Course Code: TCMA 260
Academic Year: 2026-2027
Students transition from classroom learning to clinical application in an assisted capacity, focusing on developing foundational skills in assessment, Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, and treatment planning. Emphasis is placed on applying core Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) at a Tier 4 level, where students demonstrate the ability to perform tasks with direct supervision. Students engage with EPAs such as gathering patient histories and performing physical examinations (EPA 1), formulating diagnoses and treatment plans (EPA 2), performing the full scope of TCM treatment, including needling (EPA 4) and auxiliary modalities, such as cupping (EPA 5), and adhering to infection prevention protocols (EPA 11). Students are also trained to identify lifestyle factors and provide homecare advice (EPA 6), document clinical encounters (EPA 7), and begin incorporating evidence-based practice and research into treatment plans (EPA 8). Reflective practice encourages personal and professional growth (EPA 10), while inter-professional collaboration (EPA 9) is fostered to prepare students for team-based clinical work. Through guided practice, students begin integrating acupuncture, and auxiliary modalities into holistic treatment plans while developing professional communication and ethical practices under significant supervision.