Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine

I really like this school because of its high teaching standard. Sometimes may feel challenging, but it is really good for my study and further practice. Especially its teaching clinic, I can see the real patients from outside and learned a lot from the supervisors. The president Mary always takes care of me like her child, not only in my study, but also in my life. I am so happy and lucky to choose this school and really enjoy it.

As an international transfer student, I was blown away by the comprehensiveness of TSTCM's accelerated curriculum, organization of the school administration, quality of the education and not to mention tuition of the program.

From the beginning, school president, admissions counselor and staff were supportive and easy to work with. They provided the necessary documents needed for the student permit/visa application and the credit transfer making the entire transfer process straightforward. Between each semester, the school offers personalized academic advising to guide you through the program.

The school instructors go above and beyond in their course preparation and teaching. In fact, many of our learning materials for major courses (TCM/foundations, acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina) have been directly translated by our instructors from Chinese TCM textbooks that are used by TCM universities in China. I find that having well written learning material and well versed, knowledgable instructors to be extremely valuable.

Lastly, I'm grateful for the supportive community at TSTCM. Senior students are often open to to sharing their knowledge and helping the junior students understand the material. While many of my peers collaborate with one another in our studies. The teachers and staff are always sharing their knowledge and advice to equip us to be leaders of the future.

I'm so glad that I landed here at TSTCM, where I can not only build a strong foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine for my career and calling, but to also be apart of an awesome and passionate community!

Went in there for a treatment. Really enjoyed the experience and the students were very curious and knowledgable and collectively they were able to troubleshoot my pain. Thanks guys!

I have been studying here at TSTCM since May 2019. As an international student (I am from the Unites States) I was unsure of the process of going to school in Canada and finding housing etc. Upon visiting TSTCM they gave me an in depth tour of the facilities, including a student clinic, classrooms, and free parking all on site. I was also informed of the application process, and even given advice on acquiring my visa and nearby residential areas. They even offer to let you sit in on a class prior to enrolling so you can get a feel for the school before committing.
Compared to schools in the US TSTCM is a steal in terms of tuition. There are schools with no student clinic and far less personal interaction with teachers that charge more than double. TSTCM also do not charge you a higher tuition fee of being an international student, which I am always very grateful of. The course materials you pay for and receive are books I regularly use for reference today, even though I have already taken those courses.
The course schedule is rigorous and sometimes overwhelming but there are always people there to support you along the way. I appreciate how seriously Mary Wu, school president, and the rest of the faculty take the learning process. Holding us to higher standards helps graduates of TSTCM excel in their post graduate exams as well as give our patients the best most effective care.
TCM is something I am genuinely passionate about and it is great to be around so many others that are as well. As a student here I have not only become close with my fellow colleagues but also the faculty at TSCTM. As someone who lives just outside the city, traffic can be bad in the area during rush hours, but where isn't it in Toronto? Definitely worth the time and effort to check out TSTCM.

I started studying here since 2017. I have completed my Acupuncture qualification exams with no problem due to the support and encouragement from the school. I am still in school for the advance program hoping to become a Dr. TCM under the British Columbia jurisdiction.

The school provides tremendous support, knowledge transfer and discipline for serious learners. Not only did I learn so much about TCM concepts, diagnosis and treatments which are fundamental, but I also learned the soft skills to interact and communicate with patients all thanks to the professional set up and structure of the hands on teaching clinic. It's very rewarding to have patients specifically rebook for me so that I can be their regular wellness provider.

TCM/ holistic medicine is more important than ever, to help the population to become more aware about preventative health and help them with their chronic conditions before it gets anymore serious. I know I have made the right choice in the school and the profession and cannot be happier and more excited about the future outlook. Thank you TSTCM!

