Masters Program
The 4 year Masters Program at Five Branches University is 3208 hours in length and a total of 170.5 units. The curriculum is taught on a semester system with clinical training continuing during the summer and winter intersessions.
First Year
In the first year of the program, students are introduced to the theories and models used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to differentiate patient signs and symptoms and arrive at a TCM diagnosis. Students receive in-depth instruction in TCM theory, TCM diagnosis, acupuncture meridian theory and the location and functions of points. Additionally students begin rigorous studies of Chinese herbal medicine. Alongside TCM, first year students also begin an extensive study of Western Medicine with courses in Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology. First-semester students begin their observation of patients through Clinical Theater, watching an experienced acupuncturist diagnose and treat patients, explaining to students the pulses, selection of acupuncture points and herbs. To round out the first year, there are courses in Chinese Language, TCM History and Philosophy and Qigong Energetics. The first year concludes with a review course and the first of four comprehensive examinations.
Second Year
In the second year of study, TCM theory, acupuncture and herbology studies are amplified. Students complete the study of single herbs and begin a series of classes in TCM formulas. They complete the coursework in acupuncture-point location and function and then begin the study of acupuncture needling techniques, cupping and moxibustion. TCM Tuina Massage teaches students the art of TCM bodywork. In Western biomedicine, students complete 2 semesters of study in Pathophysiology, CPR/first aid, Professional Ethics and Public Health and Epidemiology. In Clinical training students begin to participate in diagnosis and treatment of patients through Clinical Rounds and Intern Rounds. Courses in Taijiquan introduce students to exercises for enhancing the free flow of energy, which is a concept central to TCM. The second year concludes with a review course and the second of four comprehensive examinations.
Third Year
During the third year, students are directly applying their knowledge of TCM to the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Students continue clinical training with Paired Internship where they share responsibility for diagnosis and treatment with a fellow student intern. Finally in Internship, each of the students will see patients individually and give the diagnosis and treatment with herbs and acupuncture under the supervision of instructors. During the third year students complete the study of TCM formulas, TCM Dietetics and Acupuncture Therapeutics. Additionally, students continue TCM clinical studies of TCM Internal Medicine and TCM Trauma and Orthopedics. Study of Western Medicine continues with classes in Western Physical Exam, Western Case Management, Pharmacology and Diet and Nutrition. The third year concludes with a review course and the third comprehensive examination.
Fourth Year
In the last year, TCM clinical courses continue and the number of internships increases. Students study TCM specializations such as and EENT (eye, ear, nose and throat disorders), TCM Gynecology and TCM Pediatrics. They complete study of TCM theory with TCM Case Studies. They complete their study of Western Medicine with Western Case Management II, Research, Psychology and Counseling, Red Flags and Lab Analysis. They also take Marketing and Management and Medical Modalities; the former helps the students run their own businesses and the latter compares and contrasts healing modalities and surveys major medical professions such as biomedicine, osteopathy, Ayurveda, shamanism and homeopathy. A Final Review course concludes the Master’s degree program and focuses on preparation for the national and state examinations. The fourth and final cumulative exam is given at the end of this course. Graduating students continue to reflect on their development in terms of the intangible, personal qualities that define a great physician.
Five Branches Masters Degree program in Traditional Chinese Medicine is taught through the following seven academic and clinical departments: