Options after Graduation

At Royal Pacific Institute, we are committed to providing accurate information to help students understand their post-graduation pathways.

Please note that licensing, employment, and immigration outcomes depend on individual circumstances and evolving government policies.

1. Professional Licensing After Graduation

Graduates from eligible programs may apply to write the Pan-Canadian Examination for Traditional Chinese Medicine professionals, coordinated by the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CARB-TCMPA).

In British Columbia, professional registration is managed by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC).

Important: Even if you pass the licensing examination, you must also hold a valid work permit or permanent resident (PR) status to complete the registration process and legally practice.

2. Work Permit After Graduation

Royal Pacific Institute is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in British Columbia.

However, it is not currently eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

Alternative pathway: Students may be eligible to apply for a closed work permit if they:

3. Immigration Possibilities

Healthcare, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, is recognized as a critical sector in Canada’s immigration programs.

Graduates with relevant skills and work experience may explore immigration options such as:

Disclaimer:
Immigration eligibility is determined individually and is subject to change.

Students are encouraged to consult licensed immigration professionals for up-to-date guidance.

4. Opening Your Own TCM Clinic

After obtaining permanent resident (PR) status and completing full professional registration, graduates may open their own Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics, subject to licensing rules.

Licensing Requirements:

  • A Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM) is authorized to provide acupuncture and herbal therapies and operate a full-service clinic.
  • A Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) is licensed to offer acupuncture treatments but cannot independently prescribe or dispense Chinese herbal medicines.
  • CCHPBC Practice Standards

5. Continuing Education Opportunities

Graduates interested in further academic advancement may consider:

  • Enrolling in advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine programs, such as a Doctor of TCM (if not yet completed);
  • Pursuing specialized certification courses in areas such as rehabilitation, oncology acupuncture, or integrative medicine;
  • Applying to other Canadian or international institutions offering graduate programs in health sciences, wellness studies, or complementary and alternative medicine.

Credit Transfer: Credits earned at Royal Pacific Institute may be eligible for transfer to other institutions, subject to individual assessment and acceptance by the receiving institution.

Students who wish to pursue further studies elsewhere should consult the admissions office of the target institution for detailed transfer credit policies.

Important Notice

  • Completing a program does not guarantee immigration, licensing, employment, or clinic ownership.
  • Students should always consult official government sources and professional regulatory bodies for the most current information.
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