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Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist
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Due to the growing interest in natural health and human longevity, the general public is exhibiting an increased awareness in natural and holistic medicine and, in particular, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. In fact, many extended health benefits plans now recognize the legitimacy of these disciplines and not only refer their clients to, but also pay for the use of the services of qualified TCM practitioners.
Our program is designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge in order to increase their clientele, TCM practitioners from other provinces and countries who wish to further their studies in BC and individuals who are completely new to the field, but have a genuine interest in TCM herbs. Our Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist program is a unique three-year program that consists of courses in Chinese herbs, Chinese Massage, Qigong, Taiji, diet therapy and Western Medicine. It is a condensed version of the five-year programs offered in TCM universities in China.
Graduates of our program will be capable of writing the stringent Provincial licensing examinations and will be eligible to apply for membership in the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncturists (CTCMA) of BC. Program applicants are required to have a minimum of two years of university education or equivalent for admission..
“I am passionate to work in the health care field and to help people find relief from pain and anxiety. PCU College is a good place to study holistic medicine because the expert faculty will lead you into this field. The clinical internships guided me and taught me how to work with patients once I have my own clinic.” Sunny G., PCU College graduate
This program is 132 weeks in length.
Job Opportunities
- Health Clinic
- Healing Centre
- Wellness Centre
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia .
Term 1
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- This course discusses the origin and development of TCM beginning over two thousand years ago, the progress of medical science, and the history and development of Acupuncture and TCM in China, as well as in North America and over the world.
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- Students will explore and improve the caring interaction and effective communication with their patients. During this course, students will be introduced to the difference between therapeutic dialogue and everyday communication, the significance of nonverbal communication, and how to maintain an empathetic yet objective approach when communicating with patients. The patient and health care professional relationship will be examined.
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- This course is a practical guide to business planning, advertising, insurance billing and business ethics. Medical legal issues will be studied with a view towards legal responsibilities and obligations to patients and other health care providers. The courses introduces the students to patient record-keeping, informed consent, confidentiality and privacy issues, standards of practice, and code of ethics as health care professionals.
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- This course covers most common symptoms during TCM practice. It introduces the thinking pattern of how to recognize a group of similar symptoms and identify their differences. After complete this course, students will able to make a correct TCM diagnosis.
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- This course introduces the students to the principles of diagnosis in Chinese medicine. Students will learn the signs and symptoms important for TCM diagnosis and the importance of a holistic approach in TCM. The course will then focus on the four TCM diagnostic skills. It covers 'looking' skills, including tongue diagnosis; 'hearing' and 'smelling' skills; questioning skills for a whole range of patients, including those specific for women and children, are included. Pulse diagnosis is the key focus in this course. Students will learn about the normal pulse, as well as factors affecting pulse taking, types of pulses, and their clinical significance. Other palpation skills will also be introduced.
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- In this course, students will learn about pattern identification and syndrome differentiation based on signs and symptoms collected from the diagnostic techniques learned in the previous course. Students will learn the identification of patterns according to the pathogenic factors, Eight Principles, Zang Fu Organs, Three Burners, Meridians, and the Six Stages Principles. Students will learn skills to discriminate patterns of diseases that are similar to each other by comparing syndrome characteristics.
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- TCM has developed into many schools of thought, and the differences between these schools enrich and broaden the TCM field. In this course, students will learn about the fundamental concepts of each school, and the differences in these TCM schools of thought in terms of TCM diagnosis and treatments.
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- This lecture course introduces the fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine including Yin-Yang theory and the Five Elements theory as well as part of basic life substances. Students will associate these theories with their historical backgrounds, philosophies, and significance. Students will build upon this critical knowledge base in all subsequent TCM coursework.
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- This lecture course, building on TCM Theory I, introduces students to the theories of Zang-Fu (TCM internal organs) and the basic life substances such as Essence, Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids. This course enables students to understand how the human body works in a normal condition based on TCM principles. This course in the also introduces TCM etiology, pathogenesis, and preventive and treatment principles. This course lays the fundamental knowledge of how diseases occur, how to render a treatment strategy based on TCM principles, and how to maintain wellness through TCM prevention methods.
Term 2
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- This course introduces the structure and arrangement of gross surface features with special attention to the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous and genitourinary systems.
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- This course will examine basic principles of biochemistry. Fundamentals of organic and cellular chemistry will be presented, focusing on chemical interactions within living cells that form the foundation of all life processes. Students will become familiar with structures, functions, and properties of various molecules important in the daily mechanism of the human body. These principles are important for understanding common health problems.
