American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Courses, Admission, Cost

Established in the year 1980 in San Francisco, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine is regarded as one of the oldest and most renowned Chinese medicine schools in the U.S. It is the rigorous curriculum and distinguished faculty of the institution that attract students from different geographic boundaries. It provides master level and doctoral degrees in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine along with public programs and continuing education courses through California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). Be it the students, faculty or the alumni, all interact in the acupuncture community to ensure the public health and holistic wellness.

The college has 200 students and features a small yet intimate campus. Here, students get to study in small classes, enjoy a low faculty to student ratio and maintain close connections with alumni and each other. The campuses of ACTCM are situated at the main campus for CIIS on Mission Street and on San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighbourhood. ACTCM joined CIIS as its 4th school in the year 2015. The merger not only expanded resources but also extended opportunities for acupuncture and mental health education and research. The ACTCM Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic and off-site clinics serve as a training ground for students while facilitating affordable health care services to the community. In the year 1987, the present campus was acquired by the college in San Francisco. In 2004, additional space was acquired at Pioneer Square to expand the number of classrooms and feature a large library for both doctoral and master level students.

Several entry-level and advanced degrees are offered by the college for the students to choose from. In the year 1986, it became the country's first college to award a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The college at CIIS also provides Asian Body Therapy classes that not only constitute a vital part of the MSTCM program but are also considered relevant to enhance the acupuncture's practice. The college's merger with CIIS further established the first professional doctorate (DACM) in the field of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. This was both regionally (WSCUC) and nationally (ACAOM) approved. In 2016, the college launched the Transitional DACM program for graduates from a postgraduate degree program in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine who might be interested in entering the doctoral level. The program is accredited by WSCUC.

Apart from being supported by well-qualified and experienced faculty members of the college, students here also get access to one of the world's most accomplished alumni networks. With 1,100 plus members, the alumni association of the college includes prominent authors, practitioners and educators who are stationed around the world in almost every type of setting. Be it with research opportunities, mentorships, placements or even advice on starting one's practice, these are the members who can continuously guide students at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.