Year 1 - Trimester 1, 2, 3

In the first year of the program, students are introduced to the basic fundamental theories and concepts of TCM. TCM concepts of energy, health, and the etiology of disease process are discussed in depth. In the four Acu Meridian & Point Theory and Practicum classes in the first year, students are introduced to different traditions of Oriental medicine, learn about the channels and collaterals, what each acupoint is used for, its classification, its Chinese name and translation, and how to locate the acupoint. In trimester 3, students begin attending a clinical diagnosis forum to see how everything they are learning is actually applied.

On the practical side in trimester 2-3, students begin learning and practicing essential clinical skills like acupuncture, moxibustion, and related modalities such as auricular and scalp acupuncture, micro-system acupuncture, cupping, plum blossom, bleeding, gua sha, etc.

Practical training in exercise/breathing therapy like qi gong or tai ji begin this year in order to help cultivate student’s qi. Clinical Observation also begins this year, starting the student’s clinical education. Through observation of private practitioners, and in the Student Clinic, students develop insight into clinical practice.

Students begin their study of Chinese herbal medicine with Chinese Herbal Medicine 1 & 2. The class begins with important history and texts and goes on to study the Chinese materia medica. In this class, students will study the individual Chinese herbs and theory.

On the Western medical side of their first year education, students learn Western Medical Terminology, Introduction to Biology, Western Medicine Anatomy and Physiology, and Surface Anatomy.

Year 2 - Trimester 4, 5, 6

In the second year, students will use their basic theory knowledge to understand the disease process from a TCM perspective. They also learn ways to treat the underlying disease process and promote health. They continue attending clinical diagnosis forum in trimester 4, 5, and 6 to see how everything they are learning is actually applied.

Training in qi gong and tai ji continues and tui na (TCM physiotherapy) is now added. In trimester 5, students begin their supervised clinical practice by treating patients in student clinic, taking
responsibility for all aspects of their patient’s care. Students also learn clean needle technique, OSHA and HIPPA regulations, and Clinical Ethics.

Also in this year, the study of the individual Chinese herbs finishes, and the students use this knowledge in the study of combining the individual herbs to learn Chinese herbal formulas and their applications. Other Chinese herbal classes this year are CHM Patent Medicine (Chinese and Western-made herbal products) and TCM Gynecology.

On the Western medicine side, students study introductory courses like Microbiology, Introduction to Chemistry, Survey of Medicine, Biochemistry, Western Medical Pathology, Clinical Ethics, and Basic Psychology / Counseling & Communication Skills.

Year 3 - Trimester 7, 8, 9

In the third year, students continue their supervised clinical practice and also the addition of Internal Medicine (Chinese herbal) Clinic. They also assume a greater responsibility for their patient’s total care. In trimester 7 and 8 students begin to make their transition from a student to more of a beginning practitioner.

Also in trimester 7, as a continuing part of their TCM Internal Medicine training, students have a course called TCM Internal Medicine. In this course, students systematically learn Chinese medicine’s method of basing Chinese herbal treatment on differentiation of syndromes/patterns for many symptoms and diseases. Students also have a course in the Clinical Application of Chinese Herbal Medicine. During trimester 8, students begin two trimesters of TCM Internal Medicine (Chinese herbal medicine) clinical internship, and study TCM nutrition.

On the Western medicine side, in the third year of their education are classes including Western Medicine Physical Exam & Diagnosis, Western Medicine Pharmacology/Pharmacognosy, and Western Medical Referral. This additional work in the Western biomedical approach will enhance students’ ability to integrate Eastern and Western medicine.

Students have their final observation class in trimester 9. At this point, they have a solid foundation in clinical theory and practice, and benefit from observing and getting more advanced questions answered from an experienced practitioner in a clinical setting. Students also have the opportunity to assist student clinic supervisors.

The course, Clinical Business Management, prepares students to set up a successful Oriental medical private practice.

CPR / Basic First Aid teaches essential skills that enable clinicians to respond appropriately to emergency situations which may arise in clinical and everyday situations. Western Nutrition covers the biochemical processes of nutrition and metabolism, dietary intake, nutritional imbalances, vitamins and minerals, and detoxification programs.

Exam Prep prepares students for the CSTCM Final Proficiency Exam and helps those who have not yet taken the NCCAOM Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal exams.

Curriculum development is an on-going process at CSTCM. We constantly search for better ways to present difficult material. The overall program is subject to minor changes from time to time.

Cumulative Exams

Proficiency Exams

These written proficiency exams are used as an evaluation of the student's progress, our program, and their understanding of TCM. They are designed to give students a good idea of the type of exam and questions they might find within the NCCAOM Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal exams.

These exams encourage students to carefully review all previous coursework. They are taken during the 11th or 12th week of every third trimester. Each exam covers those new materials introduced prior to the week of the exam.

A final cumulative exam is administered near the end of the program, during the student’s 9th trimester. Students are required to pass all sections of this Final Proficiency Exam to graduate.

Practical Exam

A clinical oral and practical exam are given near the end of trimester 4. This exam is designed as an evaluation for both the student and the school, and tests the students on clinical skills accomplished up to this point. The objective of this exam is to encourage students to review their clinical skills they have studied and practiced up to this point, and satisfy the school’s obligation to know that the student is prepared to go into clinic. This exam must be passed in order to continue into clinic.

Program Category Totals

• Biosciences 510 hours / 34 credits
• TCM Theory & Technique 810 hours / 48 credits
• Miscellaneous 90 hours / 6 credits
• Observation 195 hours / 9.5 credits
• Clinics:
  • Acupuncture 615 hours / 20.5 credits
  • Chinese Herbal 180 hours / 6 credits
• Chinese Herbal Medicine 450 hours / 20 credits

Total 2,850 hours / 154 credits