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- This course is designed to introduce the pathogenic microorganisms that cause diseases and ways to prevent infection such as vaccination, sterilization, and disinfections. Bacteriology and virology are topics covered in this course.
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- Pathology involves the study of the nature and mechanism of diseases. This course teaches students the basic concepts of pathology dealing with abnormal cellular changes, response, injury, acute and chronic inflammation, neoplasm, and a systemic review of pathology in neurological and endocrine and other systems.
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- Pathology involves the study of the nature and mechanism of diseases. This course teaches students the basic concepts of pathology dealing with abnormal cellular changes, response, injury, acute and chronic inflammation, neoplasm, and a systemic review of pathology in neurological and endocrine and other systems.
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- This course provides basic knowledge of Western medical drugs. Students will study the mechanism of actions, absorption, excretion and toxicity of specific drugs. It is a comprehensive study of therapeutic approaches and drugs used in the treatment of diseases in western medicine.
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- This course provides basic knowledge of Western medical drugs. Students will study the mechanism of actions, absorption, excretion and toxicity of specific drugs. It is a comprehensive study of therapeutic approaches and drugs used in the treatment of diseases in western medicine.
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- Building on the anatomical knowledge acquired in W110, students will study functions and regulation of organ systems in this course. Specific attention will be placed on the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The physiology of exercise and energy metabolism will also be discussed.
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- Building on the anatomical knowledge acquired in W110, students will study functions and regulation of organ systems in this course. Specific attention will be placed on the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The physiology of exercise and energy metabolism will also be discussed.
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- Students will examine the methods of physical diagnosis in western medicine. Emphasis is placed on history taking, and physical examination based on the system approach. Students will develop their skills in diagnostic procedures and functional tests of various body systems that can be used hand in hand with TCM diagnostic skills. This course will also cover differential diagnosis of common and critical symptoms and signs.
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- Students will examine the methods of physical diagnosis in western medicine. Emphasis is placed on history taking, and physical examination based on the system approach. Students will develop their skills in diagnostic procedures and functional tests of various body systems that can be used hand in hand with TCM diagnostic skills. This course will also cover differential diagnosis of common and critical symptoms and signs.
Term 3
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- This is a study of the Chinese method of therapeutic massage, which deals with Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood and the internal organs. This course covers Tui Na basic principles, manipulation techniques, functions, indications, and contraindications. Students will also learn how to draw up a Tui Na treatment plan for patients.
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- This course introduces the meridian theory and acupoint study. It covers the Qi flowing pattern and the pathways of the main meridians and extra channels. Points on the 14 meridians, which have specific therapeutic properties and grouped under special categories are introduced. Methods of locating acupoints by proportional measurement, anatomical landmarks, and finger measurement are introduced. The ability to accurately locate acupuncture points is built up through lectures, demonstration, and hands-on practice. The course includes detailed study of acupoints for their locations, functions, and indications in the Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, and Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Gall Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium channels
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- This course introduces the meridian theory and acupoint study. It covers the Qi flowing pattern and the pathways of the main meridians and extra channels. Points on the 14 meridians, which have specific therapeutic properties and grouped under special categories are introduced. Methods of locating acupoints by proportional measurement, anatomical landmarks, and finger measurement are introduced. The ability to accurately locate acupuncture points is built up through lectures, demonstration, and hands-on practice. The course includes detailed study of acupoints for their locations, functions, and indications in the Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, and Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Gall Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium channels
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- This course will include detailed study of locating acupoints on the Bladder and Du channels by palpating spinal processes as well as the acupoints on the Triple Burner, Liver, and Ren channels. It also covers the pathways of the eight extra channels and Extraordinary points as well. This course will then focus on detailed understanding of acupoints to be treated with special caution.
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- This course will include detailed study of locating acupoints on the Bladder and Du channels by palpating spinal processes as well as the acupoints on the Triple Burner, Liver, and Ren channels. It also covers the pathways of the eight extra channels and Extraordinary points as well. This course will then focus on detailed understanding of acupoints to be treated with special caution.
