can be transferred. Transfer credit is subject to 15% of the current DAOM tuition charge per transferred module.

Completing the Application for Admission

To be considered for admission to Five Branches University, the following items are required:

  1. Application form - Use your full legal name on all admission documents.
  2. Current passport style photograph.
  3. One-page typed statement of purpose
  4. Current resume
  5. Two letters of recommendation sent directly to Five Branches University
  6. Official transcripts from all AOM and healthcare-related college/university coursework in university sealed envelopes
  7. Copy of Master’s level diploma in TCM, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, or herbal medicine
  8. Copies of California pocket license, state license or national certifications (if applicable)
  9. Copy of valid malpractice insurance (if applicable)
  10. Non-refundable $65 application fee, payable in check or money order to Five Branches University

For more information about the Application process or to obtain further information contact the Program Director