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The College Admissions
Tuition, Scholarships, and Cost of Living The Clinic and Clinic Experience Transfer Students
Alumni and Post Graduation
The College
Why Students Choose ACTCM Voted Best of the Bay by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian, ACTCM offers an outstanding educational experience for our students and high-quality, affordable health care for our community. Our achievements span many areas:
Leadership in TCM Education Founded in 1980, ACTCM is one of the oldest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) colleges in the country. The college was the first to offer the Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine degree and was also among the first colleges in the U.S. to offer a doctoral degree in Oriental medicine. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic. The College has also been honored for its leadership role in wildlife conservation and partnerships with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Save the Tiger Fund.
Experienced Faculty At ACTCM, our faculty are at the heart of our programs. They have been assembled not only for their extensive clinical experience and knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but also for their ability to teach. Our faculty consist of Chinese and U.S. trained health care practitioners and Western-trained physicians who combine a deep appreciation of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the understanding necessary for integrating this traditional healing art into today's modern healthcare system.
Diverse Clinical Training In addition to ACTCM's on-site community clinic, the College also maintains numerous partnerships with local hospitals and clinics. These alliances provide ACTCM interns with the opportunities to do clinical rotations in diverse integrative care settings. Sites include: ACTCM Community Clinic, ACTCM Auricular Clinic, Jewish Home for the Aged, St. James Infirmary, Maxine Hall Health Center, California Pacific Medical Center, Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic, and the Women's Community Clinic. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in our study abroad program to Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou China.
Community Involvement ACTCM?s on-site Community Clinic provides low-cost acupuncture to approximately 1500 San Francisco Bay Area residents per month and our free Auricular Clinic helps hundreds of patients with stress, anxiety and chemical dependency issues each year. ACTCM is also well known at the national and international level for its active role in promoting wildlife conservation in conjunction with the World Wildlife and the Save the Tiger Funds.
Student Development ACTCM believes in providing support for students at all levels in the program. Our students have access to one of the largest libraries of TCM textbooks in the country, with more than 4,700 books and 66 types of journals of TCM and other complementary medicines currently housed in its collection. Presentations such as Bridging the Gap, Transitions to Success and Broadening Your Horizons and services such as our mentorship program, student tutoring and alumni office tours help students to succeed in their studies and find success in their practices after graduation.
Successful Alumni Our graduates consistently score among the highest on the California licensing and national certification exams. They have gone on to become successful practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, respected authors, researchers, educators and/or college administrators.
San Francisco There are few cities as inviting and liveable as San Francisco. With a population of about 800,000, San Francisco is one of America's most culturally dynamic cities. From the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Union Square to the Transamerica Building and Nob Hill's vintage cable cars, the city is one of the world's most recognizable places. San Francisco combines physical beauty, cultural diversity, leisure and recreational offerings and an ideal climate. The ACTCM campus is located on Potrero Hill and overlooks an extensive Chinese herbal garden, the San Francisco city skyline, Bay Bridge, and San Francisco Bay. In an age of freeways and urban sprawl, San Francisco remains a walkable city with a with an extensive network of public transportation, a thriving downtown, and attractive, friendly neighborhoods. In addition, the city is at the forefront of both technological development and commitment to environmental sustainability. San Francisco is home to a vibrant arts, entertainment and cultural scene. The city's music and performance venues, art galleries, sports teams and cultural events, make it a city with endless options for exploration and entertainment. San Francisco also boasts the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, providing ACTCM students with a degree of access to traditional Chinese medical practitioners, herbal pharmacies and Chinese culture not found elsewhere in the United States. The mild climate of San Francisco, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and the close proximity of the ocean, mountains and desert, provide an ideal setting for outdoor activities and the study of nature.
2. How long will it take to get a Master’s Degree?
Effective July 5, 2005, all new students enrolling in the Master’s Degree Program will choose a Program of Study Track for one of the following:
This will allow a student to plan his/her schedule for up to a year in advance. The track chosen determines not only the length of the program but also the number of days a student will attend classes. (There are 4 quarters per academic year)
Each track has two sections. Section A has classes scheduled predominantly in the afternoon and evening. Section B has classes scheduled predominantly in the morning and afternoon.
*Some quarters may require an additional day per week.
3. How many students are enrolled at your college?
The college generally has a population of between 250-300 students.
4. Do you offer programs other than the Master’s Degree?
Aside from the Master’s Degree, the college offers certificates in both Tui Na and Shiatsu Massage, as well as a Clinical Doctoral degree with a concentration in either women’s health, TCM Dermatology or pain management. For information on the Tui Na and Shiatsu Certificate programs, please click here: http://www.actcm.edu/html/certified_massage_therapist.html
5. Does your school have a doctoral program?
Yes. The college was approved to begin the doctoral program in the fall of 2006. It is a 25-month long program and students can specialize in either pain management, TCM Dermatology or women’s health.
