Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Acceptance Rate, Programs, Tuition, Ranking, Scholarships

Suppose you want to get the best in oriental medicine. In that case, the Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS), formerly known as the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM), should top the list of schools in your study destination.

As the largest accredited oriental medicine college in the USA, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine prepares students for careers as healing practitioners with an integrative approach: blending eastern healthcare practices and western bio-science while emphasizing a strong hands-on clinical component.

So, since its formation, those calling to practice and promote a holistic approach to health have been led to Pacific College. You are definitely in the right place if you are one of such people.

In this article,  I will comprehensively review the Pacific College of Health and Science, from its location to its rankings, accreditation, rate, admission requirements, tuition fees, programs and courses, and scholarships.

Stay with me as we go through this together.

Here is a table of what to expect:

Before we go ahead, note that I will be using Pacific College of Health and Science and Pacific College of Oriental Medicine interchangeably.

Why Study at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine?

Pacific College of Health and Science was founded in 1986 to provide Oriental medical and Asian bodywork therapy education to students worldwide.

So, the first reason why you should study at Pacific College is that you want educational excellence. As a Pacific College of Health and Science student, you receive training in an integrative medicine approach, learning the best from both Eastern and Western medicine theories and practices.

Here, your education is enhanced with hands-on training and in-class exercises to prepare you for a career after graduation. Also, your feedback as a student is welcomed; many advancements within the college are the result of suggestions.

Secondly, you can achieve your educational goals and cultivate your professional skills within the school setting. From an Associate’s degree to a Doctorate, you learn the basics of Oriental medicine and continue to grow your skills all in one place.

Thirdly, you get to study under the tutelage of experienced faculty. You’ll benefit by learning from the school’s varied academic community, which includes practicing acupuncturists, medical doctors, massage therapists, herbalists, chiropractors, homeopaths, and Taoist practitioners.

Other Reasons Why You Should Study at Pacific College

  • Community Involvement: Throughout the year, you can treat the general public during various health and wellness events, including Chinese New Year, Vietnam Veterans Stand Down, Great American Smoke-out, and various expos. Additionally, students partake in the schools on and off-campus free clinics and other events. 
  • Personal Growth Opportunities: Pacific College’s free and donation-based yoga, Tai Ji, taiji push hands, meditation, and martial arts classes enhance your professional and personal life. Also, you can try something new each term as their class choices change from term to term.
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Financial aid is available for those who qualify at Pacific College. As a student, you may apply for various outside scholarships based on financial need and academic merit.
  • Many Scheduling Options: Attend either full or part-time with day, evening, and weekend courses offered to help balance your work and academic schedule.
  • Career Development: Graduates can benefit from the school’s alumni career services, continuing education opportunities, and job placement assistance.
  • Alumni Networking: You connect to the Pacific College alumni network and forums after graduation. By interacting with fellow alumni, you can share treatment protocols, business advice, case studies, and job opportunities while building a genuine community of healers.

Where is the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Located?

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) is a private, for-profit college in the United States, with campuses in San Diego, New York (NY), and Chicago. 

The PCOM’s main campus is located in the heart of Mission Valley, minutes from beaches, shopping centers, the San Diego River at 7445 Mission Valley Road, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92108.

PCOM’s New York campus is on William Street in Lower Manhattan, near City Hall, the South Street Seaport and Wall Street at 110 William St 19th floor, New York, NY 10038.

Meanwhile, the Chicago campus is located at 65 E Wacker Pl Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601. The Chicago campus, on Wacker Place in the Loop area of downtown, is bright and colorful, with panoramic views. Millennium Park, the Chicago River, and the shopping district of the Magnificent Mile are also nearby.

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Accreditation

Pacific College of Health and Science is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Other Pacific College of Oriental Medicine program accreditations and licensures include:

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Rankings

Pacific College is the largest oriental medicine college in the USA. It has also received awards for its acupuncture and oriental medicine curriculum, clinical training, and research grants from the National Institutes of Health and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

PCHS is also known for having the most robust professional network and Continuing Education programs in the U.S. for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Here are some College Factual rankings of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine San Diego and New York:

  • Most Popular Bodywork Services
  • Best Colleges in Ethnic Diversity Nationwide
  • Most Focused Bodywork Services
  • Most Focused Health Professions

What is the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Acceptance Rate?

According to Peterson’s, the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine has a 95% acceptance rate. That is, out of 60 applicants, 57 of them were accepted.

This is quite high compared to most US schools’ acceptance rates. So to get admitted, ensure you adhere to the school’s admissions process and requirements.

What are the Admission Requirements at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine?

To apply, an applicant should send the following to the school’s office of admissions:

  • A completed Pacific College Application Form (Online or by Mail)
  • Application fee ($50)
  • One current, full-face, passport-size photo for the student file
  • A personal statement describing your motivation for entering the field of Oriental medicine, holistic nursing, and/or massage therapy.

