Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

(Austin and San Antonio Campuses)

Educational Objectives

Graduates of this university will be qualified to meet the challenges of establishing and maintaining a successful profession in the 21^st century, as evidenced by the following learning outcomes:

• A systematic knowledge of the theories, philosophies, and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine;
• The skill to assist licensed acupuncturists by setting up patients in the treatment room, taking vital signs, recording complaints, preparing and dispensing herbal formulas, and removing acupuncture needles;
• The skill to correctly apply gua sha, cupping, reflexology, and other therapies which do not involve the insertion or stimulation of needles;
• The skill to handle front desk duties, do marketing for the clinic, and file insurance claims;
• The ability to communicate professionally with healthcare providers, colleagues, business leaders, industry, patients and the public with empathy, compassion, and integrity;
• The confidence to find successful employment in a healthcare related field, including the competence to work as an acupuncture assistant, to manage a healthcare practice, or to be employed in an insurance billing office;
• The readiness to continue studies at the University to become a Licensed Acupuncturist or to earn a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management.

Admission Requirements

The University desires for standard admission those applicants who have completed a minimum of 60 semester credits (or equivalent quarter credits), applicable toward a baccalaureate degree, in general education with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.  General education requirements are defined as those areas of learning that are the common experience of all educated persons, including subject matter from the humanities, mathematics and the sciences, and the social sciences.

Thirty-six (36) of the minimum 60 semester credits must be in these areas.  Note that courses within the area of concentration of the subject matter of the program shall not be considered general education courses. The remaining 24 credits can be in any other field of study as long as they are not remedial.

 

 

Admission Procedure for U.S. Students

The application for admission and all associated documentation should arrive at the University at least 21 days before the first day of class (see Academic Calendar in this catalog). Applicants are considered on the basis of individual merit, without regard to gender, age, religion, creed, race, ethnic origin or disabling conditions. This policy applies to all matters within the University.

Prospective students must submit the following:

1. A completed application form.
2. A copy of applicant’s birth certificate or current driver’s license/identification card.
3. Copies of official transcript(s); photocopies cannot be accepted. Transcripts must be mailed to the University directly from the registrar’s office of the institution(s) where credit was earned.
4. Copies of licenses or certificates in the healing arts, if any (required of applicants to the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine).
5. Two full-face, passport-sized photographs.
6. An application fee payable to the Texas Health and Science University as outlined for each program. This fee is non-refundable.
7. A letter of interest from the applicant, explaining why he/she desires to attend the Texas Health and Science University.
8. Telephone or personal interview with the Academic Dean or other official of the University.
9. Two letters of reference.
10. An evaluation of any foreign credentials showing equivalency to the educational system of the United States. All foreign credentials must be evaluated by a credential service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).  All credentials submitted to the University are retained by the University.

Upon acceptance into the program, the student must sign and return the enrollment agreements and schedule a time for registration, at which time the plan of study will be discussed.

Admission Procedure for International Students

All international students are required to adhere to the regulations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. University procedures and regulations for non-U.S. citizens must also comply with federal law; therefore, admission requirements for international students, including permanent residents, differ from those for United States citizens.  All foreign credentials must be evaluated by a credential service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).  All credentials submitted to the University are retained by the University.

Admission of an international student to the University requires the following documents.  The University will issue an I-20 upon receipt of:

1. A non-refundable application fee of $150.00 (USD) and a $200.00 (USD) fee for the evaluation of credentials, transcripts, and other overseas documents.
2. A completed application for admission.
3. One (1) official transcript in English translation sufficient to establish the completion of the equivalent of at least 60 semester credits at the undergraduate level; such transcript must be mailed to the University from the institution where the coursework was completed.  If the official transcript is not available in English, contact the Admissions Coordinator for further assistance.
4. Proof of sufficient financial resources for educational and personal expenses.
5. Proof of English language competency.  A student may be accepted into the program if he or she satisfies one of the following indicators:
   • Speaks English as his or her official or native language.
   • Graduates from a U.S.-accredited high school.
   • Transfers from or holds a degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or from an English language institution in another country.
   • TOEFL English language proficiency iBT score of 50 or higher or IELTS score of 5.5 or higher.

