Applying to Five Branches
Once you have made a decision to enroll in the Five Branches TCM Master’s 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. Entering classes are formed on a semester basis, occurring in Spring and Fall. To ensure space in an entering class, please apply by the priority application dates listed below. If all entering class spaces have been filled, you will receive priority status for the following semester.
Priority Application Dates
Fall Semester: May 1
Spring Semester: October 1
Educational Requirements
All applicants must have fulfilled the minimum education requirements of 60 semester units (equivalent to 90 quarter units) of general education from a regionally accredited degree-granting college or university, with a minimum of 2.5 GPA.Up to 30 semester credits of general education may be earned through successful testing assessment using a combination of different acceptable assessment modalities such as: College Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Programs (CLEP), American College Testing Proficiency Program (ACT/PEP), and U.S. Armed Forces Institute Programs (USAFI). Please be informed that although you may be awarded credit for these prior learning assessments for our purposes, some state licensing agencies may not accept these credits as they were awarded by non-regionally accredited institutions.
If you have not completed an AA degree or higher, your general education must include: two courses in Humanities and Arts, two courses in Social Behavioral Sciences, one course in English/Communications, and College level Algebra. Please contact the admissions office for more information.
Pre-Qualification Services
If you prefer to apply before you have met the educational requirements, the admissions department will provide pre-qualification counseling services to assist you with the necessary steps to become eligible for the TCM Master’s degree program.Natural Science Requirements
The MTCM program at Five Branches University requires five natural science courses: General Biology, Chemistry, Introduction to Physics, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology, each with a minimum of three semester credits. It is highly recommended that students complete the courses General Biology, Introduction to Physics and Chemistry prior to entry. These courses can be taken from a community college, a university, or online. If these courses have not been taken prior to enrollment, students may take them concurrently, within their first two years of study. Please contact the admissions director regarding transfer credit of these natural science courses, or for a list of acceptable schools providing these courses.Non Degree-Seeking Applicants (NDS)
Five Branches University will consider Non Degree-Seeking (NDS) applicants. These include students participating in the California Acupuncture Board approved tutorial program, licensed acupuncturists, medical doctors and other health professionals who may be seeking to meet an educational objective other than the Master’s degree. NDS students will receive an official transcript showing coursework that has been successfully completed. NDS students may take up to 50% of the Master’s degree program; they may also elect to become a degree-seeking student at any time. In this case, coursework successfully completed at Five Branches will be applied toward the degree. NDS students must follow the same application and admissions procedures as required of degree-seeking students. NDS students are not eligible for Financial Aid.Completing the Application
To be considered for admission to Five Branches University, the following items are required:- Application for Admission - Use your full legal name on all Admissions documents. The campus you prefer should be clearly indicated on the application form. If your choice of campuses is undetermined, mail your application package to the Santa Cruz campus.
- Recent photograph - One passport style photograph.
- Statement of Purpose - A one-page, typed essay describing your background, how you became interested in TCM and your plans beyond graduation.
- Resume - An up-to-date resume listing all previous education, job experience, accomplishments and volunteer work.
- Application fee – A non-refundable application fee of $45.00, payable in check or money order.
- Health Evaluation - The course of study at Five Branches University includes clinical training. In order to ensure that safety precautions are maintained in the Five Branches clinics and to maintain a healthy environment on campus, we require the completion of a Health Evaluation. This health evaluation must be signed by a qualified primary health care practitioner.
- Hepatitis B Vaccination Form – Due to possible occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, we recommend receiving a Hepatitis B vaccination. A copy of this immunization record must be provided. If vaccination is declined, a waiver form must be signed.
- Tuberculosis Test- Tuberculosis is a common and often deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacterium. It usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other body systems. Tuberculosis is spread through the air, when people who have the disease cough, sneeze or spit. To ensure the maintenance of safety precautions in the Five Branches clinic, we require all applicants to have a tuberculosis test prior to enrollment in the Master’s program.
Supporting documents-sent separately:
- Two letters 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.
- Official transcripts of all college and/or university coursework. – Academic transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the attention of the Admissions Office at the Five Branches campus you are applying to.
Campus Addresses
San Jose campus applicantsmail information to:Five Branches University- San Jose Attention: Admissions Office 3031 Tisch Way, Suite 507, San Jose, CA 95128. |
Santa Cruz campus applicantsmail information to:Five Branches University- Santa Cruz Attention: Admissions Office 200 Seventh Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. |
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding the application process, our admissions staff is available to assist you.
The Admissions Process
Admission Interview
Once your application package and all supporting documents have been received, you will be invited to Five Branches for a personal interview with one of the members of the Admissions Committee. The admissions interview is a mutually beneficial process, allowing you the ability to acquire additional information not gained in previous interactions with Five Branches, while the Admissions Committee has the opportunity to get to know you on a more personal level.
Application Review
After your interview, your file will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. In evaluating applicants the committee takes into consideration many factors, including academic achievement, professional experience, recommendations, accomplishments, personal character and future potential.
Admissions Decision
You will be notified in writing once a decision has been made by the Admissions Committee, within two weeks after your interview.
Deposit
Upon notification of acceptance you will be asked to reserve your space with a $300 non-refundable deposit which will be applied to your first semester tuition. This deposit will reserve your place in the upcoming semester as space allows.
Waiting List
If there is not available space in the next entering class, accepted applicants will be placed on a waiting list. We will inform you of your position on the waiting list and you will be notified if space becomes available. If space is not available, those on the waiting list can elect to have their application brought forward to the following semester.
New Student Orientation and Registration
One week prior to the beginning of the semester, you will attend the New Student Orientation and Registration. The orientation reviews financial aid and registration options, the academic calendar, college policies, and the MTCM program. This is an excellent time to meet fellow students, faculty and members of the administration. Student registration is scheduled on the day following orientation. During registration you will meet with the admissions director or an academic advisor to review your class schedule. If you need special assistance with the registration process, or with specific scheduling needs, please contact the admissions office for assistance prior to registration day.