In compliance with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) standards, students entering the DAOM program must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Oriental medicine; or
- Complete an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry-level program (master’s or professional doctorate) in Acupuncture and at least 45 hours of herb courses; or
- Complete education in foreign countries, credits earned at a foreign educational institution must be validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service, to validate the applicant has achieved professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s- level program in Acupuncture with at least 45 herb hours; or
- Licensed acupuncturists who have not completed an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited entry- level program (i.e., master’s or professional doctorate) in Acupuncture or Oriental medicine must:
- Demonstrate and provide documents to validate the achievement of professional competencies equivalent to an ACAHM-accredited or pre-accredited master’s-level program in acupuncture or in Oriental medicine.
- Complete any deficiencies identified in CSTCM’s Masters or Professional Doctorate courses.
CSTCM’s programs are all taught in English. Therefore, English language competency is required for all students seeking admission.
International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency for admission to degree, certificate, and non-degree graduate programs. This must be demonstrated by one of the following means:
1. The applicant must have completed one of the following:
a) four years at a U.S. high school demonstrably delivered in English;
b) at least two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate or graduate-level education in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education;
c) at least two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate or graduate-level education demonstrably delivered in English;
d) high school or two-years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate- or graduate-level education in an institution in one of the following countries or territories: American Samoa; Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Cameroon; Canada (except Quebec); Cayman Islands; Christmas Island; Cook Islands; Dominica; Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; The Gambia; Ghana; Gibraltar; Grenada; Guam; Guyana; Ireland; Isle of Man; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Malawi; Montserrat; Namibia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Norfolk Island; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Pitcairn Islands; Sierra Leone; Singapore; South Africa; South Sudan; St. Helena; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Swaziland; Tanzania; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands; United Kingdom; U.S. Virgin Islands; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used.
OR
2. The applicant must have completed one of the following assessments at the required level:
| ASSESSMENT TOOL | ACCEPTABLE SCORE |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) | Total: 61 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic Format | Overall band: 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | 90 |
| China Standard of English Language (CSE) | CSE 6 |
| Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) | C |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | C |
| Common European Framework Reference (CEFR) | B2 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 250, C |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE), Academic | Overall: 45 |
All students entering the program must have a laptop or other suitable device for accessing PDF course materials and other digital and online materials.
CSTCM is approved to issue an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 Student Visa for international students. In considering the acceptance of education and training obtained in foreign countries, credits earned at a foreign educational institution must be validated by a recognized educational credentials evaluation service. International students are responsible for their own English translation of transcripts and educational credential review of transcripts by an authorized agency if needed. (One such service is the World Education Services, Inc., PO Box 745 Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10013-0745, telephone 212-966-6311).
The Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that all students on an F-1 visa maintain a full-time program of study, participate in classes regularly, and maintain satisfactory progress. International students must also send an affidavit of financial support from the student’s sponsor or bank to show proof of sufficient funds to meet their tuition and living expenses for at least one year. English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program taught in English.
Applicants are also required to provide two letters of recommendation, a Curriculum Vitae, two passport photos, valid photo identification, a personal statement, and an interview with a CSTCM administrator. We do not accept credit through prior learning assessment for the admissions requirement of 60 or 90 college semester credits.
All students entering the program must have a laptop or other suitable device for accessing PDF course materials and other digital and online materials.
CSTCM is looking for students who have a realistic view of education and show the desire, motivation, and firm commitment to become dedicated, compassionate, and skilled TCM practitioners. The admissions committee assesses applicants throughout the application process. The committee reviews each applicant from numerous perspectives, including academic achievement, professional and life experiences, communication skills, and motivation. The programs at CSTCM require a strong commitment to learning multiple difficult skills. Prospective applicants are welcome to schedule an appointment with a CSTCM representative who will assist the prospective applicant in making a decision about applying. They can also arrange a tour of the school and visit some classes. We encourage all prospective applicants to visit the school. These arrangements can be made with the Recruitment Director.
CSTCM has a nondiscrimination policy. Qualified applicants are considered based on individual merit without regard to disability, gender, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all school matters and to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CSTCM.
Completed applications are due at least 2 months before the start of the trimester. Class size is limited. If space allows, applications may be accepted up to 1 week before the start of the 1st trimester, although we recommend applying early. Those who are not accepted into the entering class for space reasons will be put on a waiting list.
Students must finish the DAOM program in a maximum of 12 trimesters.
CSTCM reserves the right to cancel a starting class if the number of students enrolling is deemed insufficient. If a starting class is canceled, CSTCM will fully refund all money paid by students denied admittance.
All students must meet graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation, rather than at the time of application unless written policy states otherwise.