Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Admissions Overview

Admissions Overview

 

Master Programs (MAc/MAcCHM)

In compliance with ACAOM standards, students entering the program must have completed at least two academic years (60 semester credits / 90 quarter credits) Baccalaureate level general education at an accredited institution, accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or be certified in a medical profession requiring at least the equivalent training of a Registered Nurse or a Physician’s Assistant as a prerequisite for admission. Students may enter the program three times a year (Beginning of January, May, or September). Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CSTCM) does not accept credit through prior learning assessment for the admissions requirement of 60 college credits.

Doctorate Programs (DAc/DAcCHM/Dual Degree)

In compliance with ACAOM standards, students entering the program must have completed at least two academic years (90 semester credits / 135 quarter credits) Baccalaureate level general education at an accredited institution, accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or be certified in a medical profession requiring at least the equivalent training of a Registered Nurse or a Physician’s Assistant as a prerequisite for admission. Students may enter the program three times a year (Beginning of January, May, or September). Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CSTCM) does not accept credit through prior learning assessment for the admissions requirement of 90 college credits.

Doctorate Programs (Completer/Bridge Track)

In compliance with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) standards, students entering the Professional Doctorate programs – DAc and DAcCHM – must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Has completed an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level Master’s program in Chinese medicine. For the DAc program the degree must minimally be an Acupuncture Degree and for the DAcCHM program, the student must have achieved a Master’s degree that included full herbal training.
  2. Has completed 90 undergraduate college level credits from an accredited institution; or
  3. Has completed education in foreign countries where credits earned at a foreign educational institution has been validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service so to validate that the applicant has achieved professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s- level program in Acupuncture and the 90 additional undergraduate level credits required.

Advanced Doctorate Program (DAOM Degree)

In compliance with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) standards, students entering the DAOM program must satisfy one of the following requirements:

  1. Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Chinese medicine; or
  2. Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (master’s or professional doctorate) in Acupuncture and at least 45 hours of herb courses; or
  3. Complete education in foreign countries, credits earned at a foreign educational institution must be validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service, to validate the applicant has achieved professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s- level program in Acupuncture with at least 45 herb hours; or
  4. Licensed acupuncturists who have not completed an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry- level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Chinese medicine must:
    1. Demonstrate and provide documents to validate the achievement of professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s-level program in acupuncture or in Chinese medicine.
    2. Complete any deficiencies identified in CSTCM’s Masters or Professional Doctorate courses.

English language competency

CSTCM’s programs are all taught in English. Therefore, English language competency is required for all students seeking admission.

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency for admission to degree, certificate, and non-degree graduate programs. This must be demonstrated by one of the following means:

  1. The applicant must have completed one of the following:
  2. a) four years at a U.S. high school demonstrably delivered in English;
  3. b) at least two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate or graduate-level education in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education;
  4. c) at least two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate or graduate-level education demonstrably delivered in English;
  5. d) high school or two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate- or graduate-level education in an institution in one of the following countries or territories: American Samoa; Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Cameroon; Canada (except Quebec); Cayman Islands; Christmas Island; Cook Islands; Dominica; Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; The Gambia; Ghana; Gibraltar; Grenada; Guam; Guyana; Ireland; Isle of Man; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Malawi; Montserrat; Namibia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Norfolk Island; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Pitcairn Islands; Sierra Leone; Singapore; South Africa; South Sudan; St. Helena; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Swaziland; Tanzania; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands; United Kingdom; U.S. Virgin Islands; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe.

In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used.

OR

  1. The applicant must have completed one of the following assessments at the required level:
ASSESSMENT TOOL ACCEPTABLE SCORE 
 Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) Total: 61
 International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic Format Overall band: 6
 Duolingo English Test 90
 China Standard of English Language (CSE) CSE 6
 Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) C
 Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) C
 Common European Framework Reference (CEFR) B2
 Occupational English Test (OET) 250, C
 Pearson Test of English (PTE), Academic Overall: 45

 

What We Look For

CSTCM is looking for students who have a realistic view of education and show the desire, motivation, and firm commitment to become dedicated, compassionate and skilled practitioners of TCM. This assessment is made by the admissions committee. The committee will review each applicant from numerous perspectives, including academic achievement, professional and life experiences, communication skills, and motivation. The program requires a high commitment to learning a number of difficult skills.

Prospective Students

Prospective applicants are welcome to schedule an appointment with a CSTCM representative who will assist the prospective applicant in making a decision about applying. They can also arrange a tour of the school and to attend some classes. We encourage all prospective applicants to visit the school. These arrangements can be made with the Recruitment Director.

Our Standards

CSTCM has a non-discrimination policy. Applicants are considered on the basis of individual merit without regard to handicap, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all matters within the school.

Application Due Dates and Class Size Restrictions

Completed applications are due at least 2 months prior to the start of the trimester. Class size is limited for accelerated and full-time students. If space allows, applications may be accepted up to 1 week prior to the start of each trimester, although we recommend applying early. Those who are not accepted into the entering class for space reasons will be put on a waiting list.

Programs and Planning

For CSTCM to plan a student’s program, follow academic progress and coordinate Financial Aid, all students must declare which program (accelerated, full-time, half-time, part-time) they are in, with a projected graduation date. Accelerated is considered to be over 240 hours per trimester. Students in the accelerated MAc. program can graduate in 28 months while those in the accelerated MAcCHM program can graduate in 3 years (36 months). Full-time is considered to be 180-239 hours per trimester. Full-time students should graduate in about 4 years. Half-time is considered to be 120-179 hours per trimester. Part-time is considered to be anything under 120 hours per trimester.

Students must finish the MAc. program in a maximum of 6 years or the MAcCHM program in a maximum of 8 years.

Students who would like to transfer from another Chinese Medicine school must follow the same application process. (See Academic Procedures – Transfer Students Credit).

Class Cancellation

CSTCM reserves the right to cancel a starting class or specific courses if the number of students enrolling is deemed insufficient. If a starting class is canceled, CSTCM will fully refund all money paid by students denied admittance.

Graduation Requirements

All students must meet graduation requirements that are in effect at the time of graduation, rather than at the time of application unless written policy states otherwise.

Veterans

CSTCM is approved to receive veterans benefits programs and various Colorado State Vocational Rehab programs. For information please talk to the Financial Aid Administrator.

Foreign Student Requirements

CSTCM is approved to issue I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 Student Visa for foreign students. International students are responsible for their own English translation of transcripts and educational credential review of transcripts by an authorized agency if needed. (One such service is the World Education Services, Inc., PO Box 5087 Bowling Green Station, New York, NY 10274-5087, telephone 212-966-6311). The Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that all students on an F-1 visa maintain a full-time program of study, participate in classes regularly, and maintain satisfactory progress. Foreign students must also send an affidavit of financial support from the student’s sponsor or bank to show proof of sufficient funds to meet their tuition and living expenses for at least 1 year. English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program taught in English. This may be satisfied by scoring at least 61 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet based test (iBT) which also requires a minimum speaking exam score of 26 and a minimum listening exam score of 22, or a level 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam*; or the student must have completed a two-year (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) baccalaureate level education in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or from an equivalent English language institution in another country.