Educational Standards

Minimum Curriculum Requirements

The Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Colleges of Ontario has established the minimum curriculum requirements of educational programs for acupuncturists, TCM practitioners and doctor of TCM. The curriculum provides the knowledge, skills and clinical experience necessary for students to achieve the national professional practice requirements according to the Entry-Level Occupational Competencies for TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists, and Doctor of TCM.

In order to be accredited by FTCMCC, an institution must have meet the following minimum requirements.

  1. Admission requirements
  2. Minimum and maximum program length
  3. Total didactic hours
  4. Clinical hours
  5. Specific requirements:
    1. TCM Foundation
    2. Biomedicine
    3. Acupuncture
    4. Herbology
    5. Tuina Massage
    6. TCM Classics
    7. Advanced Medicine
    8. Research
  6. Student evaluation
Minimum Requirements
Programs Acupuncture TCM Practitioner Doctor of TCM
1. Admission requirements G12 G12 2y post secondary
2. Program length 2-6 years 3-8 years 4-8 years
2.1 Program length (minimum duration) 24 calendar months 36 calendar months 48 calendar months
2.2 Program length (maximum duration) 6 years 8 years 8 years
2.3 Program hours (total hours) 1900h 2600h 3250h
2.4 Clinical hours (included in total hours) 450h 650h 1050h
2.5 Specific requirements
2.5.1 TCM Foundation 360h 360h 360h
2.5.2 Biomedicine 250h 250h 250h
2.5.3 Acupuncture 540h 540h 540h
2.5.4 Herbology X 550h 550h
2.5.5 Tuina Massage 60h 60h 60h
2.5.6 TCM Classics X X 120h
2.5.7 Advanced Medicine X X 180h
2.5.8 TCMA Research X X 40h
2.6 Student evaluation (Pass Mark) 60% 60% 60%