PCU College of Holistic Medicine

Welcome to PCU College of Holistic Medicine

PCU College of Holistic Medicine is one of the leading colleges for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada. Since opening its doors in 2002, the college has provided quality education in the areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spa Therapy, Acupuncture, Chinese Massage and more.

PCU College's faculty is made up of international experts whose practical knowledge enhances the students' learning experience. Instructors teach both Eastern and Western medical courses in order to give students a well-rounded knowledge base.

The college believes in providing a hands-on, real world education. All programs at PCU College have clinical internships or practicum placements to allow for maximum skill development. In addition, TCM students can intern onsite at the PCU College Holistic Healing Center, a functional clinic that offers several alternative health services to the public.

PCU College is fully accredited by the Private Career Training Institute Agency (PCTIA) of British Columbia and the TCM education programs prepare students to write the licensing exams of the College for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMA) of British Columbia.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the treatment of disharmony and disease through the application of needles to certain points on a patient's body. The Acupuncture courses at PCU College are a subsection of our TCMP program and emphasize the theoretical and practical aspects of this discipline. These courses form one of the two major components of the TCMP diploma program. Students gain thorough theoretical knowledge of the meridian system and acupoints as well as the clinical and therapeutic application of acupuncture. Advanced coursework concentrates on the practice of accurate point location, needling methods and precautions. Students also study the foundations of TCM theory, the fundamentals of western medical sciences and basic herbology. They are also exposed to TCM Clinical Science and Clinical Training.

Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Following completion of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Program, students are eligible to take the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Program. With advanced coursework in TCM and an extensive internship component, graduates of this program will be capable of challenging the Dr. TCM licensing examinations through the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMA of BC).

At the Doctor of TCM level, PCU College of Holistic Medicine offers a wide range of advanced courses in five departments: Western Medicine, TCM Clinical Science, Traditional Chinese Classics, TCM Clinical Training, and General Studies. This reflects the progress from learning TCM theories, clinical skills to critical analysis of TCM philosophy and conducting TCM research. Students will also learn more advanced western medical subjects to enrich their clinical knowledge. All departments are complementary and interrelated. Core courses and clinics are taught hand in hand to integrate theoretical learning with practical training.

Esthetician

Modern esthetics clients want more than "skin deep" beauty treatments. They want to maintain and enhance beauty as part of a larger wellness plan. PCU College of Holistic Medicine offers an esthetics program that has been designed to meet the growing educational for estheticians. The 32-week program provides students with hands-on training for basic and advanced esthetic techniques such as skin care, nail care, makeup application, and hair removal. Students will learn various techniques used to decrease tension and promote relaxation, such as Swedish massage, Chinese massage/tuina, and aromatherapy. In addition, students will be taught to approach beauty holistically through components that provide an in-depth knowledge of the human body and emphasize overall health and wellness. Upon completion of this program, students will be presented with an Esthetician diploma.

Spa Therapy

There has been an increased interest in Spa Therapy and Spa practices over the last several years. As the stress of the business world and demands on the body and mind increase, the public is asking for a compliment to their existing therapies. This program has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the public and the growing standards of education for Spa Therapists in North America.

Students gain knowledge of Human Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology; as well as the ever popular Hot Stone Therapy, Acupressure, Reflexology and, of course, Swedish Massage. The dry spa room techniques include herbal wraps, salt scrubs, glows and facial massage. This program beautifully blends Eastern Philosophy and Western Philosophy to give our students the most well rounded education possible.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

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 practitioners.

Our programs are designed to meet the needs of health care 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 and Acupuncture. Our TCMP program is a unique 3-year program that consists of courses in acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tuina massage, qi gong, tai ji, diet therapy and western medicine. It is a condensed version of the 5-year programs offered in medical universities in China.

Graduates of our programs 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 Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMA of BC). Program applicants require a minimum of 2 years of university education or equivalent for admission.

Tuina/Anmo

Of all the modalities of holistic health care to be embraced by Westerners, massage is perhaps the most prevalent. Our Chinese Tuina / Anmo program trains students in the ancient art of Chinese Tuina / Anmo, while providing a foundational understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to healthcare. Our program is designed to meet the needs of health care professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge and increase their clientele, currently unlicensed practitioners of TCM and those who are completely new to, but have a genuine interest in, Chinese Tuina / Anmo. Applicants require a minimum of grade 12 for admission into this one year diploma program. Graduates of our program will be able to practice in a Chinese Tuina / Anmo Clinic, Health Salon or Healing Centre.

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please contact us for more information.