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Transfer of Credit

Texas Health and Science University’s bachelor degree is an upper-division program which requires a minimum 60 semester credits for admission into the program.  For students who have credits in subjects offered at THSU which are additional to the 60 semester credits applied toward admission, THSU will consider the award of course credit toward the University’s Bachelor of Science degree according to the following guidelines:

1. Limitations on the transferability of credits may apply. Credit in the Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine Degree may be awarded for past coursework completed at institutions accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or by any other recognized governmental accrediting authority or a regional accrediting agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. Student performance in the coursework to be transferred will be evaluated in terms of equivalent subject(s) offered by the University. Coursework to be considered for transfer will have been completed within ten (10) years of the date of application, with applicant receiving a grade of “C” or better.
2. In order to receive transfer credit, the student must request a transcript review in writing within the first trimester of attendance. Request forms are available from the Registrar.
3. The entire record of the evaluation and award of transfer credit will be included in the student’s academic file and made an official part of the student’s THSU transcript annotated with “TC” but will not be used to calculate the student’s GPA.  For each credit reviewed and approved for transfer, a fee will apply.
4. Credits awarded to meet the University’s General Education requirement may not be used for transfer credit.
5. Up to fifty percent of the courses required in the Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine program may be considered for transfer.

Transferring Credits To Other Institutions

The transferability of credits you earn at THSU is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer.  Acceptance of the degree you earn in your program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer.

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Curriculum

This program prepares the graduate to work as an Acupuncture Assistant or Clinic Office Manager.  Acupuncture assistants set up the patient in the treatment room, take their vital signs, record their complaints, prepare herbal formulas, pull needles, apply gua sha, do cupping, apply moxibustion, handle front desk duties, do marketing for the clinic, and file insurance claims.  This program also provides a fundamental knowledge base for possible employment in an herbal dispensary or medical office.

The bachelor’s degree program allows students who have completed the general education requirements (totally 60 semester credit hours) at another recognized institution to be admitted and study toward a bachelor’s degree.  The suggested schedule of study may be completed in four trimesters, and all courses are considered upper-division coursework for the bachelor’s degree.  Students must complete all the coursework required for their degree within six trimesters.  Upon completion of the program, students have the option to continue to the master’s degree program in acupuncture and oriental medicine.

Curriculum – Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

Trimester	Course Name	Semester Credits	Clock Hours
TOTAL		63	1,035
First Trimester
A-4101	Fundamental Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine	4	60
A-4102	Chinese Terminology and Phonetics	2	30
A-4103	Meridian Theory	2	30
W-4101	Anatomy and Physiology I	3	45
A-4104	Introduction to Point Location	1	15
A-4105	Point Location – Green	3	45
	Total First Trimester	15	225
Second Trimester
A-4106	Introduction to TCM Diagnosis	4	60
W-4102	Biomedical Concepts, Terminology and Western Medical History	2	30
A-4107	Point Location – Yellow	4	60
W-4103	Anatomy and Physiology II	2	30
H-4101	Introduction to TCM Herbology	1	15
H-4102	TCM Herbology – Yellow	2	30
A-4108	TCM Diagnosis I	2	30
	Total Second Trimester	17	255
Third Trimester
A-4109	Qi Exercise	1	15
A-4110	Special Acupuncture Techniques	2	30
A-4111	Five Element Theory and Application	1	15
A-4112	CPR and Other Emergency Techniques	1	15
C-4101	Clinic Observation – Black	3	90
E-4101	Medical Ethics	1	15
H-4103	TCM Herbology – Green	3	45
A-4113	Point Location – Red	1	15
A-4114	TCM Diagnosis II	2	30
	Total Third Trimester	15	270
Fourth Trimester
W-4201	Surface Anatomy	2	30
A-4201	Meridian Acupoint Energetics and Application	3	45
C-4201	Clinic Observation – White	3	90
E-4201	Marketing and Office Management	3	45
A-4202	Practical Training in Diagnosis	2	30
H-4201	TCM Herbology – Red	3	45
	Total Fourth Trimester	16	285

Total Semester Credits for the Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine degree, including minimum 60 semester credits of General Education (accepted upon admission):  123

Course Numbering System

The course number consists of the department designation, academic level, and course sequence.

Maximum Academic Course Load

Students enrolled in this program may not register for more than 21 credits in any given trimester.  Any exceptions must be submitted by the student to the Department Director, Academic Dean, and Senior Administrator for approval.

Graduation Requirements

All candidates for graduation from the bachelor’s degree program must complete their studies within 6 trimesters with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The following minimum requirements must be completed prior to graduation from the Traditional Chinese Medicine program:

A minimum of 60 credits are required for admission to THSU. Along with the 63-credit degree completion program described above, a total of 123 credits are required to be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Course Descriptions

Acupuncture Courses

A-4101   Fundamental Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This course includes a brief introduction to the historical background and evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This course mainly introduces the theories of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, Zang Fu, Qi, Blood, Body Fluid, Etiology, Pathogenesis, and General Rules of Prevention and Treatment.

4 credits:  Prerequisites: None.

A-4102 Chinese Terminology and Phonetics

This course is an introduction to the Chinese characters and Pinyin words necessary to understand the curriculum, to assure correct pronunciation, and to enable the study of the existing body of Traditional Chinese Medicine literature and available texts.

