Admissions

Choosing to enroll in a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Master’s degree program is an important decision. We understand it is a process that will involve many questions and much consideration. We are here to support you by spending time with you on the phone, via email and in person to address your questions and provide you with the answers you need to enter the rewarding field of TCM. We believe it is important for you to have a thorough overview of the TCM profession, the Master’s degree program that leads to California licensure and national certification, and the career opportunities available in private and group practice, hospitals and clinics, and related fields such as herb companies, publishing and TCM education. We look forward to joining you in your discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Five Branches Students

Five Branches University students’ demonstrate the aptitude and determination to successfully complete the program, and have a sincere interest in the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative medicine. Our program attracts students seeking to become TCM practitioners, those currently studying at another TCM school who wish to transfer to Five Branches, and international students who have a desire to study TCM in the U.S. Our students also include professionals seeking new careers, Western medical practitioners who wish to enhance their practice and non-degree seeking students interested in studying TCM for the enhancement of their personal health and well-being. Our students represent diverse age groups, with varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

TCM Master’s Program

The TCM Master’s 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 Master’s 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.

An Adaptable Curriculum

The Master’s 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.

Financing your Education

Five Branches University is an accredited institution of higher education approved to participate in federal financial aid programs. Our financial aid programs assist more than 80% of our students in meeting the financial costs of their education. Our Financial Aid Director can assist you to identify the sources of financial aid that will best suit your educational needs. Financial aid programs cover tuition, fees, books, materials and a reasonable allowance for living expenses while attending school. Scholarships and work study programs may also be available during your enrollment at Five Branches University.

Your Future as a TCM Practitioner

Upon completion of the TCM Master’s 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.

Thank you for your interest in Five Branches University!

For personal service please call or email Admissions, in:

San Jose - Florence - (408) 260-0208 Ext 217 or sjadmissions@fivebranches.edu
Santa Cruz - Eleonor - (831) 476-9424 Ext 31 or admissions@fivebranches.edu