Spend lots of my time in this school, tuition rate is expensive! Every students need patient recruitment which is actually forbidden in some cases. They need to focus on study. It's a money grab school, go somewhere else, thank me later :p

I have been a student at TSTCM for last 3 years who feels the school as one of the best TCM/Acupuncture institutions in this area. Reading through some reviews here made me think of scribbling something down here.
Basically I am a health care professional graduated from East. I am very much used to the professional schooling system of Eastern countries. This school provided me with strong foundation in TCM and Acupuncture which made me more confident to get into the public and motivated me for Advanced studies. The highly knowledgeable and professional staff and supervisors are always ready to help with any theoretical as well as practical queries. I am well impressed with the commitment of my instructors at the school.
Yes, the pace and content of the courses are intense.....as it should be. I always appreciate it and strongly believe that it is very much needed. Studying at TSTCM I now possess a keen understanding of diagnosis and treatment using TCM techniques. I feel confident in my acupuncture technique, and have had good response and results from the patients I have treated in the clinic. With that intense type of studying, I had no worries preparing for the registration exams. I was pretty confident with both Pan Canadian examinations and hope the same with my classmates too.
Another thing, I was really worried about the patient recruitment in the beginning when I started my training. But, didn't bother about it later as I got into working at CNE, other seminars and health expo. I believe that this is a challenge everyone must face and overcome in order to become successful practitioner. At these shows, we get opportunities to educate the public by answering their questions, to promote TCM, and to train ourselves by practicing TCM diagnosis and treatment modalities such as Tuina and acupuncture, also this helps to recruit clients. Students get credits for their patient recruitment for the hours they attended at the events in addition to the number of clients they recruit to the clinic. This policy actually help us establish the constant concept of client recruitment and retention for TCM and Acupuncture practice. I was not good in taking my family or friends there as I live in another city a bit far from the school, but got a vast number of recruits to fill my records from attending these shows. And I don't think anybody fail the clinic just because they don't have enough recruits.
One more thing, about President Mary Wu - she is always ready to help her 'TCM babies', at school as well as with other situations like she was at the Pan Canadian examination site to support her students with a suitcase of water, juice and snacks and waited outside all through the exam, just in case if any of her babies needed help. Of course, it was very much encouraging and helpful in boosting our confidence. You know what! TSTCM graduates scored 100% pass rate in the written exam! That's the confidence she pass on to her TCM babies.
I strongly recommend TSTCM to every body who is serious about their future in TCM and Acupuncture. you can do your own research to find out the facts. Find out in person than deciding with the web reviews...

Well college follows really high standards.
You just have to be careful picking this workshop up by advertisement.
If you have good knowledge and back round, then it gives you good boost and refreshments for exam, but it won't help if you believe, you will achieve good results in one week.
100% pass rate is real only for students going through study in the college,don't get fooled by this advertisment.
Count on yourself only.

I have been working in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry for more than 25 years. I understand how a western drug works and the benefits of having alternative medicine. In 2015, I have decided to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine. After thorough research and comparison of curriculum, I have registered at the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The school was founded in 1995. It has 20 years of well established programs and curriculum. After completing one semester of TCM courses, the school and the teachers have demonstrated the high quality standards set by the principal and the TCM professors. They provided good theoretical learning as well as practical training. The teachers have prepared very useful study notes and have provided guidance on the alternative philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The students are very enthusiastic about their continuous education. They have created a very cooperative and friendly study environment.

I have enjoyed my learning at the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and am looking forward to learn more from the school.

October 18th 2013 marked the first ever Pan-Canadian Examinations for TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists. President Mary Wu was at the examination site to support her students who she calls them her TCM babies. She brought a suite case of water, juice and snacks and waited outside just in case if any of her babies needed help.

The result is clear! TSTCM graduates scored 90% pass rate for this exam! The fact is that TSTCM graduates have double chances to pass the exams in their first attempt compare to other schools!

What more do you need to know?

As far as I know, there were 24 GEN-R. Ac / GEN-R.TCMP are TSTCM graduates among 71 total general members registered with CTCMPAO as of June 21, 2014. What does this mean? It means that 34% of the currently fully assessed and fully qualified TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists are trained by TSTCM! I am certainly proud to be part of this school!

It is very true that the schooling is very demanding and challenging. The rules are strict such as attendance, patient recruitment and late payment. I understand that attendance policy ensures the good order of classes. Patient recruitment ensures the students have large client basis to practice, to accumulate clinical experiences and to perfect the practical skills. The payment policy ensures the smooth operation of the business. The tuition is very reasonable and much lower than many other same level professional schools and TCMA schools outside of Toronto.