2 credits, Prerequisites: None.

A-4103   Meridian Theory

This course covers the basic concept of the meridians, with a focus on the 12 regular meridians and the eight extra meridians.  It will also cover the 12 divergent meridians, 12 muscle regions, 12 cutaneous regions and 15 collaterals.

2 credits, Prerequisites: None.

A-4104   Introduction to Point Location

This is an introductory course in which students will learn the concept, classification and measurement methods of acupoints. Students will also learn the basic concepts of specific acupoints.

1 credit, Prerequisites: None.

A-4105   Point Location – Green

This course is the first of a three-trimester study of the acupuncture points of the 14 meridians and selected extra points. Chinese point names, comparative review of locations based on traditional and modern anatomy, therapeutic indications, treatment methods utilizing acupuncture and moxibustion, and point selection by differential diagnosis of conditions will be discussed for each point. This first trimester will focus on the Lung meridian of hand Taiyin, Large Intestine meridian of hand Yangming, Stomach meridian of foot Yangming, Spleen meridian of foot Taiyin, Heart meridian of hand Shaoyin and Small Intestine meridian of hand Taiyang.

3 credits, Prerequisites: A-4104.

A-4106   Introduction to TCM Diagnosis

This course introduces the classic methods of diagnosis of Traditional Chinese Medicine: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry and palpation. This course also emphasis how to combine the Four Diagnostic Methods to obtain a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the condition of disease.

4 credits, Prerequisites: None.

A-4107   Point Location – Yellow

This course continues the study of the acupuncture points of the 14 meridians and selected extra points. Chinese point names, comparative review of locations based on traditional and modern anatomy, therapeutic indications, treatment methods utilizing acupuncture and moxibustion, and point selection by differential diagnosis of conditions will be discussed for each point. This course will focus on the Urinary Bladder meridian of foot Taiyang, Kidney meridian of foot Shaoyin, Pericardium meridian of hand Jueyin, San Jiao meridian of hand Shaoyang, Gallbladder meridian of foot Shaoyang and Liver meridian of foot Jueyin.

4 credits, Prerequisites: A-4104.

A-4108   TCM Diagnosis I 

This course continues the discussion of the classical methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and focuses on differentiation according to the Eight Principles, Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Stagnation, and the theory of Zang Fu.

2 credits, Prerequisites:  A-4106.

A-4109   Qi Exercise

This course includes an introduction to the philosophy and principles of Qi Gong and Tai Chi, and application of the relationship of Qi Exercise to health, wellbeing, meditation, self-awareness, relaxation, balance and harmony. Basic Qi Gong and Tai Chi patterns and techniques will be taught.

1 credit, Prerequisites: None.

A-4110   Special Acupuncture Techniques

These techniques include such needling methods as the filiform needle, cutaneous needle, electrical stimulation, moxibustion, and other methods.

2 credits, Prerequisites: A-4101.

A-4111   Five Element Theory and Application

This is an in-depth discussion of the theory of the Five Elements and their application in diagnosis and treatment. Students will associate points on the channels that correspond to specific elements.

1 credit, Prerequisites: None.

A-4112   CPR and Other Emergency Techniques

Part I (classes 1, 2 and 3) cover the management of emergency situations specific to an acupuncture practice.  Part II (classes 4 and 5) are taught by an American Red Cross certified instructor and will cover the management of heart and breathing emergencies, along with instruction in first aid.

1 credit, Prerequisites: None.

A-4113   Point Location – Red

Students determine the location of acupuncture points (numbering about 365 major points and 50 extra points) using anatomical landmarks and the proportional body measurement system. Subject matter addressed in this course includes the following channels: Ren, Du, and Extraordinary Points.

1 credit, Prerequisites: A-4104.

A-4114   TCM Diagnosis II 

This course continues the discussion of the different systems by which TCM differentiates syndromes, with an emphasis on etiology, the eight principles and theory of Zang Fu.  Also includes the theories of wei qi, ying xue, meridians and collaterals, san jiao and six meridians.

2 credits, Prerequisites:  A-4106, A-4108.

A-4201   Meridian Acupoint Energetics and Application

Focusing on the indications and energetics of the 12 regular meridians, the course also covers the application of points in the treatment of disease. An in-depth discussion of energetic points includes Five Shu, Yuan, Luo, Xi, Shu, Mu, the Eights (confluent and influential), 13 Ghost and emergency aid points applied in the treatment of disease according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

3 credits, Prerequisites: A-4104, A-4105, A-4107, A-4113, A-4114.

A-4202   Practical Training in Diagnosis 

Students will further refine their pulse and tongue diagnosis skills under the assistance and guidance of the instructor.

2 credits, Prerequisites: A-4106, A-4108, A-4114.