6. How is parking/public transportation?
The College is located on Potrero Hill in a primarily residential area. The school parking lot is designated for faculty, staff, and patients. Typically, however, there is available and free street parking available for students and visitors. The college is within easy walking distance of both CalTrain and the Muni bus system. For directions to the college by bus, visit the Muni site at: http://www.sfmuni.com/cms/mms/home/home50.htm
7. Can I work and go to school?
Yes. The college is aware that many students are balancing their personal lives, work, and school while attending ACTCM. Because of this, tracks have been put in place, which enable students to know their yearly schedules including when and where they can plan on attending classes.
8. Do you have a study abroad program?
Yes. Following completion of all required coursework for the MSTCM program, students may participate in an optional clinical training program in conjunction with the Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ZCTCM) in China. Located in the beautiful and historic city of Hangzhou, ZCTCM is one of the most well regarded colleges of traditional Chinese medicine in China. With more than 1,000 cliniciansincluding more than 200 senior medical experts and 33 state-recognized prominent TCM physiciansZCTCM offers our students exceptional access to leading teachers and practitioners. The month-long study abroad program, for which students receive three elective credits, provides a strong foundation in TCM theory, differential diagnosis and treatment skills. Students may choose to work either in a hospital in-patient setting or an out-patient clinic, and may concentrate on acupuncture or herbal medicine. Specialties include gynecology, pediatrics and internal medicine. Because TCM is practiced in Chinese hospitals as a primary care medical system, students see a large volume of patients and a broad variety of conditions.
9. What types of students go to ACTCM?
Our students come from throughout the United States and abroad. From recent undergraduates to experienced professionals, our students bring diverse educational and cultural backgrounds to ACTCM. While ACTCM attracts many students with healthcare backgrounds, we also have students from many different professional backgrounds including lawyers, musicians, engineers, teachers and artists. For some of our students, TCM is a second or even third career. ACTCM students range in age from 22-60, with an average age of 33. About two-thirds of the college's 280 students are women. Our students share common traits in their open-mindedness, maturity, academic performance, desire to work with patients and motivation to improve the current health options available.
Admissions
1. What are the admissions requirements?
All students are required to have a minimum of 90 semester or 135 quarter units from a regionally accredited college. A 3.0 “B” grade point average (GPA) is recommended for all undergraduate coursework. Applicants will also be asked to interview with the Admissions Committee. For a complete list of materials needed to complete the application process click http://www.actcm.edu/html/admissions.html or download our application and application instructions at: http://www.actcm.edu/html/downloads.html
2. Do I need a particular undergraduate major in order to attend ACTCM?
No. Students who have achieved 90 semester or 135 quarter credits from a regionally accredited institution in any subject are eligible to apply.
3. Prior to entering the Master’s Degree Program, are there required prerequisites I must complete?
Students are required to successfully complete the foundation science courses that are required by the state of California within the first year of their studies at ACTCM. These courses include: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Chemistry, General Biology, General Psychology, and General Physics. In many cases, if students have taken these classes as part of their undergraduate coursework, the college is able to grant credit for the subject as long as it was completed with a grade of C or better. If students are planning on taking courses at community colleges before attending ACTCM, it is recommended to contact the Admissions Office prior to enrolling in order to verify the transferability of each course. All foundation science courses are also offered at ACTCM. For online options, contact our Admissions Office.
4. Is it possible to visit ACTCM and sit in on a class?
Yes. Students are encouraged to visit the campus to gain a better understanding of the campus environment and teaching methods. Prospective students can meet with staff, faculty, current students, and get a tour of our on-site clinic. If interested, contact the Admissions Office to arrange a visit.
5. Is there any way to take a class and see if pursuing a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine is right for me before I apply?
Yes. ACTCM has added more flexibility in pursuing your Master's degree. Apply now and take one or two classes in our Master's program in the morning, afternoon or evening, whatever works best for you. The college also offers some non-credit introductory classes to the general public. The courses are generally held once per week and are taught by a ACTCM faculty members. For information on our upcoming courses, including "Demystifying Traditional Chinese Medicine" courses, please click here http://www.actcm.edu/html/IntroductoryClass.html
Tuition, Scholarships, and Cost of Living
1. How much does the program cost?
Full-Time Track of Study:
Yes. The Admissions Office offers two $600 “Transitions” scholarships each quarter for students applying to the Master’s Degree program. Priority is given to out-of-state students, but all applications will be considered. Awards will go to those demonstrating the most financial need.