Term 4
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- In this course, students discuss a wide variety of cases in clinical practice and examine the best herbal formula to treat complicated cases. Focus will be on selecting suitable formulae and analyzing the rationale for using such herbal prescription for these cases. Formula modification, dosage, method of administration, duration of treatment will also be discussed. This course will help to improve students' confidence and proficiency of prescribing herbal medicine in their clinical practice. PR: H330
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- This course builds on the knowledge from H410. In this course, students will take on a major role in selecting formulae and presenting rationale for prescribing herbal treatment for a wide variety of conditions in a full spectrum of patients. Emphasis will be placed on making students capable of making prescribing decision independently and proficiently. PR: H410
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- Building upon the knowledge of individual herbs, this course starts to provide an in-depth study of herb combination and common formulas used in treating diseases. It begins with learning techniques for combining herbs, principles of herbal treatment, types of formulations, methods of cooking decoction, and basic composition of herbal formulas. General principles of modifying formula are included. Students then begin their study of classic and famous formulae for relieving superficial syndrome, purgation, and harmonizing. PR: H230
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- Students continue with their study of classic and famous herbal formulae. The formulae studied in this course are indicated for clearing heat, warming interior, and tonifying. PR: H240
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- Students continue with their study of classic and famous herbal formulae in this third course in the series. The formulae are indicated for tranquilizing, astringing, regulating Qi, and regulating Blood. PR: H240.
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- Students continue with their study of classic and famous herbal formulae in this fourth course in the series. The formulae are indicated for wind-related diseases, dryness diseases, phlegm elimination, digestion, parasite diseases, and abscess. Herbal Formula I, II, III, and IV together provide a detailed survey of herbal formulae commonly used in the TCM profession. PR: H240
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- This course, first in a series of four courses, introduces students to the field of Chinese herbal medicine. Topics include herbal classification, processing, storage, names, tastes, properties, entering channels, actions, indications, and contraindications. It then focuses on detailed study of herbs indicated for dispersing, clearing heat, and purging. Raw herb recognition is included as part of the study.
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- Herbs in the categories for eliminating dampness, warming internally, regulating Qi, promoting digestion, and eliminating parasites, are studied in details for their functions and indication in this course. Raw herb recognition is included as part of the study.
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- This course will include detailed study of herbs for stopping bleeding, promoting blood circulation, dissolving phlegm, tranquilizing, calming internal wind, and opening gate. Raw herb recognition is included as part of the study.
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- This course will include detailed study of herbs for tonifying, astringing, as well as herbs for external use only. Raw herb recognition is included as part of the study. Students will learn about how to distinguish herbs with similar appearances. Herbology I, II, III, and IV together provide a detailed survey of herbs commonly used in the TCM profession. PR: H101
Term 5
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- In this course, students will be provided with basic knowledge of the four major TCM Classics, including Huangdi Neijing, Shanghan Lun, Jingui Yaolue and the Study on Warm Disease. The covered texts have provided a solid theoretical foiundation for TCM and guided the development of TCM practice over the last two thousand years. This course will introduce the formation, main contents, related concepts, basic academic viewpoints and features, theortical systems, and medical significances of the TCM Classics.
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- Students will analyze and differentiate pathological conditions particular to the skin, including urticaria, erysipelas, boils, skin abscesses, furuncle and carbuncle. Treatment approaches will focus on selecting Chinese herbal formulas and modifications according to clinical manifestations as well as determining acupuncture point selections and proper techniques. PR: P320
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- Students will analyze and differentiate pathological conditions specific to women. Diagnosis and treatment approaches are covered. Treatment approaches will focus on selecting Chinese herbal formulas and modifications according to clinical manifestations as well as determining acupuncture point selections and proper techniques. The pathological conditions studied will be related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the female reproductive system. PR: P320
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- This is the first of a series of advanced courses focusing on the etiology, pathology, differentiation, and treatment of individual disorders of internal medicine. Treatment approaches will be focused on selecting Chinese herbal formulas and modifications according to clinical manifestations as well as determining acupuncture point prescriptions and proper techniques. Diseases covered include common cold, cough, lung abscess, wheezing and asthma, watery phlegm and sputum, spontaneous sweating and night sweating, bleeding diseases, palpitation, chest Bi syndrome, and insomnia.
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- In this course, students will continue studying etiology, pathology, differentiation, and treatment of individual disorders of internal medicine. Diseases studied include reversal pattern, Qi stagnation disorders, mania, epilepsy, stomach-ache, dysphasia occlusion syndrome, vomiting, hiccup and belching, diarrhea, and dysentery.