Herbology

H-4101   Introduction to TCM Herbology

This is an introductory course to TCM herbology.  Students will learn the basic herbal theories and build up solid foundations for the three specific herbology courses.

1 credit, Prerequisites: A-4101.

H-4102   TCM Herbology – Yellow

This course builds upon the introductory course in TCM Herbology, presents various herbs by name, classification, identification, character and taste, meridian routes, dosage, indications, contraindications, preparation, scientific research and prescription examples.  Chinese herbs in the functional categories of release exterior, clear heat, and drain downward are discussed.

2 credits, Prerequisites: H-4101.

H-4103   TCM Herbology – Green

This course builds upon the introductory course in TCM Herbology, presents various herbs by name, classification, identification, character and taste, meridian routes, dosage, indications, contraindications, preparation, scientific research and prescription examples.  Chinese herbs in the functional categories of drain dampness, dispel wind-dampness, transform phlegm, relieve food stagnation, regulate qi and regulate blood.

3 credits, Prerequisites: H-4101.

H-4201   TCM Herbology – Red

This course builds upon the introductory course in TCM Herbology, presents various herbs by name, classification, identification, character and taste, meridian routes, dosage, indications, contra-indications, preparation, scientific research and prescription examples.  Chinese herbs to be discussed are from the functional categories of warm interior, tonify, stabilize and bind, calm the spirit, open orifices, extinguish wind, and expel parasites.

3 credits, Prerequisites: H-4101.

 

Biomedical Sciences (Western Medical Science)

W-4101   Anatomy and Physiology I

Students study the structures and functions of the human body and learn the basic principles of homeostasis in the internal environment.  In this course, basic concepts of metabolism and regulation are applied to the study of the following systems:  cellular, tissue, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems.

3 credits, Prerequisites:  None.

W-4102   Biomedical Concepts, Terminology and Western Medical History

This survey course introduces the historical development of medicine in the West, to familiarize students with the systems of medicine practiced by M.D.’s, D.C.’s, and D.O.’s. Emphasis will be placed on teaching students the use and meaning of terminology and technical vocabularies necessary for professional, inter-disciplinary communications.

2 credits, Prerequisites: None.

W-4103   Anatomy and Physiology II

Students study the structure and functions of the human body and learn the basic principles of homeostasis in the internal environment.  In this course, basic concepts of metabolism and regulation are applied to the study of the following systems:  endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

2 credits, Prerequisites:  W-4101.

W-4201   Surface Anatomy

This biomedical anatomy course focuses on the superficial features of the body, such as tendons and muscles and bony landmarks, with a view to the identification and use of anatomical landmarks as aids in locating underlying tissues and organs.

2 credits, Prerequisites: W-4101.

 

Clinical Training

C-4101   Clinic Observation and Evaluation – Black

Under the supervision and direction of the instructor, students observe licensed acupuncturists treating patients in a clinic theater setting. This provides students with a clinical context that balances the intensely didactic and theory-oriented first and second year programs.

3 credits, Prerequisite: A-4101, A-4104, A-4106, W-4101, W-4103.

C-4201   Clinic Observation and Evaluation – White

Under the supervision and direction of the instructor, students observe licensed acupuncturists treating patients with complex conditions in a clinical theater setting.  Students will prepare to pass the five-part examination required for promotion to clinic internship.  Students will register for and take the Clean Needle Technique course if they have not already done so.

3 credits, Prerequisites: A-4101, A-4104, A-4106, W-4101, W-4103

 

Ethics, Business and Communications

E-4101    Medical Ethics

This course focuses on the scope of practice of Texas-licensed acupuncturists, with students familiarized with, and discussing, the laws and regulations of the State of Texas regarding the practice of acupuncture, record keeping, and confidentiality requirements.  Students will also discuss various ethical dilemmas encountered by practitioners.

1 credit, Prerequisites:  None.

E-4201    Marketing and Office Management

This course introduces the student to a wide variety of medical office duties that are commonly performed by the administrator or owner of a small clinic.  These duties include such marketing duties as building one’s brand, be it the practitioner himself, or the clinic he wishes to develop, professional networking, internet and social media marketing, and building loyalty and retention within a target market. Also included are office management tasks, such as office communication, medical reception tasks, document production, medical office accounting, billing procedures, appointment scheduling, medical records management, and insurance claims processing. There is a brief introduction to International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding, bookkeeping and accounting practices.

3 credits, Prerequisites:  None

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Tuition and Fees

Tuition

 

One Time Fees

Recurring Fees

 

Late Fees and Penalties

 

Other Fees

*** Please Note *** THSU reserves the right to make adjustments to tuition and fees that reflect changes in the cost of living and education, subject to governing board approval.

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