Welcome to Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, one of the nation's leading schools for acupuncture, massage, Chinese herbal medicine, and integrative medicine. Here, you will earn your certificate or degree in one of three dynamic cities: San Diego, New York, or Chicago. Our programs cover an array of courses including acupuncture, Shiatsu, Tui Na, Thai massage, and the principles of natural nutrition. Practice Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation with like-minded students and expert faculty as you prepare for a rewarding career in this emerging integrative medical field.
Top 10 Reasons to Attend Pacific College
- Educational Excellence: You will receive training in an integrative medicine approach, learning the best from both Eastern and Western medicine theories and practices. Your education is enhanced with hands-on training and in class exercises that will prepare you for a career after graduation. At Pacific College, student feedback is welcomed. Many advancements within the college are the result of suggestions.
- Professional Degrees from Associates to Doctorate: Achieve your educational goals and cultivate your professional skills within our school setting. From an associate's degree to a doctorate, you will learn the foundations of Oriental medicine and continue to grow your skills all in one place.
- Hands-on Training: As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you'll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.
- Experience Faculty: Benefit by learning from our varied academic community that includes practicing acupuncturists, medical doctors, massage therapists, herbalists, chiropractors, homeopaths, and Taoist practitioners. Participate in dialogues with our expert team on everything from the fundamentals of traditional Oriental medicine to the problems that affect patients in today's culture.
- Community Involvement: Get involved in our community outreach events. Throughout the year you have the opportunity to treat the general public during various health and wellness events including Chinese New Year, Vietnam Veterans Stand Down, Great American Smoke-out, and various expos. Additionally, students partake in the school's off campus free clinics and our Integrative Medical Discussion Group. As a student, experience the benefits of being part of the community and assisting in times of need. In the past, our students have treated survivors of 9/11 and evacuees of the San Diego fires of 2003 and 2007.
- Personal Growth Opportunities: Our free and donation-based yoga, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Push Hands, meditation, and martial arts classes enhance your professional and personal life. Each term you have the opportunity to try something new as our class choices change term to term.
- Many Scheduling Options: Attend either full or part-time with day, evening, and weekend courses offered to help balance your work and academic schedule.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: Financial aid is available for those that qualify. As a student, you may apply for various outside scholarships based both on financial need and academic merit.
- Career Development: Graduates can benefit from our alumni career services, continuing education opportunities, and job placement assistance. Alumni may post their Practitioner Profiles on the Pacific College website to increase visibility to prospective employers and patients.
- Alumni Networking: After graduation, you will connect to our alumni network and forums. By interacting with fellow alumni, you have the opportunity to share treatment protocols, business advice, case studies, and job opportunities while building a true community of healers.
History
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine was founded in 1986 to provide the highest quality Oriental medicine and body therapy education to students from around the world. With a powerful vision of providing an East meets West environment, Pacific College introduces its students to the theory and practice of both approaches.
Since 1986, Pacific College has expanded to include two additional campuses. The Pacific College New York campus was established in 1993 followed by the Chicago campus in 2000. Pacific College's expansion is a testament to the growing need and demand for quality Oriental medicine practitioners as well as the college's excellent curriculum.
Institutional accreditation: Pacific College of Oriental Medicine is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. ACCSC's scope does not include the accreditation of Pacific College's doctoral program.
Programmatic accreditation: The professional master's and doctoral degree programs of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine are accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), which is the recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. ACAOM's current scope of recognition does not include doctoral program reviews. Pacific College of Oriental Medicine is here to help students plan ahead and apply for financial aid programs. Our Financial Aid Office staff is available to assist you to determine how much of the cost of your education can be financed by you, and how much may be paid by using financial aid programs.