“The only accredited TCM college on Long Island, training acupuncturists and herbalists since 1996.”
New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NYCTCM) is a specialized private institution located in Mineola, New York, on Long Island — the only accredited college of traditional Chinese medicine in the greater New York metropolitan area. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Chi Chow, NYCTCM was established with a mission to deliver the highest quality education in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as it is taught in China, while integrating Western biomedical sciences to prepare graduates for modern clinical practice. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), NYCTCM offers fully accredited professional programs that qualify graduates to sit for national board examinations and obtain state licensure as acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners. NYCTCM offers three programs: a three-year combined Bachelor of Professional Studies/Master of Science in Acupuncture, a four-year combined BPS/MS in Oriental Medicine, and a post-graduate Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine for licensed practitioners. Coursework integrates three disciplines: Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice, acupuncture technique, and Western biomedical sciences including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical nutrition. All students complete a clinical internship at the NYCTCM Teaching Clinic, providing real-world patient care experience under faculty supervision. The college's intimate size — with approximately 172 students — fosters close student-faculty relationships and a focused, clinical learning environment. Located in the Nassau County suburb of Mineola, accessible from New York City via the Long Island Rail Road, NYCTCM attracts students from across the tri-state area and internationally who are drawn to careers in holistic health, integrative medicine, and acupuncture practice. Graduates go on to establish private practices, work in integrative medicine clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers throughout the New York area — one of the strongest markets for licensed acupuncturists in the United States.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Fall Trimester (September)
Rolling admissions; international applicants must apply at least 2 months before start date for visa processing
Winter Trimester (January)
Rolling admissions
Spring Trimester (May)
Rolling admissions
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$17,000 – $21,000
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Core TCM and acupuncture training covering needling techniques, meridian theory, point location, and required clinical internship.
Extended program combining acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine, preparing students for dual licensure.
Integration of Western medicine including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical nutrition into TCM training.
3 years
A three-year combined professional program awarding a Bachelor of Professional Studies and Master of Science in Health Science, qualifying graduates for New York State acupuncture licensure. Integrates TCM theory, needling techniques, and Western biomedical sciences with a required clinical internship.
4 years
A four-year combined professional program adding comprehensive Chinese herbal medicine to the acupuncture curriculum, qualifying graduates for dual licensure in both acupuncture and Chinese herbology.
A post-graduate certificate for licensed acupuncturists seeking to expand into Chinese herbal medicine prescribing and practice.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