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- In this course, students will continue studying etiology, pathology, differentiation, and treatment of individual disorders of internal medicine. Diseases covered include abdominal pain, constipation, hypochondriac pain, jaundice, abdominal masses, drum-like distension, headache, dizziness and vertigo, stroke, convulsive disease, and edema. PR: H330, P301
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- In this course, students will continue studying etiology, pathology, differentiation, and treatment of individual disorders of internal medicine. Diseases studied include strangury, difficult urination and urinary retention, lower back pain, diabetes-like condition, Bi syndrome, atrophy syndrome, fever caused by internal exhaustion, and deficient fatigue. TCM Internal Medicine I, II, III, and IV will complete all disorders of internal medicine commonly seen in the TCM profession. PR: H330, P320
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- Students will analyze and differentiate between pathological conditions particular to infants and children. This course also studies the preventions and treatment of childhood diseases. Treatment approaches will focus on selecting appropriate Chinese herbal formulas and determining acupuncture point selections and proper techniques. PR: P320
Term 6
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- Students learn Chinese Pinyin (a system of Romanized spelling for transliterating Chinese), pronunciation of Chinese syllables and recognition of simple Chinese characters in this course. This understanding is essential for the future study of names of acupoints and herbs.
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- This course is an introduction to Chinese philosophy and theories of qi as expressed in the patterns of movement of taiji and the exercises and breathing techniques of qigong. Students will learn to a full set of taiji exercise as well as qigong exercises for maintaining general health. PR: none
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- This course is an introduction to Chinese philosophy and theories of qi as expressed in the patterns of movement of taiji and the exercises and breathing techniques of qigong. Students will learn to a full set of taiji exercise as well as qigong exercises for maintaining general health. PR: none
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- Great ancient Chinese physicians have always understood the profound influence of diet on a person's well being. This course examines a large number of common agricultural food products according to their TCM categorizations and what roles they play in health. As with medical herbs, food is classified by its nature, property, taste, indications and contraindications in the treatment of diseases and the maintenance of health. PR: H230
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- Great ancient Chinese physicians have always understood the profound influence of diet on a person's well being. This course examines a large number of common agricultural food products according to their TCM categorizations and what roles they play in health. As with medical herbs, food is classified by its nature, property, taste, indications and contraindications in the treatment of diseases and the maintenance of health. PR: H230
Term 7
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- Interns will begin to evaluate and treat patients under proximal supervision of the clinic supervisor. They will diagnose and treat patients independently, consulting with the clinical supervisor before and after each treatment. Interns' treatment will be evaluated and reviewed by clinical supervisor and peers as part of case presentation clinical rounds. Emphasis will continue to be on prescribing herbal medicine with high proficiency and independence. PR: C330
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- Interns will continue to perform history-taking of patients, but will also make supervised diagnoses, and recommend and dispense herbal prescriptions. They will conduct acupuncture treatment as a group under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Emphasis will be on improving acupoint location accuracy, needling techniques, angles and depth.
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- Interns will continue to perform history-taking of patients, but will also make supervised diagnoses, recommend and formulate herbal prescriptions. They will conduct acupuncture treatment under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Emphasis will be placed on setting up thorough acupuncture treatment plans for patients.
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- Interns will continue to perform history-taking of patients, but will also make supervised diagnoses, recommend and formulate herbal prescriptions. They will conduct acupuncture treatment under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Emphasis will be on prescribing herbal medicine with high proficiency and independence.
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- Interns continue to observe the operations of the TCM clinic. Students will continue to practice maintaining a clear medical record for a patient. They will observe how a senior intern or clinical supervisor conduct TCM interviews, make diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment. There will be no diagnosis or treatment of patients done by students during his time. Emphasis will be on writing clear medical records, and demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to patient care.
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- Interns will perform taking of patient history and vital signs, and will begin making supervised diagnoses as a group. They will also formulate herbal treatments once the clinical supervisor gives an herbal prescription. Emphasis will be put on collecting relevant information by using the four TCM examination skills and on differentiating syndromes based on TCM theories.
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Interns observe the operations of the TCM clinic. Students will be instructed on professionalism, proper attire and personal health regulations. They will learn how to maintain a safe work environment, including but not limited to sterilization protocols, emergency response, and equipment maintenance. Students will be taught how to maintain a clear medical record for a patient as well as evaluate and manage patient risk. Students will also focus on safety precautions for herbal treatment, including patient health and pharmaceutical risk factors, as well as review key safety precautions for acupuncture treatment.