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Become a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Build advanced clinical skills in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diagnosis through hands-on training and in-depth study. Designed for TCM practitioners, this program prepares you to pursue Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine examinations and expand your professional practice.
Hands-On Training
Practice your skills in our on-site student clinic.
Scholarship
Up to $5,000* available for eligible students, until June 30, 2026. Terms apply.
Campus Availability
Burnaby
TCM Examinations
Graduate eligible to write the CCHPBC exams for Doctor of TCM designation in BC.
Program Overview
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Certificate
This comprehensive, full-time program builds your clinical knowledge and professional confidence through advanced coursework in acupuncture, herbology, and the classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will gain hands-on experience through a series of supervised clinical practicums, while strengthening your diagnostic and treatment skills.
Graduates of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program can advance into this program and will be positioned to write the PAN-CAN examinations for the Doctor of TCM in BC, on their path to professional registration.
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) recognizes this program.* For more information on the requirements for registration, please visit www.cchpbc.ca
Recognition
Training that meets industry and regulatory standards
Our programs are designed to meet established industry and provincial requirements, helping ensure your education is respected by employers and aligned with current workforce expectations. This commitment reflects our focus on quality training, accountability, and career-ready outcomes.
Recognized by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC)
Program is approved by the Registrar of the Provincial Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU)
Program Requirements
Speak With Admissions
Admission & Requirements
Admissions advisors will guide you through each step
- Proof of high school graduation or equivalent (General Education Development or BC Adult Basic Education, or at minimum, 1 year of post-secondary completion)
OR
- Mature student status (19 years of age upon starting classes)
- Proof of English/Chinese proficiency (See last pages of this
program outline) - Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or equivalents
*Notes:
- Transcripts from an institution outside of Canada must be verified by an international education credential evaluation service, such as WES or ICES.
- Proof of English Language proficiency for applicants to the English language program OR Proof of Chinese Language proficiency for applicants to the Chinese language program (see the last 2 pages of this program outline)
- Successful completion of all program courses with a minimum mark 60%
- Successful completion of all clinical practice hours
Career Paths for Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Build on your existing training to expand your role in patient care through advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine practices.
- TCM Clinic
- Wellness Clinic
- Alternative Therapy Centre
- Healing Centre
Find market-ready opportunities with guidance from Career Services.
What You'll Learn
Graduate With Practical Skills
In this extensive program, you'll study acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diagnostic techniques rooted in centuries of practice while building the clinical skills to support clients across wellness, chronic care, and holistic health.
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine - Program Courses
In this clinical training course, students will learn to provide entire process of TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under “minimal” supervision of a clinic instructor. Also, students will discuss TCM diagnosis and treatment plan based on various classical approaches and suggest different treatment modalities.
This course introduces three classics of TCM: Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Herbal Classic of Shennong), Nan Jing (The Classic of Difficulties), and Yi Jing (Book of Changes). Students will learn the fundamental application of Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing in developing treatment strategies, the relevance of theories found in Yi Jing, and the basic concepts and clinical importance of Nan Jing.
This course introduces selected topics from Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic). Students will learn the concepts behind the classic and how the classic provides insight into TCM. Students will also study how to recognize clinical situations where reference to the classic would be advantageous, how to characterize patient presentation in reference to the concepts of the classic, and how to formulate and justify patient treatment plan derived from the classic.
In this clinical training course, students will learn to provide entire process of TCM diagnosis and treatment of patients under “minimal” supervision of a clinic instructor. Also, students will discuss TCM diagnosis and treatment plan based on various classical approaches and suggest different treatment modalities.
This course introduces integrated views of warm disease theories developed by several schools. Students will learn the concepts behind the classic and how the classic provides insight into TCM, how to recognize clinical situations where reference to the classic would be advantageous, to characterize patient presentation in reference to the concepts of the classic, and to formulate and justify patient treatment plan derived from the classic.
Acupuncture and TCM Student Clinic
Refine your skills in a supervised clinical setting.
Work with real clients under instructor guidance to strengthen your clinical decision-making, refine advanced techniques, and prepare for professional practice.
- Treat real clients in a supervised clinical environment
- Strengthen clinical confidence and professional readiness
- Apply advanced techniques in real-world scenarios
- Prepare for expanded practice or private practice
Explore our Student Clinics.
Why Choose This Program
Why Students Choose Our Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Program
Built for outcomes, not just credentials
From your first class through advanced clinical training, the focus is on deepening your knowledge and refining your skills in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn from experienced practitioners, strengthen your techniques in supervised clinical settings, and prepare to expand your professional practice.
- Program aligned with industry and regulatory standards
- Preparation to pursue Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine examinations in BC
- Advanced clinical training in an on-site student clinic
- Instructors with real-world clinical experience
- Career and professional support
- Supportive, student-focused learning environment
Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine examinations in British Columbia.
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) recognizes this program.* For more information on registration requirements, please visit www.cchpbc.ca
*CCHPBC, 2026
Still have questions? Book a campus visit and talk with our Admissions team.
I am grateful for the guidance, support, and dedication of the faculty and staff at Vancouver Career College, and I would highly recommend the Program to anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Vancouver Career College's Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) program boasts an excellent faculty. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, and the school provides a robust internship system. From acupuncture to advanced TCM studies, students accumulate extensive clinical experience.
I gained a breakthrough in understanding, particularly regarding the dynamic diagnosis and treatment of complex and difficult-to-treat diseases.This training period allowed me to achieve a qualitative leap in both academic depth and clinical prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Program FAQs
Vancouver Career College is approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. For more information, visit the PTIRU site here.
Our campuses offer a variety of start dates, in some cases, every two weeks. To learn more about our upcoming start dates, please reach out to your campus of choice HERE
Our experienced Student Financial Planners can provide further details on program funding. Refer to the Financial Options webpage for more information.
Programs may be available in a variety of modalities. Please refer to the specific program page to learn more. If you have additional questions about learning online, please click HERE to learn more about admissions.
You can find our tuition listed HERE.
The length of this program is listed in the Program Overview section on this page. Have questions? Click here to connect with an Admissions Advisor.
Start Your Career in Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
For over 30 years, Vancouver Career College has delivered trusted career training. Explore how our programs can support your goals. Connect with an advisor today.
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