In 1984, Five Branches University became one of the first Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) colleges in the United States. Today, we are recognized as one of the nation’s top TCM and integrative medicine schools providing the highest level of professional education in Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative medicine in the U.S. and internationally.
Campuses
Our students can choose from our two beautiful campuses located in Santa Cruz and San Jose, California, or attend classes at both to enjoy breathtaking coastal views and unique cultural city experiences. Both locations offer plenty of sunshine and a diverse and progressive environment in which to live. In close proximity to one another our campuses provide spacious classrooms, extensive libraries and herbal pharmacies, thriving health centers and comfortable spaces for rest, nourishment and social activities.
Programs
Our nationally accredited Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) and Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) programs provide a strong foundation in TCM diagnosis, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, the latest TCM research, extensive clinical training and a comprehensive integrative medical education. Our Asian Massage and Bodywork certification program is one of the Bay Area’s leading massage schools for NCCAOM certification in the Asian Healing Arts.
Faculty
The dedicated faculty at Five Branches plays a significant role in our growth and in establishing our reputation as a leader in education and patient care in Traditional Chinese medicine. Our faculty is a diverse community of practitioners, teachers, doctors, international lecturers and published authors, some of whom have been core faculty members for over 20 years.
Students
The strong sense of community on both of our campuses is a result of our vital and determined student body. Our programs attract students seeking to become TCM practitioners, professionals seeking new careers, Western medical practitioners who wish to enhance their practice and non-degree seeking students interested in studying the Asian healing arts for the enhancement of their personal health and well-being. Our students represent diverse age groups, with varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Alumni
Five Branches University recognizes our alumni as valuable members of the community and perfect examples of our commitment to excellence. We are proud of our graduates who have consistently received the highest passing scores on the licensing exams and have become leaders in every facet of TCM: teachers, international lecturers, authors, researchers, consultants and esteemed and successful practitioners across the nation and internationally.
Health Centers
Patients await their treatments in a beautifully designed reception area, while TCM clinicians treat over 140 patients each day in our two busy health centers. With a combined 29 treatment rooms and herbal pharmacies containing over 500 medicinal products, our health centers are the ideal place for students to gain experience in a clinical environment and for TCM clinicians and doctors to provide exceptional healthcare to their patients. Our staff includes specialists in neurology, internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, oncology, dermatology, immune deficiency, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and cardiology.