4-Year TCM Practitioner Program

The 4-Year TCM Practitioner Program at Royal Pacific Institute prepares students to become licensed TCM Practitioners qualified to provide both acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments in British Columbia.

Building upon the foundational study of acupuncture in the first three years, students advance their knowledge by specializing in Chinese herbal medicine, internal medicine of TCM, prescription theory, herb identification, case studies, and integrative medicine.

Royal Pacific Institute offers an authentic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) learning environment, led by experienced instructors with extensive clinical and academic backgrounds in China and Canada.

With small class sizes and individualized support, students benefit from personalized guidance and optimal opportunities for practical experience in the student clinic.

• Total Program Hours: 2,700 hours (1,875 instructional hours + 825 clinical practice hours)
• Credits: 153 credits
• Duration: 4 academic years (8 terms)
• Credential Awarded: Diploma
• Schedule: Full-time, with three intakes per year (January, May, and September)
• Study Mode: Students may choose to complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis to accommodate diverse scheduling needs.

• TCM theory, acupuncture techniques, Chinese herbal medicine, internal medicine of TCM, prescription theory, herb identification, diagnostics, and case analysis;
• 150 hours of clinical observation in Year 2;
• 330 hours of supervised clinical practice in Year 3;
• 330 hours of supervised clinical practice in Year 4, focusing on advanced integrative clinical practice, including herbal prescription, syndrome differentiation, and comprehensive case management.

In-person, but some courses are available both in-person and live online.

Instruction is available in English or Chinese to accommodate diverse student needs.

• Attend full-time classes (20+ hours per week)
• Complete all required coursework and clinical training
• Pass academic assessments and clinical evaluations

• High school diploma or equivalent; or mature student status (19 years or older).
• International applicants are welcome.

Note: According to current CCHPBC policy, students who have not completed at least two years of recognized post-secondary education at the time of licensing application may need to sit the TCM licensing examination in Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec to practice in British Columbia.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for licensure as Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (R.TCM.P) or Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalists (R.TCM.H) in British Columbia and other Canadian provinces.

• Licensed TCM practitioners
• Licensed herbalists
• Practitioners in integrative health clinics
• Wellness consultants
• Educators in TCM institutions
• Health care collaborators in multidisciplinary settings

• Tuition per term (15 weeks): CAD $4,400
• Tuition per academic year (two terms): CAD $8,800
• Additional costs: Approximately CAD $500 per year for textbooks, workshops, and registration fees (not included in tuition).