I recommend the school to every body who is serious about their future and who wants to be the BESTS!

Do your own research and find out the facts.

I am currently enrolled as a student in the acupuncture diploma program and just completed TCM 2, and Acu 2 & practical. I am also an active registered massage therapist, owner of a busy therapeutic clinic and a mother of two children. After attending university and completing the massage therapy program at a private college, I must say the material study at TSTCM is the most challenging that I have experienced.

My goal is to become a fully registered acupuncturist. When I did my research to find a compatible school, I chose TSTCM because it was one of the few schools in Toronto (and in the GTA) that had been around for almost 20 years. The students who graduate from this school have a very high success rate in completing the Pan Canadian examinations, and for a person like me who has little time and money to waste, this is what I need. The tuition fees are high, but no higher than average university courses. I understand that they have to be strict on financial regulations because this school is not funded by the government under the ministry of universities and colleges. Considering her challenges, Dr. Wu has done an amazing job keeping this school open and designing the curriculum in a way to benefit her students.

I have met the most intelligent and interesting classmates I find that Dr. Wu is a tough teacher and extremely compassionate and attentive on seeing all of her students pass and succeed. I would highly recommend this school to anyone interested in becoming a professional practitioner.

If comparing this program to another health care professional program, the tuition and textbook fees would cost pretty much the same.
The theory that is delivered here is solid and a great foundation which is sufficient to get you the license with a high pass probability. As a health care practitioner, I think it is absolutely essential to have a license in order to practice. Without passing the licensing exam, it is as good as not completing any courses.

most graduates find it necessary to praise the institution they studied at. I was attracted by the impressive faculty listed in their very professionally done catalogue. To my surprise, after my first two semesters there, almost 90% of the faculty listed were no longer teaching there – in fact, hadn’t been for a LONG time. I found out why only after I have left the school. The first year basic acupuncture point locations were OK but not the more advanced classes. Some classes were taught by TAs - who has little or no worldly experience. Classes were maximized for benefiting the school financially. Students must purchase class "notes" from the school - with illustrations copied and pasted from other books - at a hefty fee ($50.00) instead of using well-written books. One of the strangest practices at the TSTCM School is that the students must solicit patients for the teaching clinic even though we have already paid for the teaching clinical hours. It was thought that the school is more ‘demanding’ when in fact it just has a lot of constant low-level busy-work - yes, lots of typing. Whether you learn from this type of busy work is questionable. We who choose to study TCM already have made a commitment. We are motivated from within ourselves not by some artificial "commitment" termed by an institution or by an unpleasant environment.
Luckily for me, I was able to understand that the school had a monopoly in Toronto for many years teaching in English to English speakers not necessarily due to its quality. Now, it finally has its competitions but it still imagines it has 'high standards'. I found another school in Toronto where the environment is much more conducive for learning and supportive of students with a good line-up of competent experienced teachers.
In your search for TCM school, a competent group of highly clinical-experienced teachers is the most important factor. Find out who are really teaching there – not who taught there. You should also find out how much tuition can go up from year to year and get it in writing so you are not surprised from semester to semester because you are hooked by the school's diploma. Good luck in your search.

I attended this school for 2 years to complete the acupuncture diploma program. I did a lot of research on the other TCM schools in Toronto and finally decided to enroll here because it seemed the most organized and had been around for a long time. The program was very structured and all the students are held to a high standard of academics (you need a 70% to pass). This will benefit you the most in your career...isn't that what you are paying for? Some of the other schools in the area are less strict and do not demand as much of the students (for example, they may be more lenient with the acu point locations). In the long run, it is in your best interest to learn as much information as possible and be taught the acupuncture point locations as precisely as possible - this is how you will achieve high clinical results once you graduate.
It's definitely an expensive program and there is absolutely no wiggle room from the administration in terms of extenuating circumstances should you need to transfer or put your studies on hold temporarily. That is one area I would say the school can improve - in building it's relationships with students. They are more than happy to take your money, but do nothing to accommodate you if you are not able to follow the course outline exactly.
In the end, I would definitely enroll in this school again. I am happy with the decision I made. My goal was to learn TCM to the highest standard and that's exactly what this school provided for me. I was able to pass all my licensing exams on the first try. If you are looking to be coddled or 'spoon fed' then I would suggest going to another school.

