Skip to content

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Showing program information for start dates between
Program Code: TC311
Credential: Advanced Diploma
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 6 semesters
Learning
Outcomes:
View All
Save Page: Share Download

Make September 2025 your time to shine. Apply on us and get your $150 application fee back*. See details.

Program Overview

Humber’s Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner advanced diploma program is the first and only publicly funded program of its kind offered at a post-secondary institution in Canada. This intensive program, delivered over six academic semesters and three summer clinical semesters, is grounded in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner skillset which has been approved by all provincial TCM regulators in Canada and provides students with the skills and professional experience necessary to become a TCM Practitioner in Ontario. Through a combination of theoretical course-based instruction, as well as several clinical placements, you will gain a necessary understanding of Traditional Chinese and Western medicine practices. Moreover, graduates of the program will be trained to conduct a TCM diagnosis and develop appropriate treatment plans by utilizing their skills in acupuncture, herbal medicine, clinical practice management, professionalism and safety. This program is also committed to the promotion of evidence-informed practice of TCM through scientific research.

Courses


Close

Work-Integrated Learning  

There are six mandatory that provide students with progressive, practice experience in diagnosing, preparing treatment plans, inter-professional collaboration and safe practices. Mandatory professional practicums occur throughout the year at community TCM and multi-discipline clinics within the Greater Toronto Area, as well as at our on-site partner clinic, the Tzu Chi Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The clinical component of the program offers more than 700 hours of direct patient contact which exceeds the regulatory body minimum requirement of 500 hours. Examples of inter-professional clinical settings include working with naturopathic doctors, registered dieticians, chiropractors, registered massage therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Aside from the traditional examples of TCM and acupuncture placements such as clinics, other examples include servicing patients in residential and hospital addiction facilities and organizations offering services to people living with HIV.

Visit Future Students > Work-Integrated Learning > to learn more about your WIL power and other success stories.

Also take time to explore the digital Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness Student Handbook to learn foundational WIL concepts, plus requirements specific to this program.

paramedic students holding a gurney with a training dummy on it

Watch the video to learn what is work-integrated learning.

Professional and Community Partnerships

The Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness has a long history of collaboration with our acute, chronic, rehabilitation and community health-care agencies in Ontario. The TCM Practitioner advanced diploma learners will complete the practice requirements of the program in clinics and other environments to implement the theoretically acquired skills.

The Humber Advantage

The Tzu Chi Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Humber community benefits from having The Tzu Chi Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine on campus. Students in the TCM program are fortunate to complete many of their clinical hours in this operating clinic. Applying their theoretical knowledge, students are supervised by professional, registered practitioners; proven leaders in the field of TCM Ontario. Students will progress from guided to independent application of TCM skills, including: gathering a medical history, performing tongue and pulse exam, determining a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan, prescribing herbal formulas and executing acupuncture procedures. Students will also complete hours within the herbal dispensary, compounding, processing and dispensing herbal formulas.

female student checking patient

teaching with student and patient

student with patient


State-of-the-art Facilities

Humber has state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities purposely designed to support student success. Students enrolled in the TCM Practitioner program will access collaborative learning spaces in the formal teaching and learning periods. All laboratories are a high-quality, comprehensive learning environments. As well, students will access innovative and accessible informal learning spaces where interactions with learners enrolled in the traditional health sciences programs can occur, strengthening their awareness of the entire health-care team. Moreover, Humber is the only English speaking publicly funded College in Ontario with a human cadaver laboratory to support experiential learning. Students of the TCM Practitioner program have access to the human cadaver lab for the purpose of studying acupuncture anatomy and technique, leading our students to greater competence and confidence.

The Humber Experience

The Right Fit

You hold the patient's needs and well-being as a priority. You are a self-motivated individual, with a strong, caring, work ethic, and strong interpersonal skills. You have the confidence to make clinical and business decisions to be successful in this career.

Testimonials

Interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner at Humber College yet want to know more before enrolling?

Your Career

The TCM profession is a regulated and growing health profession in Ontario and across Canada, and the employment future for graduates is positive. There is a nationwide trend toward alternatives to traditional health practice, and, consequently, the number of people seeking practitioners of natural healing is increasing - including traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. 

Graduates will gain the knowledge, skills and judgment necessary to launch a career in professional practice, research and practice management. Possible employment opportunities include work in private TCM and multi-discipline health clinics, and increasingly, conventional medical clinics, long-term care facilities, homes for seniors, rehabilitation clinics, community health clinics and acute care hospitals.

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario

This program includes the entry-to-practice competencies approved by the provincial regulators of TCM Practitioners – the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). The program helps to prepare students to write the pan-Canadian licensing exams.

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for September 2024 start could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Please note the new International Admissions Process and Provincial Attestation Letters. Read the update

News Feed

IPE Blackboard Site

IPE Blackboard Site

Wed, December 20, 2023

The Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness is launching a new tutorial Blackboard site entirely dedicated to IPE!

Read More
Navigating Health Care

Navigating Health Care

Thu, September 28, 2023

Humber’s North Campus was proud to host The Central West Navigation Conference on Tues Sep 26.

Read More
Humber Launching Student Led Hearing Clinic

Humber Launching Student Led Hearing Clinic

Mon, August 21, 2023

A multi-service clinic servicing the Humber community and area.

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

Sign Up   to be notified of upcoming recruitment events and activities.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

William Hossack, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 5467
william.hossack@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses: 
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent) 
      • Grade 12 Chemistry or Physics (SCH4C, SCH4U, SPH4C or SPH4U or equivalent) 
      • Grade 11 or 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent) 
      • One Grade 12 C, M or U course in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Placement Requirements

The pre-requisite requirements must be fulfilled before the commencement of your first placement. Participation in placements will not be allowed if not all the pre-requisite requirements are met. Due to the variety of venues and possible changes in legislation, the requirements are subject to change. Please use the following link to find detailed information about your program’s placement pre-requisite requirements.

View Requirements

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8GB of RAM 8GB of RAM
Storage 256GB 256GB
Monitor Laptop Laptop
Other Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

William Hossack, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 5467
william.hossack@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $7,546.35
  • international: $17,602.07

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
loading gif
[