Information for Future StudentsClick here for guidance

Guidance for Future Students

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:

Graduate Degrees

You wish to enter the TCM profession:
DAcHM – Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
or
MAcHM – Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine 

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You plan to practice outside of California, or you have an MD degree:
DAc – Doctor of Acupuncture
or
MAc – Master of Acupuncture

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You have a Master’s degree in TCM or Acupuncture and want to earn the new Doctoral title:
DAcHM Bridge (Completion) Program –  a fully asynchronous online Program available in California and some States
or
DAc Bridge (Completion) Program – a fully asynchronous online Program available in California and some States
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Postgraduate Degrees

You have a Master’s degree in TCM and want to earn the profession’s postgraduate terminal degree:

DAOM – Postgraduate Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 
 or
DAOM/PhD – Postgraduate Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and PhD in China
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Still unsure which program is the best fit for you? Fill out this form to find out:

Program Interest Form

Program Comparison:

MTCM/DTCM | Bridge Program | DAOM

MTCMEntry-Level Master’s
Degree
DTCM/DAcEntry-Level Professional
Doctoral Degree
Bridge Program
  • Completion Program
  • Transitional Program
DAOM
  • Post-Graduate Program
  • Advanced Standing Program
  • Terminal Degree (Hospitals, NIH)
MTCMEntry-Level Training
DTCM/DAc
  • Entry-Level Training
  • Integrative Care
  • Use old Dr.Title
Bridge Program
  • Patient Centered Integrative care focus
  • Introduction to system-based medicine
  • Professional & Personal development
  • Quick Path to Dr. Title
DAOM
  • Advanced skills Training
  • Advanced TCM Knowledge
  • Medical Specialization
MTCMYes
DTCM/DAcYes
Bridge ProgramDTCM Degree
DAOMYes
MTCM$69,845
DTCM/DAc$69,845
Bridge Program$8,505
DAOM$25,000
MTCMYes
DTCM/DAcYes
Bridge ProgramNo
DAOMYes
MTCM4 Years
DTCM/DAc4 Years
Bridge Program1 Year
DAOM2 Years
MTCM195.5 units
DTCM/DAc195.5 units
Bridge Program16.5 units
DAOM62.07 units
MTCM3435 hrs
DTCM/DAc3435 hrs
Bridge Program315 hrs
DAOM1280 hrs
MTCMIn Person
DTCM/DAcIn Person
Bridge ProgramAsynchronized (No set class times)
DAOMHybrid (Set Class Times)
MTCMYes
DTCM/DAcYes
Bridge ProgramNo
DAOMNo
MTCMNo
DTCM/DAcYes
Bridge ProgramYes
DAOMNo
MTCMNo
DTCM/DAcNo
Bridge ProgramNo
DAOMYes
MTCMNo
DTCM/DAcNo
Bridge ProgramNo
DAOMYes