Chinese Medicine universities in the United States and Canada teach acupuncture, herbal medicine, and natural healing. These schools are popular because more people want to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This article lists the top six schools based on their programs, hands-on training, teachers, and job success. Each school gets a clear breakdown—program highlights, courses, entry rules, costs, and how to contact them. Links to their Chinese Medicine pages are included so you can check them out.
1. Bastyr University (Washington, USA) – Mixing Science with Tradition
Bastyr University is in Washington. It’s great at combining old Chinese Medicine with new science.
- Program Highlights: They offer Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Students practice at a big clinic called Bastyr Center for Natural Health.
- Course Content: You learn acupuncture, herbal recipes, how to check pulses and tongues, and some modern science too.
- Admission Requirements: You need a bachelor’s degree and some science classes like biology or chemistry. They might ask for a test score.
- Tuition and Fees: Costs depend on the program. They give financial help. Check their website for details.
- Contact Information: 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028; Phone: (425) 602-3000; Email: [email protected].
- Official Program Page: Bastyr University Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine
Bastyr helps students get ready for exams and jobs in health centers.
2. Pacific College of Health and Science (Multiple Campuses, USA) – Lots of Clinic Time
Pacific College has schools in California, New York, and other places. It’s big on real practice.
- Program Highlights: They have Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Students work in clinics at school and nearby areas.
- Course Content: You study acupuncture, herbs, qigong, and a bit of Western medicine.
- Admission Requirements: You need a high school diploma or equal, a good GPA, and maybe letters from people who know you.
- Tuition and Fees: It changes by campus. They offer money help. Look online for more.
- Contact Information: Main Campus: 7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036; Phone: (855) 866-6767; Email: [email protected].
- Official Program Page: Pacific College Acupuncture Programs
Lots of practice means students are ready to work right after school.
3. Yo San University (Los Angeles, USA) – Keeping TCM Old-School
Yo San University is in Los Angeles. It sticks to the old ways of Chinese Medicine.
- Program Highlights: They give Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Classes are small, and there’s a clinic on campus.
- Course Content: You learn acupuncture, how to mix herbs, old TCM ideas, and qigong.
- Admission Requirements: You need a bachelor’s degree. Each program might ask for extra stuff.
- Tuition and Fees: Costs are online. They have financial aid too.
- Contact Information: 13145 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423; Phone: (818) 798-9900; Email: [email protected].
- Official Program Page: Yo San University Programs
Yo San is perfect if you love the classic side of TCM.
4. Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Vancouver, Canada) – Real TCM Roots
Tzu Chi College is in Vancouver. It’s been around a long time and keeps TCM true.
- Program Highlights: They offer diplomas in acupuncture and herbs. Students practice in a public clinic.
- Course Content: You learn acupuncture, moxibustion, herb checks, and basic TCM ideas.
- Admission Requirements: You need a high school diploma. Some science classes might help.
- Tuition and Fees: Check their site for costs. They offer some money help.
- Contact Information: 200-1215 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G7; Phone: (604) 731-2926; Email: [email protected].
- Official Program Page: Tzu Chi Programs
It gets students ready for Canadian exams and jobs with a caring touch.
5. Pacific Rim College (Victoria, Canada) – Looking Worldwide
Pacific Rim College is in Victoria. It teaches TCM with a big world view.
- Program Highlights: They have diplomas, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. You get lots of clinic time and can study flexibly.
- Course Content: You study acupuncture, herbs, qi ideas, and overall health.
- Admission Requirements: You need a bachelor’s degree. Rules change by program.
- Tuition and Fees: Costs are online. They give financial aid options.
- Contact Information: 560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C6; Phone: (250) 483-2119; Email: [email protected].
- Official Program Page: Pacific Rim Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
It’s great for students who want to work anywhere in the world.
6. Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Toronto, Canada) – Ready for Jobs Fast
Ontario College is in Toronto. It focuses on skills to start working soon.
- Program Highlights: They offer diplomas in acupuncture and herbs. You practice in local clinics and pick your schedule.
- Course Content: You learn needling, cupping, herb mixing, and TCM checks.
- Admission Requirements: You need a high school diploma. Science classes can help.
- Tuition and Fees: It works with OSAP loans. Costs are on their site.
- Contact Information: Unit 110-3190 Steeles Ave East, Markham, ON L3R 1G9; Phone: (905) 604-8855; Email: [email protected].
- Official Program Page: Ontario College Programs
It helps students get jobs fast in Ontario’s TCM world.
How They’re Ranked and Why It Matters
These schools are picked for a few reasons. Bastyr and Pacific College have big programs with lots of clinic time. Yo San and Tzu Chi keep TCM old-school. Pacific Rim and Ontario make learning easy and job-focused.
- Programs: Some give degrees, others diplomas. All teach acupuncture and herbs well.
- Training: Every school has clinics so you practice a lot.
- Teachers: They’re experts—some know old TCM, others mix it with new ideas.
- Jobs: Students pass exams and get work after finishing.
What’s Happening with TCM Schools
In the U.S., over 50 Chinese Medicine universities mix TCM with science. They offer big degrees. In Canada, schools are smaller and often give diplomas for local rules. You learn acupuncture to fix energy and herbs to heal. Clinic time ranges from 500 to 1,000 hours. Costs are higher in the U.S.—$20,000 to $40,000 a year—than Canada, where diplomas might be $10,000 to $20,000 total. More people want TCM, so these schools help meet that need.
What Makes Them Special
Bastyr mixes science and TCM. Pacific College gives tons of practice. Yo San keeps it traditional. Tzu Chi stays true to roots. Pacific Rim looks global. Ontario gets you working fast. They’re the best Chinese Medicine universities in the U.S. and Canada for different reasons. Check their pages to learn more.