Associate Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundations

Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Total Credit Hours: 60–65
Delivery Mode: Online
Credential Awarded: Associate of Science (AS) in TCM Foundations

🎯 Program Objectives

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice.

• Understand the use of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and other TCM modalities.

• Apply basic diagnostic techniques such as tongue and pulse analysis.

• Recognize the philosophical and cultural roots of TCM, including Taoist and Confucian influences.

• Integrate holistic approaches to health and wellness based on Yin-Yang and Five Element Theory.

📘 Year 1: Foundations and Core Concepts

🔹 Semester 1

• Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  An overview of the principles and historical development of TCM, including Yin-Yang, Qi, and the Five Elements.
  Modules:

  • History and Philosophy of TCM

  • Concept of Qi, Jing, Shen

  • Yin-Yang Theory

  • Introduction to the Five Element Theory

• Human Anatomy & Physiology for TCM Practitioners
  Credits: 4
  Course Description:
  Basic anatomy and physiology from a Western biomedical perspective, focused on systems relevant to TCM modalities.
  Modules:

  • Introduction to Organ Systems

  • Musculoskeletal System

  • Nervous and Circulatory Systems

  • Integration of A&P with Meridian Pathways

• Chinese Medical Terminology & Pinyin
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Introduces students to Chinese language basics, Pinyin romanization, and important TCM terms.
  Modules:

  • Basic Mandarin & Pinyin

  • Key TCM Terms (e.g., Zang-Fu, Jing-Luo)

  • Diagnostic Vocabulary

  • Communication for Clinical Practice

• Yin-Yang and Five Element Theory
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Deep dive into the two foundational philosophical systems of TCM, including clinical applications.
  Modules:

  • Interrelationships of Yin and Yang

  • Five Elements in Nature & the Body

  • Cycles: Sheng, Ke, Cheng, and Wu

  • Emotional and Seasonal Correspondences

🔹 Semester 2

• Zang-Fu Organ Theory
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  A study of the functional organ systems of the body as understood in TCM.
  Modules:

  • Introduction to Zang (Yin) and Fu (Yang) Organs

  • Organ Relationships and Functions

  • Pathological Manifestations

  • Clinical Case Studies

• Meridian and Acupoint Theory I
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Covers the basic channel (Jing-Luo) systems and major acupuncture points.
  Modules:

  • 12 Primary Channels

  • Du and Ren Channels

  • Introduction to Acupoints

  • Energetic Flow and Therapeutic Functions

• Chinese Herbal Medicine Foundations I
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  An introduction to herbal properties, classifications, and energetics.
  Modules:

  • Nature, Taste, and Direction of Herbs

  • Categories (Qi Tonics, Heat-Clearing, etc.)

  • Dosage and Preparation

  • Herb-Drug Interactions

• TCM Lifestyle and Dietary Therapy
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Focuses on holistic living and nutrition from the TCM perspective.
  Modules:

  • Eating by Season and Constitution

  • Therapeutic Foods

  • Qi and Blood Nourishment

  • Stress, Emotions, and Dietary Impact

📘 Year 2: Clinical and Diagnostic Development

🔹 Semester 3

• TCM Diagnosis I: Observation and Inquiry
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Introduces TCM's four diagnostic methods with focus on visual and verbal techniques.
  Modules:

  • Observation: Tongue Diagnosis

  • Inquiry: Patient Interview Techniques

  • Shen (Spirit) Assessment

  • Case Study Review

• Chinese Herbal Medicine Foundations II
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Deeper exploration into herbal formulas and individualized treatment planning.
  Modules:

  • Classical Formulas (e.g., Liu Wei Di Huang Wan)

  • Modern Adaptations

  • Combining Herbs

  • Herb Safety and Ethics

• Meridian and Acupoint Theory II
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Builds upon Meridian I, with in-depth point energetics and indications.
  Modules:

  • Point Combinations

  • Empirical Acupoints

  • Safety and Needling Precautions

  • Acupoint Selection by Syndrome

• Introduction to Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage)
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  Hands-on healing techniques based on meridian and channel theory.
  Modules:

  • Basic Tui Na Techniques

  • Indications and Contraindications

  • Application for Common Ailments

  • Clinical Tui Na Practice

🔹 Semester 4

• TCM Diagnosis II: Pulse and Palpation
  Credits: 3
  Course Description:
  A continuation of diagnostic skills, with a focus on pulse analysis and physical palpation.
  Modules:

  • Pulse Types and Indications

  • Organ-Specific Pulse Diagnosis

  • Abdominal Palpation

  • Diagnostic Synthesis