The Harris scholarship is available to students who have passed their second year comprehensive exams. The top four students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service in TCM will receive awards of $1,500, $1,250, $1000, and $750. For additional information on financial aid, please click here: http://www.actcm.edu/html/financial_aids.html
3. How much does it cost to live in San Francisco?
Finding Affordable Housing with Roommates Although the area is known for having very expensive real estate, it is still possible to find comfortable living accommodations for as low as $500 per month by looking for individuals who are seeking housemates. A few good resources for investigating the most up-to-date listings and opportunities for house sharing are: www.roommates.com, www.craigslist.org, and http://www.roommateclick.com
Finding Affordable Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments It is fairly easy to find studios and 1-bedroom apartments in the Bay Area between $850-$1250 depending on the neighborhood. One of the most popular websites is www.craigslist.org where prospective students can search for apartments based on neighborhoods, cost, amenities, pet allowances, and other concerns. Other popular housing resources are listed below.
Making an Inexpensive Visit or Temporary Stay For temporary housing or initial visits, there are a number of very well maintained hostels that are located throughout San Francisco for as little as $20 per night. For a complete listing with photos, amenities, and local attractions visit: http://www.hostels.com/en/us.ca.sf.html For additional housing information, visit our website at: http://www.actcm.edu/html/housing.html
The Clinic and Clinic Experience
1. Is your clinic separate from your school?
The college has an on-site community clinic and 8 off-campus externship sites located throughout San Francisco. For a complete description of our clinics, please click here http://www.actcm.edu/html/cap_sites.html
2. Do students get discounted rates when they receive acupuncture in the clinic?
Yes. Students pay a discounted rate of $20 for the initial treatment and $18 for every visit thereafter. For same day appointments, student can receive a treatment for only $8. Prospective students who attend Open House events will receive a coupon for a complimentary acupuncture treatment in our community clinic. There is an additional cost for herbs if prescribed.
Transfer Students
1. How much of my coursework will transfer from my current/former school?
The amount of credits that students will be granted will depend on the courses taken, the school accreditation, and challenge/placement exams. If courses are similar in regards to subject matter, level, and units, and come from a school that is approved by the California Acupuncture Board, students can be granted credit for the individual course(s). This applies to both Masters-level coursework and courses taken in the general sciences (Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, etc.). Students who have completed and successfully passed a series of courses such as Point Location or Herbs will have the option to take a placement exam(s). If the student successfully passes the exam with a grade of C or better, the student will receive credit for that subject area and be placed into the program accordingly.
2. Can I submit my transcripts before I apply in order to know what courses I will receive credit for and what my options will be?
The college recommends that prospective transfer students submit transcripts from their current/old school so that students can know which courses will transfer in and which placement or challenge exams may be offered to them. Students can also receive a general idea as to their particular program of study including the required hours of clinical training.
3. What are the costs associated with transferring my coursework into ACTCM?
Students are not charged any fees for transferring individual courses or for taking subject area placement exams. Students will, however, be charged a fee of $50 per unit on challenge exams. Challenge exams are offered to students who feel they are proficient in the material but have not completed courses at the Masters level in the particular subject. Students may elect to take challenge exams to show proficiency in the course based on previous undergraduate coursework or independent instruction/knowledge.
Alumni and Post Graduation
1. Once I finish the Master’s Degree at ACTCM, am I able to practice Acupuncture?
After graduating with a Master’s Degree from ACTCM, students are eligible to take the California State Board licensing exam. Once students have passed the exam, they can receive their license and practice in the State of California.
2. What kind of salary does an acupuncturist earn?
What an acupuncturist earns is dependent upon a graduate’s initiative, expertise, location, and available resources. An acupuncturist can earn anywhere between approximately $50 - $150 per treatment. Annual salaries will depend on the number of patients seen by the practitioner and the number of hours and days worked. The average gross salaries in 2004, as reported by our alumni on our recent alumni survey, were in excess of $77,000. For the most recent statistics from our alumni, including types of careers, average salaries, and years in practice, please click here. http://www.actcm.edu/html/Statistics&ExamResults.html
3. What can I expect after graduation?
In order to keep in contact and continue to give back to our students, the college sends out publications and emails to alumni regarding national and international job opportunities and continuing education. In terms of careers, most students choose to go into private practice, some do collaborative work and start group clinics, and still others participate and work in wellness centers which incorporate different integrative healing modalities such as acupuncturists, massage therapists, nutritionists, and western medical doctors.
4. If I get my license in California can I practice in another state?
It will depend on the state. Most states require that certification be obtained from the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Most students at ACTCM take this exam after they complete their second year comprehensive exams. Students must, however, complete their academic studies in addition to passing the exam(s). To practice in a state outside of California, you must find out the laws and regulations for each state. You may do this by contacting the appropriate governing body in each state.
5. If I get my license in another state can I practice in California?
No. Students must first successfully pass the California Licensing exam. Students eligible to sit for the exam must be a graduate of a California Acupuncture Board - approved school. (For a list of schools visit: www.acupuncture.ca.gov ). For those students who have graduated from a school that is not California approved, they will need to discuss their options with the State Board as to what they need to do in order to become eligible (i.e. transferring into an approved school or completing compensatory coursework). |
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