Master Of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM)

Applicants must have completed at least two years of baccalaureate-level education, comprising 60 semester units (90 quarter units), at an institution by the U.S. Secretary of Education or the equivalent at a foreign university in order to qualify for admission to Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine degree program.

The University of East-West Medicine offers a Master of Science degree program in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The MSTCM program may be completed in as little as 36 months (3 calendar years).

The program comprises 2130 hours of didactic instruction and 960 hours of clinical training, for a total of 3090 hours (174 units). Most of the courses are devoted to the study and practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, integrated with courses in Western medical sciences and practice management.

UEWM operates classes year-round on a semester system with the majority of students enrolled full-time. Students with approved medical backgrounds may complete the program in less than the prescribed time; the maximum time permitted to complete the program is 8 years. The curriculum is divided into two portions: pre-professional courses and professional/graduate courses in the final calendar years. Comprehensive examinations are administered prior to advancing into the 3rd year courses and prior to graduation.

The curriculum is arranged sequentially so that knowledge acquired in one semester is fundamental to the understanding of courses in the following semester. The courses are designed to present TCM theory, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tuina/acupressure, Tai Ji Quan, Qi Gong, and Western medical science integrated in such a way as to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Oriental medicine.

The mission of the Master’s program in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of East-West Medicine is to train practitioners of Oriental medicine so they can be fully functioning licensed healthcare providers as part of the American healthcare system. The University strives to graduate high quality practitioners who have a solid foundation in Western medicine, an in-depth understanding of traditional Chinese medicine theory, and refined applied clinical skills.

Graduates of the Master of Science in TCM will be able to demonstrate the following program-related learning outcomes:

• Acquire the knowledge and skills that are preparatory for passing the California Acupuncture License Examination and/or the National Certification Examination.
• Articulate and demonstrate professional ethical standards regarding regulations, scope of practice, treatment of patients, and business operations.
• Understand origins and causes of disease from a traditional Chinese and biomedical perspective, and apply this understanding through treatment and preventive clinical strategies.
• Evaluate patient complaints in a manner that reveals knowledge and application of appropriate diagnostic skills.
• Formulate treatment plans that demonstrate understanding and application of treatment procedures for patients that follow logically from the diagnosis.
• Explain a rationale for acupuncture, herbal and supplement clinic treatment plans.
• Deliver a designated treatment plan, or use appropriate support personnel.
• Communicate to patients and colleagues in a professional and knowledgeable manner about TCM and biomedicine.
• Acquire knowledge and skills that will be preparatory to advanced study in a doctoral program.
• Understand western medical diagnosis as explained by a patient or Western practitioner, and to refer patients to Western medical practitioners when the malady requires it.