Admissions Overview
CSTCM is closely monitoring and following COVID-19 guidance as suggested by public health officials.
We remain committed to our central mission of placing education before all other factors and developing clinically effective, conscientious graduates, therefore online classes will be provided until further notice.
Campus operations will continue according to guidelines.
Thank you for your patience!
Please Note: Registration and enrollment for the Spring 2023 trimester is now underway!
If you are interested in more information about a career in Chinese Medicine please contact our Admissions Office.
In compliance with ACAOM standards, students entering the program must have completed at least two academic years (60 semester credits / 90 quarter credits) Baccalaureate level general education at an accredited institution, accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or be certified in a medical profession requiring at least the equivalent training of a Registered Nurse or a Physician’s Assistant as a prerequisite for admission. Students may enter the program three times a year (Beginning of January, May, or September). Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CSTCM) does not accept credit through prior learning assessment for the admissions requirement of 60 college credits.
What We Look For
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 practitioners of TCM. This assessment is made by the admissions committee. The committee will review each applicant from numerous perspectives, including academic achievement, professional and life experiences, communication skills, and motivation. The program requires a high commitment to learning a number of difficult skills.
Prospective Students
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 to attend some classes. We encourage all prospective applicants to visit the school. These arrangements can be made with the Recruitment Director.
Our Standards
CSTCM has a non-discrimination policy. Applicants are considered on the basis of individual merit without regard to handicap, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all matters within the school.
Application Due Dates and Class Size Restrictions
Completed applications are due at least 2 months prior to the start of the trimester. Class size is limited for accelerated and full-time students. If space allows, applications may be accepted up to 1 week prior to the start of each 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.
Programs and Planning
For CSTCM to plan a student’s program, follow academic progress and coordinate Financial Aid, all students must declare which program (accelerated, full-time, half-time, part-time) they are in, with a projected graduation date. Accelerated is considered to be over 240 hours per trimester. Students in the accelerated M.S.Ac. program can graduate in 28 months while those in the accelerated M.S.TCM program can graduate in 3 years (36 months). Full-time is considered to be 180-239 hours per trimester. Full-time students should graduate in about 4 years. Half-time is considered to be 120-179 hours per trimester. Part-time is considered to be anything under 120 hours per trimester.
Students must finish the M.S.Ac. program in a maximum of 6 years or the M.S.TCM program in a maximum of 8 years.
Students who would like to transfer from another Chinese Medicine school must follow the same application process. (See Academic Procedures – Transfer Students Credit).
Class Cancellation
CSTCM reserves the right to cancel a starting class or specific courses 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.
Graduation Requirements
All students must meet graduation requirements that are in effect at the time of graduation, rather than at the time of application unless written policy states otherwise.
Veterans
CSTCM is approved to receive veterans benefits programs and various Colorado State Vocational Rehab programs. For information please talk to the Financial Aid Administrator.
Foreign Student Requirements
CSTCM is approved to issue I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 Student Visa for foreign students. 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 5087 Bowling Green Station, New York, NY 10274-5087, telephone 212-966-6311). 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. Foreign 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 1 year. English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program taught in English. This may be satisfied by scoring at least 61 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet based test (iBT) which also requires a minimum speaking exam score of 26 and a minimum listening exam score of 22, or a level 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam*; or the student must have completed a two-year (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) baccalaureate level education in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or from an equivalent English language institution in another country. *Effective January 1, 2020, the English language competency requirement may be satisfied by scoring at least 80 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet based test (iBT) which also requires a minimum speaking exam score of 26, or an overall band score of 6.5 (Academic Format) and spoken band score of 8.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.