KPU Health launches new traditional Chinese medicine program
The Faculty of Health will be offering a new undergraduate degree – the Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BTCM). The anticipated start date is September 1, 2025, with courses held at KPU Richmond.
Students may complete six semesters of the program to graduate with a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture (a current KPU credential) or complete 10 semesters to graduate with a Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Graduates of the BTCM program will be prepared to diagnose, treat and manage patients with complex care needs, while successfully operating their own practice. The BTCM program curriculum has been approved by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC). Graduates of the BTCM program will have met the academic requirements for registration as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P) with the CCHPBC.
KPU graduates with a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture may use all credits of that credential towards their BTCM degree. Students from CCHPBC-accredited private institutions may be eligible for prior learning recognition credit and advanced standing.
Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to:
Domestic applicants: Future Students Office at study@kpu.ca or at 604-599-3030
International applicants: International Admissions at international@kpu.ca
Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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 Website Department Website
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:
Successful completion of a recognized Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine Diploma (or equivalent)
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 Venerable 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.