I am a current student of this school, and about to finish my program. I chose it because it is a very complete and professional program. If starting all over again I would choose this school again. It is not the least expensive option, but these costs and policies are all spelled out in advance and should not be a surprise. I would not make a major life decision based on a review website...visit this school and the others and talk to both students and teachers before making a commitment.

DEAR FORMER, PRESENT AND FUTURE STUDENTS,

Some of you have some experience in your practice already. I trust that you have learnt and realized now how essential patient recruitment is for your success as a TCM practitioner.

If you are searching for a TCMA school and have any questions, I will be happy to speak or meet with you and to help you on your journey to a successful and reward career. If you choose to.

Why TSTCM require students for patient recruitment:

In order to help our students to realize the importance of patient recruit, to help our students establish the constant concept of client recruitment and retention for TCMA practice, and to ensure the client bases for our student to acquire their clinical skills and experience, students have been required for patient recruitment for their clinical courses. It is purely for the students learning. This requirement is stated very clearly in the school policy and procedures, the clinical hand book, all clinical course syllabus and related clinical forms. This is also one of the interview questions for all our prospective students. We know the importance of this requirement. We help our students to understand this and to accept this requirement at the time of their admission.

Create opportunities for and help our students to meet this requirement:

We understand the challenges of recruiting patients, especially for the teaching clinic. But this challenge everyone must face and overcome in order to become successful. We attend health shows and events such as Total Health, Whole Life Expo, even the CNE, and much more, to educate the public, to promote TCM, and to train our students. By attending the shows and events, our students learn and experience how to educate the public, how to answer their questions , and to practice TCM diagnosis and treatment modalities such as tuina and acupuncture, and to recruit clients. Students get credits for their patient recruitment for the hours they attended at the events in addition to the number of clients they recruit to the clinic. Special arrangements have been made by the school for students who had difficulties in recruiting and who asked for help. No student has failed any clinic because of their patient recruitment. We encourage students to come forward with any challenges and we are here to help, not to fail!

The results _ Enriched clinical experience and enhanced confidence

TSTCM has been working hard to promote the school clinic and to recruit patients for our students. Over 60% of the clients are from the school promotion and recruits. With the joint effort and working together, our students have the opportunity to practice their diagnosis and treatments with over 250 patient visits for their acupuncture program, may even over 500 direct patient contacts for their practitioner and advanced programs. This intensive clinical training ensure our students clinical competencies and build their confidence when they graduate.

Evidence and proves of TSTCM standards and quality of education:

TSTCM provides systematic, comprehensive professional medical education that combines both theoretical foundation, practical skills and clinical experience. Having a solid foundation in theory and practical skills in TCM is important. The high passing rate for BC and USA-NCCAOM examinations by our graduates is a hard evidence to prove the quality of education provided by TSTCM. The 100% pass rate of both acupuncture and Chinese herbology for the NCCAOM over ten years ago by our first graduating class of the Doctor of TCM Diploma Program (2800h/4y fulltime at the time), and myself stood for the tests. These graduates are: Marylyn Bell , Jay McCoy, Corinna McFarlane and David Surman. To help the students for their NCCAOM exams, we offered the students review and examination preparation courses. To support the students on their way to and during their examinations, I went together with them all the way to New York for our CNT exam, and to Vermont for our written and practical exams. We did our 5 hour Acupuncture written exam (200 multiple choice questions) and one hour point location on Saturday, and our 5 hour Herbology exam (200 multiple choice questions) the next day! We earned our trust and reputation from NCCAOM. I am very glad to let you know that you don't have to travel to US anymore because NCCAOM offers the exams in Toronto now soon after we did our exams! From what we know, there are also Ken Tang, Judy Bush and Kevin Juliano ...... followed our footsteps and successfully passed their NCCAOM exams although the format of the exams have changed significantly.

