Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

• 4 years full-time study
• Maximum duration 10 years part-time study (part-time study is not available to international students)
• The coursework component includes online and on-campus learning, which is undertaken at the Institute’s campus located in Sydney’s CBD.
• Students also undertake a total of 900 hours of supervised clinical practice, most of which occurs at SITCM’s on-campus Teaching Clinic.
• Students residing outside Sydney can normally complete all on-campus learning requirements via 3 visits to Sydney each semester, each of which involves 1 week of intensive learning.

The BTCM consists of six subject areas that are described below:

THEORETICAL PARADIGMS

The BTCM provides students with education in the theoretical paradigms of traditional Chinese medicine including its terminology, history, theoretical orientation, principles and diagnosis. These studies will provide a firm understanding of the theory of Chinese medicine as well as develop practical skills in collecting and interpreting information in a clinical setting.

ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Students will study the full range of modalities of Chinese medicine which provide an understanding of the theoretical aspects specific to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine/dispensing, as well as practical training in
the application of these therapeutic methods. Students will study classical Chinese medicine literature to provide an understanding and appreciation of the sources of many of the concepts and therapeutic approaches used in contemporary Chinese medicine.

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Students will study basic and biomedical sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, Histology, physiology, Pathophysiology, microbiology, pathology, Clinical Diagnosis, and pharmacology in western medicine. These studies aim to provide an understanding and appreciation of the theoretical background of modern biomedicine in order to establish common ground for communication with the established healthcare system in

Australia, to enable practitioners to interpret the biomedical viewpoint, and to encourage the application of scientific knowledge in clinical practice.

CLINICAL STUDIES

Clinical Chinese medicine studies will provide a foundation in TCM internal medicine, TCM traumatology, TCM gynaecology, TCM paediatrics and dermatology. This will provide students with theoretical and practical skills in the diagnosis, differentiation and clinical management of a wide range of health disorders using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine.

CLINICAL TRAINING

Students will undertake Clinical Training throughout the course which includes clinical observation, clinical practicum and internship. These studies aim to provide practical training in the application of the theories of Chinese medicine and biomedicine, in the management of a wide range of health disorders using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, as well as in the operation of a Chinese medicine clinic or dispensary.

PROFESSIONAL AND PRACTICE ISSUES

In an integrated manner and throughout the duration of the course, students will study professional and practice issues that include ethics, counselling and communication, the legislative framework and legal responsibilities, practice management, small business management, first aid, and research methods. This will assist students in a range of areas needed for the effective operation of an independent practice in Chinese medicine and in their ongoing professional development undertakings. This aspect of the course is integrated systematically throughout the teaching and learning process to assist in the development of appropriate interpersonal, communication and management skills to enable graduates to operate a successful private practice.

Graduates will be expected to demonstrate humane and ethical behaviour in their professional life as well as respect for diversity within the wider Australian community. Graduates will be aware of the need for ongoing professional development and possess critical literature appraisal kills to enable them to undertake ongoing post-graduate education.

Graduates can look forward to opportunities a diverse range of roles:

• Private practitioner or in a clinic.
• Acupuncturist.
• Product development and sales roles within Pharmaceutical and herbal companies.
• Independent consultant.
• Practitioner in Hospitals, community health care centres and healthcare agencies.

Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies may request consideration for advanced standing towards the BTCM. Applications for credit should include full documentation of previous studies, including unit descriptions. Granting advanced standing for previous study ensures that students commence study at a level that appropriately recognises their prior learning experiences, and are not required to repeat equivalent learning successfully undertaken in another context. For more information and an application form for advanced standing please contact the Institute.