Admissions 

In compliance with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) standards, students entering the DAOM program must satisfy one of the following requirements:

1. Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Chinese medicine; or
2. Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (master’s or professional doctorate) in Acupuncture and at least 45 hours of herb courses; or
3. Complete education in foreign countries, credits earned at a foreign educational institution must be validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service, to validate the applicant has achieved professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s- level program in Acupuncture with at least 45 herb hours; or
4. Licensed acupuncturists who have not completed an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry- level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Chinese medicine must:
   1. Demonstrate and provide documents to validate the achievement of professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s-level program in acupuncture or in Chinese medicine.
   2. Complete any deficiencies identified in CSTCM’s Masters or Professional Doctorate courses.

CSTCM DAOM program is taught in English. Therefore, English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the DAOM program. This must be demonstrated by one of the following means:

The applicant must have completed a two-year (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) undergraduate- or graduate-level, English-based education in an institution:

1. accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or
2. in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, or Ireland.

In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used.

1.     Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) –
   Acceptable score: TOEFL iBT total score – 80; or
2.    International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Format –
   Acceptable score: IELTS overall band score – 6.5.

* Please contact the DAOM Dean for more information about the English language requirements.

CSTCM is approved to issue an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 Student Visa for international students. In considering the acceptance of education and training obtained in foreign countries, credits earned at a foreign educational institution must be validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service. International students are responsible for their own English translation of transcripts and educational credential review of transcripts by an authorized agency if needed. (One such service is the World Education Services, Inc., PO Box 745 Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10013-0745, telephone212-966-6311).

The Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that all students on an F-1 visa maintain a full-time program of study, participate in classes regularly, and maintain satisfactory progress. International students must also send an affidavit of financial support from the student’s sponsor or bank to show proof of sufficient funds to meet their tuition and living expenses for at least one year. English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program taught in English.

CSTCM is looking for students who have a realistic view of education and show the desire, motivation, and firm commitment to become dedicated, compassionate, and skilled Chinese medicine practitioners. The admissions committee assesses applicants throughout the application process. The committee reviews each applicant from numerous perspectives, including academic achievement, professional and life experiences, communication skills, and motivation. The programs at CSTCM require a strong commitment to learning multiple difficult skills. Prospective applicants are welcome to schedule an appointment with a CSTCM representative who will assist the prospective applicant in making a decision about applying. They can also arrange a tour of the school and visit some classes. We encourage all prospective applicants to visit the school. These arrangements can be made with the Recruitment Director.

CSTCM has a nondiscrimination policy. Qualified applicants are considered based on individual merit without regard to disability, gender, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all school matters and to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CSTCM.

Completed applications are due at least 2 months before the start of the trimester. Class size is limited. If space allows, applications may be accepted up to 1 week before the start of the 1^st trimester, although we recommend applying early. Those who are not accepted into the entering class for space reasons will be put on a waiting list.

CSTCM reserves the right to cancel a starting class if the number of students enrolling is deemed insufficient. If a starting class is canceled, CSTCM will fully refund all money paid by students denied admittance.

All students must meet graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation, rather than at the time of application unless written policy states otherwise.

Transfer Credit

CSTCM only accepts transfer credits documented by an official transcript sent directly from the institute. For credits earned more than five years prior to admission, students must document that the requisite knowledge and competencies have been retained.

CSTCM DAOM program only accept transfer credit for the following courses: APDINT513 Integrative Collaborative Medicine (15hours), or/and APDRSH514 Clinical Research Paper Writing (15 hours), or/and APDRSH524 Clinical Research Methodology I (15hours), or/and APDRSH534 Clinical Research Methodology II (15hours).

Please refer to the DAOM Catalog for current information on Transfer Credit and Application Fees. For more information on transfer credit contact the DAOM Dean at: daom@cstcm.edu, or fill in the inquiry form.