Note: The doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s programs’ essays should be typed, double-spaced, and approximately 1 to 2 pages long.
Applicants to the associate’s and massage therapy programs must write 2-3 sentences in the space on the application describing their reasons for entering this profession; no written statement is required for non-matriculated or public education applicants.

Other Important Application Information Required

  • Doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree applicants’ official transcripts from all colleges and massage programs should be sent directly to Pacific College from the institution.
  • International documents in a non-English language require an accompanying, original, certified translation into English, including year-to-year records of each college or university attended.
  • If you attended a school outside the United States, an academic evaluation of international transcripts/ documents regarding American accredited equivalency must be sent to Pacific.
  • All students enrolled in education programs in New York State must provide evidence of the following:
    Two doses of measles vaccination.
    One dose each of mumps and rubella

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Academics: Programs of Study

Pacific College of Health and Science offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its three locations; San Diego, New York, and Chicago; and also online.

Below are the available programs. Do well to click on each of them to see their various options.

Pacific College of Health and Science offers the following acupuncture programs:

PCOM San Diego

  • Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM)
  • Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM)
  • Transitional Doctorate for Master’s Graduates

PCOM New York

  • Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM)
  • Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc)
  • Advanced Certificate in Herbology
  • Transitional Doctorate for Master’s Graduates

PCOM Chicago

  • Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) or Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc)
  • Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM)
  • Masters of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc)
  • Advanced Certificate in Herbology
  • Transitional Doctorate for Master’s Graduates

Pacific College of Health and Science offers the following massage therapy programs:

PCOM San Diego

  • Certificate in Massage Therapy/Asian Bodywork
  • Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapies

PCOM New York

  • Associate of Occupational Studies in Massage Therapies, AOS

PCOM Chicago

  • Massage Therapy/Asian Bodywork Certificate

Pacific College of Health and Science offers the following first professional doctorate programs:

  • Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM)
  • Transitional Doctorates for Master’s Graduates

The following courses are available in Pacific College’s AAS Yoga Teacher Certification program

  • Yoga History and Philosophies
  • Yoga: Asanas, Alignments, and Adjustments
  • Ayurveda and Yoga Lifestyle
  • Prana, Breathwork, and the Subtle Body
  • Yogic Meditation
  • Teaching Methodologies and Integrated Teaching Practice
  • Introduction to Yoga for Specialty Populations
  • Professional Practice and Ethics
  • Teaching Yoga: Practicum
  • Marma Therapy
  • Yin Yoga

Read more: See the 13 Best Massage Therapy Schools In The World Here

Pacific College Online Programs

The Pacific College of Health and Science offers several programs online to meet the needs of today’s non-traditional students. The following programs are available online:

  • Holistic Nursing Degree Programs
  • Transitional Doctorate
  • Medical Cannabis
  • Health & Human Performance (MS)
  • Health & Human Performance (Certificate)
  • Public Health Education & Promotion (BS)
  • Contact Tracing Certificate

Program Description

  • Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
  • Online Certificate in Holistic Nursing (postbaccalaureate)

In this program, you will find an emphasis on advancing your knowledge and skills to work effectively in a variety of integrative healthcare systems. So, by offering an online post-graduate program, you can earn either of the following:

  • Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc)
  • Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine credential (DACM)

The Medical Cannabis certificate online program is offered using a combination of synchronous and self-paced formats.  For each seven-week course, two to three weeks comprise live classes, while the rest is asynchronous coursework with defined outcomes. A full-time student can complete this in as little as 6 months.

  • Endocannabinoid System and Pharmacology | 3 Credits
  • Clinical Medical Cannabis Guidelines and Professional Practice | 3 Credits
  • Cannabis Care Capstone | 2 Credits
  • Cannabis Business Capstone | 2 Credits

Note: you are to select one course from the two capstone options.

The purpose of the Master of Science (Health and Human Performance) (MSHHP) is to provide students with a deep interest in self-discovery and personal growth with the knowledge and experience required to become health coaches and health educators.

Courses are offered in the following areas:

  • Health Coaching
  • Health Education
  • Chinese Medicine
  • Performance Solutions Portfolio

With only four courses and a flexible, 100% online delivery model, Pacific College’s Health Coach certification is a powerful doorway into the coaching world backed up by a solid, accredited institution.

Below are the courses offered in the Health and Human Performance Coaching (HHPC) certification program:

  • Personal Growth
  • Principles and Practice
  • Interpersornal Skills
  • Professional Skills

The Pacific College of Health and Science’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion (PHEP) offers students a pathway for becoming certified health education specialists through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

How Much is Tuition at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine?

The tuition and other fees at Pacific College of Health and Science vary among the programs and the different campuses.

Notwithstanding, the total tuition fee ranges between $14,172 to $71,201 for the San Diego campus, $20,332 to $91,899 for the New York campus, and $9,990 to $75,345 for the Chicago campus, depending on your program of study.
Note: The total tuition is the sum of the total money you’ll spend on tuition throughout your study period (be it 1, 2, 3, or 4 years).

Now, let’s see the cost of tuition at the various campuses.

