Course

Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Approved Abbreviation: BTCM

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4710.1

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 089195D

This course prepares graduates for careers as practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners are usually either self-employed in private practice or work as a member of a team in a clinic that offers a range of therapies. They practice as acupuncturists and treating clients using Chinese herbal medications. There are also opportunities in medical research, product development, management and sales roles in pharmaceutical and herbal companies.

The course in Traditional Chinese Medicine is offered as a 4-year Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first three years of the program combine studies in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with a broad understanding of biomedicine and various health science fields to develop the professional competencies important for ethical and safe practice and high quality care and the skills to work in multidisciplinary teams. The final year focuses predominately on practical experience and specialised areas. Part of the clinical experience can be taken through an intensive clinical placement in China. Evidence-based practice is one of the most important trends in healthcare today and a strong feature of the program.

Study Mode
Four years full-time

Accreditation
The Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine has been approved as meeting the accreditation requirements of the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia to qualify graduates for general registration in the three divisions of Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner and Chinese Herbal Dispenser.

Admission

Assumed knowledge: any 2 units of English.

Recommended studies: Biology

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

International applicants must apply directly to Western Sydney University via the International Office. International students applying to The University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Special Requirements Prerequisites
In order to enrol in Second Year Autumn units, all students must have: National Police Certificate and a Working with Children Check Student Declaration. In order to enrol in Second Year Spring units, all students must have a First Aid Certificate (including cardiopulmonary resuscitation). To be eligible to undertake clinical placements in public hospitals, students must comply with vaccination requirements and be prepared to submit a completed Adult Immunisation Card to placement institutions. NSW Health can provide details of necessary vaccinations. To meet NSW health requirements for clinical placements, second year students will be required to attend a ‘bulk compliance’ appointment to have their special requirements verified by NSW Health staff. To be eligible to undertake field/work/practice placements, students must also comply with the NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act (2004) and complete a relevant declaration.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence

Year 1

Autumn session

400346

Traditional Chinese Medicine 1

400868

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

400866

Culture, Diversity and Health

401396

Professional Competencies in Health

Note: Unit 401396 Professional Competencies in Health replaces 400871 Professional Health Competencies from Autumn 2021