American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Pioneer Square Campus
555 De Haro Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

ACTCM Community Clinic
450 Connecticut Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

Our Programs

• Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine - 3,065 (3 years and 3 months)
• Doctoral in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine - 1,242 hours (2 years)
• Tui Na Massage Certificates - 1 year
• Basic & Advanced Shiatsu Massage Certificate - 1 year

Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Level 1

During the first 4 quarters, students learn about the main theories of TCM including 5-element theory and the yin yang relationship, the properties and medicinal uses of Chinese Herbs, the various meridians and acupuncture points of the body, elementary Mandarin and medical Chinese, acupuncture techniques, and TCM diagnosis. Students also begin observing patient/practitioner interactions and learning about the fundamentals of patient intake, clean needle techniques, diagnosis, treatment principles, and herbal prescriptions.

Level 2

Students continue to advance through the program while refining During the second year, studies include Chinese herbal formulas, classical and advanced acupuncture techniques and theory, TCM pathology and Western internal medicine. Students continue to improve their skills on the interpretation and diagnosis of various diseases and learn the correct processes for effective treatment.

Second year Interns have more autonomy as they perform pulse and tongue diagnosis, develop their own diagnosis and treatment strategies, recommend and prescribe various herbs and herbal formulas, insert and remove acupuncture needles, and apply moxibustion, cupping and Tui Na/Shiatsu massage techniques.

Level 3

Students focus on the clinical experience and additional specialized courses in TCM and Western medicine. Courses in Western Medicine allow student practitioners to enhance their skills as a primary care provider, recognize the need for referrals, and establish effective communication between eastern and western trained practitioners.

Third-year Interns work alongside another student to increase their confidence and competence in diagnosing patients and implementing various treatment strategies. After one quarter, student practitioners see patients individually as a Clinic Intern under the supervision of a Licensed Acupuncturist. Students may complete their clinical rotations at any of the college's Community Acupuncture Project (CAP) sites, allowing for the treatment of diverse populations and conditions.

Level 4

Students spend their last quarter working primarily as a Clinic Intern and refining their skills, preparing for the graduation and state board exams, and learning the skills needed to establish and run a successful practice. Students also have the option of studying in China at the Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

The Clinical Doctoral Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is an advanced training program for graduates with a Masters degree in Chinese and Oriental Medicine. The Doctoral program is a two year long modular-based program in which students attend classes for one 4-day weekend module per month.

Doctoral students in the program will have the opportunity focus on integrative medicine, deepen their TCM knowledge and skills, and to specialize in one of two areas: pain management or women's health. The program culminates with a 210-hour clinical experience that students can complete in an intensive in China or the United States.

Certificates in Tui Na & Shiatsu Massage

ACTCM's massage programs are designed for students desiring a career in the field of body therapy, for current health practitioners who want to offer additional modalities to their patients, and for students enrolled in ACTCM's master's program.

One benefit of ACTCM's massage programs is its close relationship to the college's Chinese medicine program. Massage students have the satisfaction of attending a training program that utilizes the expertise of an accredited Chinese medical degree program. Massage students who choose to transition into the master's degree program are able to transfer virtually all of their coursework towards the master's degree.

ACTCM's Tui Na and Shiatsu Massage Certificate programs span 12 months in length and allow students to complete their training either separately from or concurrently with the master's degree program. This flexibility allows students to obtain a massage license and begin a massage therapy practice while pursuing their master's degree.

Why Choose ACTCM?

Success

Our graduates consistently score among the highest on the California Licensing and National exams and find success as primary care providers of TCM, authors, and educators at the top of their field. Many of ACTCM's alumni have become successful and respected practitioners and teachers in their field.

Prestige

ACTCM was the first college in the country to be approved to offer the Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Founded in 1980, the College is also one of the oldest accredited Traditional Chinese Medicine Colleges in the country. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted "Best of the Bay" by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

Diverse Clinical Training

ACTCM is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and diverse clinical experiences in the country. Students at ACTCM have the opportunity to work as interns in the college's on-site Community Clinic, as well as multiple specialized clinical sites located throughout the San Francisco area as well as China.

Study in China

Students in their third level of the program may participate in an optional clinical training program at Yue Yang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. The 4-week study abroad program provides a strong foundation in TCM theory, differential diagnosis and treatment skills. Students work in a hospital in-patient setting and an out-patient clinic, and may concentrate on acupuncture, herbal medicine or tuina.

Students who have completed their first-level comprehensive exams may also participate in a two-week clinical training program at Yue Yang Hospital. Students may concentrate on acupuncture or tuina. Because TCM is practiced in Chinese hospitals as a primary care medical system, students see a large volume of patients and a wide variety of conditions.

Faculty

Our faculty consist of both Western and Chinese trained practitioners who have vast clinical experience and knowledge, the ability to transfer this information and skill to students, the understanding necessary for dealing with modern health problems and the knowledge and experience working in integrative medicine

Flexible Schedules

The college is aware that many students are balancing their personal lives, work and school while attending ACTCM. Because of this, tracks have been put in place which enable students to progress through the curriculum in the most efficient way possible and at the pace of their choosing. ACTCM also offers flexibility with the choices of day, evening, and weekend classes on a full, ¾, or part time tracks.

Location

San Francisco, at a population of approximately 800,000, is one of America's most politically and culturally dynamic cities. San Francisco combines sheer physical beauty, cultural diversity, leisure and recreational offerings, and an ideal climate.

ACTCM Student Body

Our students come from throughout the US and abroad. From recent undergrads to experienced professionals, our students bring diverse educational and cultural backgrounds to ACTCM. While ACTCM attracts many with health care backgrounds, we also have students from many different professional backgrounds including lawyers, musician, engineers, teachers, and artists. For some of our students, TCM is a second or even third career. ACTCM's 330 students range in age from 20-65, with an average age of 34.

ACTCM Campuses

ACTCM is located in Potrero Hill, a residential neighborhood located in the heart of San Francisco. This area of town gets more sun than most, and has attracted a lively mix of professionals, students and artists. With outstanding views of both the city skyline and the Bay Bridge from its 300-foot high hill, the area is truly breathtaking.

Our campuses, located only blocks from each other, include seven classrooms with wireless internet, a student lounge with two computer terminals, a student kitchen and dining area, administrative and faculty offices, extensive herbal garden, spacious outdoor patio, the Library and Learning Resource Center, the Student Store, and a Community Clinic.

Both campuses are accessible by public transportation, and because they are located in a primarily residential neighborhood, free street parking is available.

Admissions Requirements

• Minimum of 90 semester (135 quarter) units from an accredited institution
• 3.0 GPA*
• Completion of Application for Admission
• Completion of Admissions Committee interview

*Exceptions on a case-by-case basis

Financial Aid

ACTCM students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may finance their educational costs using the Federal Stafford Loan Program, the Federal Work Study Program, and Americorps. ACTCM also has scholarships, grants, loans, and employment opportunities available.

Contact Us Today!

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.