Five Branches University, Santa Cruz

A leading university in its field, Five Branches University offers graduate-level programs in Chinese medicine. In addition, its Northern California location provides beautiful surroundings as well as access to a large community of Chinese medical practitioners.

Five Branches awards master’s and doctoral degrees in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Students in these programs study alongside leading professionals in the field, many of whom are originally from China.

The area is ideal for aspiring Chinese medical practitioners: San Francisco, which is only about an hour away, has one of the largest Chinese populations in the country and has numerous Chinese medicine practices throughout the city.

Five Branches also sponsors study abroad programs, which allow students to spend a semester or year studying at an affiliate university in China.

Degree candidates in any program may elect to pursue an additional certification as well, in such areas as Medical Qijong, Sports Medicine and Tuina Massage.

While those who apply to Five Branches needn’t have any previous medical degree or training, they must either take prerequisite courses or take an examination showing proficiency in one or more subjects

The minimum required grade point average is 2.5. Admissions requirements include submission of an application, recommendation letters, a personal essay and transcripts.

Tuition can be charged on a per-unit or per-program basis. For those who are unable to pay the entire tuition at one time, tuition payment plans are available.

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