TSTCM graduate have also performed very well with the BC's examinations. I went to BC and did my acupuncture exam about 10 years ago together with our student. We are very proud to announce the following graduates who we know have successfully passed the BC examinations in acupuncture and/or the Chinese herbal medicine examinations or both: Marylyn Bell, Aric Chang, Virginia Choi, Aijun Chung, Jeffrey Chung, Junko Got, Emiko Kanematsu , Chongmin Kim, Yeon Hee Kim, Amanda Merenda, , Rita Mok, Katrina Quintos, Cary Rendek, and Hye Jung Yoon.

TSTCM is your school and welcome your comments and suggestions:

TSTCM living up to the time honoured standards of the past, while meeting the responsibilities of today and tomorrow. To provide the education that required by the profession for your registration and future success in your practice, there are still many improvements need to be made. I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions. I invite you to come back to your school in our new location, to chat with us, to share your experiences, or to teach a courses. By working together, we can build our profession, earn our trust and reputation from the public, other professions and the government, to promote TCM as a worldwide medical science and a formal health profession for the health benefits of human being, and to become more successful all together!

I wish you all great success!

Sincerely,

Mary Xiumei WU
Your President

I'm a little floored by some of the comments made on this website. Firstly, fees are set out in the book and students are made well aware as with any educational institution, such as a university, that transferring costs a fee. Secondly, I am also impressed with the level of the instructor's commitment to teaching. I currently go to the school and attend classes with fellow students who are professionals such as doctors, RMT's and university grads with degrees in health sciences. And although we all find it challenging, it is because there is a lot of material and you are held to a very high standard to ensure you know the material thoroughly. I've checked out other schools and institutions in the Toronto area such as the Naturopathic College and most of the TCM teachers or actual school owners have graduated from this very school. So I thought why not learn it from the source? The recruitment although not easy is not impossible and you can make some of it up by doing seminars but ultimately you will have to recruit your own patients when you get out into the real world - so getting some practice in presentation skills and talking to people at trade shows helps. I hope this is of help to everyone because helping people is ultimately why we are all here.

When you decide to educated yourself in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine you have to understand you are entering the field of Medicine, period. During the training period however difficult or what appears to be costly you will only know what type of education you have received after you've been practicing for a few years. The knowledge you gain is apparent when you are faced with treating people with very serious conditions, brain tumors, MS, strokes, stenosis, etc. and when TCM practiced properly treats these people, you've done your job and your education has paid off. Please think very carefully about your education and the future. TSTCM has a proven track record of students meeting all the requirements to be accepted to write the US board exams (NCCAOM) and the B.C Exams. That's the first step in qualifying ones educational standards. As I said that's the first step, the real test is treating people. If you want to benefit society with this extraordinary medicine, then learn all you can from the best educational institute available. There is no price tag on education. Do your homework and base this on what you want to achieve in the future. If you want to get your PHD in TCM then you need the best education. Practice standards and exams are only the beginning. Try to see beyond for your sake and for the sake of the medical system in Canada. Choosing TSTCM will give you that edge and you'll become an excellent practitioner. You won't be sorry. After more than 13 years of practice I know how much we were given in more ways that one. Once you enter into this arena you will be for ever learning and again you will continually choose who teaches you. Start with the best and then you will continue to become selective in gaining knowledge.
Be serious, be patient, and be grateful that people who are teaching at TSTCM are there for you, always.

(BTW, you should NOT decide to enroll in a school or not BASED ON THESE WEB REVIEWS. are you silly or what.)

go check out the program and school and administration for yourself before you enroll (duh??)


Make sure it is something you want to do!
A part time program of study for herbology AND acupuncture, as well as tuina massage (all the courses of study offered) would take 7 years

On a full time basis it would be equivalent to 4-5 years of study. it is expensive, but it is privately funded and renovations do take place to enhance the student experience.

The acupuncture program by itself is fantastic, but students need to buy their own needs as well, lab jacket, etc. acupuncture program by itself may only need 1-2.5 years to complete compared to the entire TSTCM practicioner program

This school is a tremendous stepping stone for those who want to develop a future in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It has been carefully established, per student, by the well respected Dr. Mary Wu.

Many who enrol in the programs offered at this school, will find that their time is very limited. The vast systems of Chinese Medicine cannot be attained within several years of study.

On the contrary, It is an ongoing discovery; with personal mentorship, and proper guidance.

TSTCM Can offer this.