#1 PCOM San Diego Tuition and Fees

The table shows the total amount Pacific College students spend on tuition for each program throughout their study at the San Diego campus. The cost for each semester is also indicated below.

ProgramTuition
DACM
Approximate cost per semester (11 terms) (depending on course load): $6,291.36
$71,201
MSTOM
Approximate cost per semester (11 terms) (depending on course load): $5,943.45
$67,263
Associate of Science
Approximate cost per semester (5 terms) (depending on course load): $4,746.80
$23,734
Associate of Applied Science (5 terms)
Approximate cost per semester (depending on course load): $4,885.00
$24,425
Massage Therapist/Asian Bodywork
Approximate cost per semester (depending on course load): $4,885.00
$14,172
Associate of Applied Science (Yoga Teacher) (5 terms)
Approximate cost per semester (depending on course load): $5,028.00
$25,137

Below is the cost of books and supplies for each program:

  • DACM – $4,500/565
  • MSTOM – $4,410/555
  • Associate of Science – $1,152/128
  • Associate of Applied Science – $1,215/135
  • Massage Therapist/Asian Bodywork – $711/79
  • Associate of Applied Science (Yoga Teacher) – $1,138/195

#2 PCOM New York Tuition and Fees

The table shows the total amount Pacific College students spend on tuition for each program throughout their study in the New York campus.

ProgramCost
MSTOM$91,899
MSAc$69,669
Associate of Occupational Studies$34,507
Advanced Certificate in Chinese Herbology$20,332

Below is the cost of books and supplies for each program:

  • MSTOM – $4,965
  • MSAc – $2,315
  • Associate of Occupational Studies – $1,350
  • Herbal Certificate – $1,093

#3 PCOM Chicago Tuition and Fees

The table shows the total amount Pacific College students spend on tuition for each program throughout their study in the Chicago campus.

ProgramCost
DACM$75,345
MSTOM$60,252
MSAc$53,952
Massage Therapist/Asian Bodywork$9,990
Advanced Certificate in Chinese Herbology$15,750

Below is the cost of books and supplies for each program:

  • DACM – $5,065
  • Dac – $2,515
  • MSTOM – $4,965
  • MSAc – $2,315

#4 PCOM Online Tuition and Fees

The online tuition fee at Pacific College of Health and Science varies between the programs. The total tuition fee ranges between $3,280 to $44,170, depending on the program.

The table below shows the total amount online Pacific College students spend on tuition for each program throughout their study.

ProgramCost
Transitional DACM/DAc$9,570 ($435 per unit)
MSHHP
Approximate cost per semester (depending on course load): $4500
$18,000 ($500 per unit)
Health Coach Certificate
Approximate cost per semester: $1500
$6,000($500 per unit)
Medical Cannabis Certificate$3,280 ($410 per unit)
BSPHEP
Approximate cost per semester (depending on course load): $4417
$44,170 ($410 per unit)
B.S., Nursing
*Final cost of tuition is based on transfer credits and does not include fees, CPR, and supplies.
$17,700*
Certificate Program in Holistic Nursing
*does not include fees and supplies.
$4,980*

Below is the cost of books and supplies for each program:

  • Transitional DACM/DAc – approximately $250
  • MSHHP – $1,200
  • Health Coach Certificate – $500
  • Medical Cannabis Certificat – approximately $300
  • BSPHEP – $1,200
  • B.S., Nursing – $2,990
  • Certificate Program in Holistic Nursing – $221

#5. Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for Pacific College of Health and Science students, ranging from sponsored scholarships to federal and state funds.

Here are some scholarships open to you as a Pacific College student:

  • Pacific College Full-time Nursing Program Scholarship: This scholarship assists Pacific College of Health and Science students attending the B.S. Completion of Program in Nursing on a full-time basis. APPLY HERE
  • American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) Annual Scholarship: The ABORM Annual Scholarship amount is $1000.00, with the scholarship to be paid in full upon successful submission and acceptance for publication of an article in the Journal of Chinese Medicine (JCM).  So, applications with topic proposals must be submitted to the ABORM by March 31st annually, and the winner will be notified by April 30th of that same year. APPLY HERE
  • Successful Hand Grants Program: This program supports professional massage therapy students and their schools. The application cycle opens in the fall, and several student grants are available through an essay submission process. APPLY HERE
  • QuitDay.org Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to three students every year, graduate and undergraduate, for their responses to essay questions listed on the QuitDAy website. Applications tend to be due in December; APPLY HERE.
  • American Massage Therapy Associate (AMTA) Scholarship: AMTA puts out several scholarships throughout the year for students in the massage program. The application is effortless; CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY STATUS AND APPLY HERE.

Click the link below for more information on Pacific College of Health and Science scholarships.

SCHOLARSHIP LINK

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Website

You can visit the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine’s official website for more information about the school, its admission, programs, and tuition.

VISIT SCHOOL

Conclusion

The article has been carefully written to provide all the information you need regarding the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. So, ensure you take your time to go through it.

I hope this helps you in your decision-making process.

Good Luck And Success!!!

References

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