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.

There are six mandatory professional practicums 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.

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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.

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.

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.