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Programs Overview

Welcome to Five Branches University. Our almost 4 decades reputation for academic excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education is known worldwide and reflects the achievement of our students and the exemplary accomplishments of our alumni. Our graduate and post-graduate degree programs are among the most highly regarded in the U.S. and abroad.

Our distinguished faculty — many with over 30 years of academic and clinical experience — play a significant role in the development of our programs, and in establishing our reputation as a leader in TCM education and healthcare. 

The following programs are offered in English and Chinese at our two California campuses in Santa Cruz and San Jose:

For students seeking to become an expert TCM practitioner, the entry-level Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (DAcHM) and Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MAcHM) provides you with comprehensive instruction in TCM diagnosis, acupuncture and Chinese herbology, Western biomedicine, and exposure to the latest trends in TCM research. They are presented in English at our Santa Cruz campus, and in English and Chinese at our San Jose campus. These programs prepare you to enter the rewarding field of integrative medicine.

For students seeking a successful career as an acupuncturist, the entry-level Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) and Master of Acupuncture (MAc) provide you with comprehensive instruction in acupuncture and TCM diagnosis, Western biomedicine, and exposure to the latest trends in TCM research. These programs prepare you to practice acupuncture in a wide variety of healthcare settings.

For licensed acupuncturists seeking to upgrade to a Doctoral degree, the one-year Bridge (Completion) Program emphasizes the practice of patient-centered integrative care, systems-based medicine, and lifelong professional development. Taught by expert faculty, the 100% online, asynchronous format allows you to earn a Doctoral degree on your own schedule, and from the convenience of your office or home.

The two-year Postgraduate Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program offers world-class instruction by TCM experts in a hybrid, modular structure tailored to working professionals. You will learn advanced concepts of TCM and Western Medicine while gaining valuable experience in research and teaching. The Postgraduate DAOM program is offered in both English and Chinese. 

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