4 Trimesters (1 1/3 years )

Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine

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.

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

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.

TCM Program Tuition