FUTURE STUDENTS

Attend Our Next Open House!

Last Updated : February 12, 2016

Five Branches University cordially invites you to join us for an Open House at our Santa Cruz Beach Harbor Campus. Experience our Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Center on Thursday March 3rd, from 6:30PM-8:30PM … Continue reading

Last Updated : October 05, 2020

At Five Branches University our top priority is to prepare our graduates to become exceptional practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Our nationally accredited degree programs provide students with a strong foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, the latest TCM research, extensive clinical training, and a comprehensive education in integrative medicine. Explore our programs:

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Graduate Degrees

You plan to practice in California after completion:
Doctor and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM/MTCM)The new Dual Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree program, is presented in English at our Santa Cruz campus, and in English and Chinese at our San Jose campus. The DTCM/MTCM program is the foundation for understanding and practicing the “five branches” of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Herbology, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Energetics (Qigong and Tajiquan) and Dietetics (Nutritional medicine). Western medical studies, which comprises one-third of the entire program provide you with knowledge of Western diagnosis and pharmaceuticals, allowing you to work closely with highly skilled faculty in a clinical environment. Our dual degree DTCM/MTCM program prepares you for the national and state examinations required to become a licensed acupuncturist. The DTCM/MTCM program is eligible for Federal financial aid.
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You can read in Chinese, you may consider:
Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM)Students who have two rather than three years of undergraduate studies may enroll in the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) degree program, a four-year graduate professional degree program comprising 3435 hours in length and a total of 195.5 units. The program, taught on a trimester basis, is presented in Chinese at our San Jose campus. The MTCM programs are daytime programs.
The students in MTCM program is eligible for Federal financial aid. Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to qualify for federal financial aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
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You plan to practice outside of California, or you have the MD degree:
Master of Acupuncture (MAc)The Master of Acupuncture (MAc) program is offered in English only at our Santa Cruz and San Jose campuses. It is specifically designed for students who wish to practice outside California, or those interested in developing a practice emphasizing acupuncture. The program includes both academic and clinical training, with a focus on working in an integrative medical environment, or establishing a Community Acupuncture Clinic. The Master of Acupuncture program is a three-year professional degree program consisting of 2256 hours and a total of 119.25 units. The curriculum is taught on a trimester basis with clinical training and other designated courses continuing during the summer term. The MAc program is eligible for Federal financial aid.
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Five Branches University Santa Cruz and San Jose have received full 7 years accreditation for both the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine programs:
San Jose Campus | Santa Cruz Campus

Postgraduate Degrees

You are a licensed acupuncturist, and plan to advance your TCM knowledge.
Postgraduate Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Program (DAOM)The Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program at our San Jose campus is for TCM practitioners interested in developing advanced TCM knowledge, medical specialization, or a career in TCM research and education. Our renowned senior TCM faculty and biomedicine experts from China and U.S. as well as our partnerships with Stanford University and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University provides a collaborative and diverse educational and clinical setting in which one can effectively learn advanced concepts of TCM and Western Medicine. The DAOM program is offered in both English and Chinese. DAOM courses are offered once a month during an intensive four-day weekend with a flexible clinical training schedule, allowing you to earn a doctorate degree in as little as 24 months while maintaining your private practice. Financial aid is available.
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You want to add more value on top of the DAOM degree:
Joint DAOM/PhD Degree with leading Chinese UniversitiesThe joint Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine / PhD program at our San Jose campus is for TCM practitioners interested in adding a year of study and research to their DAOM and earning a PhD degree with one of our four sister TCM universities in China. After earning the DAOM, students study and research a specialization with a chosen preceptor at one of the Five Branches’ four sister universities in China. The DAOM/PhD program is offered in both English and Chinese. Financial aid is available for the two-year DAOM, and not for the third PhD year.
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Thank you for considering Five Branches University! Contact our Admissions Office:

Santa Cruz (831) 476-9424

San Jose: (408) 260-0208

A few reasons why Five Branches University is academically the best Traditional Chinese Medicine School in the Bay Area:

* Respected University

As one of the oldest Chinese medicine schools in the United States, Five Branches University is recognized as one of the nation’s top TCM and integrative medicine schools.

* Top Academic and Clinical Experts

Learn from highly accomplished faculty in TCM. Many of our doctors and professors have decades of experience teaching and practicing TCM and integrative medicine in renowned hospitals and medical schools in China and the United States.

* Specialty Certificate Options

As a Doctor & Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine student you can receive advanced academic and clinical training in one of our specialty certifications in Classical Chinese Medicine, Sports Medicine, Medical Qigong, Five Element Acupuncture or Tuina Massage to enhance and distinguish your TCM practice.

Study Abroad

Our Study Abroad program is one of the best ways to experience the authentic practice of TCM integrated with modern western medicine. Study at one of our sister schools in China, Taiwan or Vietnam and learn TCM from highly knowledgeable doctors and teachers while completing up to 25% of your clinical training in an integrative hospital setting.

Continuing Education

Our commitment to excellence in education continues beyond graduation with our continuing education programs. Bringing expert teachers and lecturers together, we offer a wide variety of high-quality courses in advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrative Medicine.

Two Beautiful Campuses

Study at one of our two beautiful campuses in Santa Cruz and San Jose, California or attend classes at both. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views or a unique cultural city experience. Both campuses offer plenty of sunshine and a diverse and progressive environment in which to live.

Excellent Clinical Training

In addition to the two TCM clinics at our Santa Cruz and San Jose campuses, students have the opportunity to train in a variety of off-site clinical externships. Students can rotate in clinical settings focusing on mental health, HIV/AIDS, gerontology, community style acupuncture, U.S. veterans, or study at the first TCM residency in a U.S. teaching hospital at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California.

Financial Aid Available

Federal Financial Aid is available for all of our degree programs to cover tuition and living expenses, so you can focus your attention on your studies and not have to worry about the rest.

Flexible Course Schedules

Flexible course schedules allow you to attend school full-time or part-time and take courses at both campuses, so you can maintain balance in your life and still have time for rest and recreation.

Graduate Success

Five Branches prepares you to achieve high passing scores on both the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam and the National Certification Exams. The Cumulative Review Department ensures our students master the material and become experts in the field. Upon graduation, you will be qualified to apply for a top-paying positions at renowned medical institutions, integrative medicine group practices, leading cancer treatment centers, or establish a successful TCM practice anywhere in the world.

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