The first available intake for this program is Fall 2025. Applications opened on October 1, 2024.

The Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BTCM) is a 10-semester program that provides the academic preparation for students to practice as an Acupuncturist after semester 6, and as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, after semester 10. The BTCM program curriculum has been approved by the regulatory body in BC, the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMA) and the CTCMA Registration Committee as meeting the academic requirements for licensure. This positions BTCM graduates desiring to practice in BC, the ability to apply for licensure and registration upon graduation, subject to meeting other non-academic licensing requirements. A student may complete only the first 6 semesters of the program and graduate with a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture (an existing KPU credential) or continue through the 10 semesters graduating with a BTCM. A graduate with a Diploma in Acupuncture may use all 86 credits of that credential towards their Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This approach allows practicing Acupuncturists to further their education to practice to the full scope of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner by completing the BTCM program.

The aim of the program is to develop graduates who will become competent Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners able to combine research and critical thinking in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex patients. This practice will rely on deep understanding of the evolving healthcare delivery environment of British Columbia, as well as the similarities and differences between Western medicine, biomedical science, and TCM. Its disciplinary foci will be TCM theory, TCM practice, philosophy, herbal treatment, advanced acupuncture, and the provision of integrated care to complex patients. Graduates will be prepared, through practice management courses and applied practice, to successfully operate their own practices.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/health

Department's website: kpu.ca/health/acupuncture

The first available intake for this program is Fall 2025. Applications opened on October 1, 2024.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

• Interview by the Program Chair and/or letters of reference, if requested.

Once students have received a conditional offer of admission and before final admission to the program is granted, students must submit the following:

• Canadian CPR Health Care Provider or Basic Life Support (Note: CPR certification must remain current throughout the program).
• An acceptable Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Program within 6 months prior to the start of the program.
• International applicants are required to provide a Criminal Record Search with the Vulnerable Sector from their country of origin.
• Immunization Record Form reflecting required immunizations as per Practice Education Guidelines for BC. Note: Practice Education Guidelines (PEG) for BC outline immunizations for vaccine preventable communicable diseases required by students for participation in practice experiences. KPU Faculty of Health is required to comply with these requirements. Students that are unvaccinated may not be able to be accepted into the program. Students who are accepted into the program will also be required to maintain immunizations as per the PEG.

Admission selection will be determined by the date of qualification.

Applicants that have completed a recognized Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine Diploma, or who are practicing Registered Acupuncturists, may be provided with advanced standing.

Continuance Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum grade of C in all required courses, with Standard grading and a grade of MAS in all courses with Mastery Grading. Non-adherence to these requirements may result in removal from the program.

Curricular Requirements

The Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BTCM) is comprised of a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture and a minimum 49 credits of advanced study and practice in the full scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.