Who can study Acupuncture and TCM with us?


The photo shows a group of students of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in the main classroom of the Irish College of TCM, in Dublin.
Students of Acupuncture and TCM

Questions that Acupuncture applicants often ask

We are now accepting applications for the 2019 Academic year which starts in October. So, I thought it would be useful to answer some of the questions that prospective applicants often ask.

The main thing people want to know is “Will I be a suitable Acupuncture student“?

If you have a keen interest in medicine and health and would like to work in a Caring profession, then that is a good start. We will then want to know why you are particularly interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture?

The answers might be:

  • I have a friend who is a TCM practitioner and Acupuncturist and they got me interested.
  • I have been unwell and Acupuncture treatment really helped me so I know it works.
  • I’ve read about Chinese Medicine and I like its Holistic approach.
  • I work as a Health professional and would like to extend my range of Clinical options and heard good reports about Acupuncture and other TCM treatments.

“Do you accept students from other countries?”

We accept students from Ireland the UK and all parts of the EU. We also accept people from other countries provided the student will not require a Student Visa to study on our course.

Because all of our courses are part time and do NOT qualify for a student visa we are unable to accept any applicants from overseas countries where a Visa is required. If an applicant from such a country already has the right of abode and right to work or study in the EU we can accept their application.

Another common question is “Am I too old?” or “Am I too young to study with you?

The answer to that is that we accept suitable people of any age, provided they are at least 21 years old when the course begins. Our courses are designed for adults who are wishing to either change profession or, if they already work in Acupuncture and TCM to gain a post-graduate qualification.

“What qualifications do I need to be a suitable Acupuncture Student?

  • You do not need to have prior qualifications in either TCM or Western Medicine.
  • You must be able to show us that you have the capacity (not just the desire) to undertake an intensive course of part-time study over a three year period.
  • Prior study on intensive or demanding courses will be an advantage, because you will be prepared and know a little of what to expect, but this is not a requirement.

“What qualities do I need?”

You need to be intelligent, not afraid of hard work and willing to work in a small group with other adults who have the same hopes and expectations as yourself. The course sets high standards and we accept students who are prepared to put in the necessary commitment to be successful in the academic, practical and interpersonal aspects of the course. It helps to be mature and well motivated and being kind and helpful to others are qualities that will help you to be a better practitioner.

You will be training to be a professional practitioner of Acupuncture TCM so many different skills need to be developed.

You can find out more about our Students and Graduates and the specific entry requirements via these links.

Finally, don’t forget that your application is just the first step. We interview all suitable applicants (or people who seem to be suitable) and during the interview and tour of the college and teaching clinic you will have a chance to discuss your suitability with a member of the teaching team.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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