Applying to Five Branches

Once you have made a decision to enroll in the Five Branches Asian Bodywork and Qigong Program you are now ready to begin the application process.

Admission Requirements

The Five Branches ABQ certification programs and seminar series are open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED, regardless of previous experience.

Admission Categories

Seminar Series

Seminar series participants can register for one seminar or course at a time and are only required to complete the Application Form and submit it with the tuition for each course. The additional materials requested in the application checklist are not required.

ABQ Program Certification

ABQ Program students who seek Level I through Level III certificates of completion are requested to submit all materials as listed on the Application Checklist. Tuition can be paid at the time of enrollment or at the beginning of the program, according to arrangements described in the Enrollment Agreement.

Application Checklist for the Level I – III Certificate Program

1. Application form - Use your full legal name on all admissions documents. The campus you prefer should be clearly indicated on the application form.
   
2. Recent photograph – One passport style photograph.
   
3. Statement of Purpose – A one page typed essay which includes how you became interested in Asian bodywork and Qigong, what you wish to receive from your studies of ABQ at Five Branches, and your plans after you have become certified.
   
4. Resume - An up-to-date resume listing all previous education, job experience, accomplishments and volunteer work.
   
5. Application fee – A non-refundable application fee of $25.00, payable in check or money order.

Supporting documents-sent separately:

1. One letter of recommendation from teachers, employers, colleagues and/or healthcare professionals – References should list how long they have known you and in what capacity. They should state your strengths and character traits and why they recommend your admission to Five Branches University. Recommendation letters must be sent directly from the individual, to the Admissions office at the Five Branches campus you are applying to.
   
2. A copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate. Transcripts sent from the college/university(s) you have attended are only necessary if you wish to be granted transfer credit for equivalent courses already taken, in lieu of coursework in the ABQ Program curriculum.

Non-matriculating students

The admissions procedure and entrance requirements for non-matriculating applicants are the same as for certificate-seeking applicants, except for students of the Seminar Series who register for one course at a time (refer to Admission Categories above). Non-matriculating, non-certificate seeking students may request a change of status to become certificate-seeking students at anytime during the program. However, Seminar Series registrants must follow the admissions procedure for certification in order to become certificate-seeking students.

Part-time Students

Students who plan to complete the ABQ Program in more than one year are considered part-time students. Part-time students must complete the program within two years and meet with the program advisor to plan their program of study.

Transfer Credit

Limited transfer credit may be awarded for coursework from an accredited institution that supports the ABQ Program’s objectives and meets the standards for completion of the ABQ Program. No more than one-third of the credits for the ABQ Program may be transferred. Transfer credit is subject to 15% of the current ABQ Program tuition charge, per transferred course.

New Student Orientation

New student orientation is held at the beginning of the program to introduce students to the campus, faculty, staff, classmates, the ABQ Program, and the mission of Five Branches University.