Advanced Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Humber College - North Campus, Canada

Humber’s Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner advanced diploma program is the first and only publicly funded program of its kind offered at a postsecondary institution in Canada. This intensive program is grounded in the TCM Practitioner skillset which has been approved by all provincial TCM regulators in Canada and provides students with the skills and professional experience necessary to become a TCM Practitioner in Ontario. Through a combination of theoretical course-based instruction, as well as several clinical placements, you will gain a necessary understanding of Traditional Chinese and Western medicine practices. Moreover, graduates of the TCM Practitioner program will be trained to conduct a TCM diagnosis and develop appropriate treatment plans by utilizing their skills in acupuncture, herbal medicine, clinical practice management, professionalism and safety. This program is also committed to the promotion of evidence-informed practice of TCM through scientific research.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Critically analyze and evaluate Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCMP) theories and treatment methods to develop professional knowledge and skills required for the profession.
• Assess, diagnose and treat patients using Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCMP) principles, knowledge and treatment methods including acupuncture, herbal medicine, internal and external medicine.
• Perform safe, ethical and effective TCMP skills within a clinical setting.
• Evaluate patients incorporating a bio-medical approach with Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCMP) examination techniques to formulate a TCMP diagnosis and treatment strategy, and perform the treatment in a skillful and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively and educate patients, families, the community and other healthcare providers when providing TCMP practices.
• Advocate for Traditional Chinese Medicine as an effective complementary medicine.
• Adhere to the relevant provincial and federal legislation governing the profession while engaging in safe practices.
• Access current and pertinent research regarding practitioner self-care to maintain a healthy practice.
• Maintain client and business records using professional business practices of a TCMP.
• Establish interprofessional relationships with TCM colleagues and healthcare team members.
• Develop a plan for personal and professional development to enhance work performance and maintain currency in the field.
• Evaluate and implement environmentally related initiatives relevant to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCMP) profession.
• Apply basic entrepreneurial strategies to identify and respond to new opportunities.

Work Placement

• There are seven mandatory clinical placements that provide students with progressive, professional practice experience in diagnosing, preparing treatment plans, inter-professional collaboration and safe practices. Clinical placements occur throughout the year at community TCM and multi-discipline clinics within the greater Toronto area, as well as at our on-site partner clinic, the Tzu Chi Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The clinical component of the program offers more than 800 hours of direct patient contact, which exceeds the regulatory body minimum requirement of 500 hours.