International Students

Pacific College of Health and Science is a leader in serving the healthcare needs of the modern world through its diverse programs of study, clinics, learning centers, and research. We welcome international students from all over the world to learn time-tested medical traditions offered by the college, some dating back more than 2,000 years. We have three campuses spanning the country in San Diego, New York, and Chicago.

Why Study Chinese Medicine in the United States of America?

Skilled holistic practitioners such as acupuncturists, massage therapists, and holistic nurses are in demand now that more emphasis is being placed on providing consumers with multiple options in the delivery of healthcare.

In addition, public awareness has shifted to preventative medicine. Patients actively seek natural healing options such as those provided by Chinese medicine and other integrative methods of healthcare.

Learning Chinese medicine in the United States has several advantages over studying the same field in Asia:

• The teaching methodology requires more in-depth critical thinking
• Students gain clinical experience as part of their education in their second semester
• Clinical experience is also available at various off-site locations, exposing students to specialization
• Students examine and compile case studies bridging Eastern and Western medicine

Enrollment Requirements

If you are outside the United States

*All documents need to be translated into English by an official translation agency.

• Application Fee of $50
• $3,000 Deposit
• Copy of Passport Name Page (passport must be valid for six months after your proposed entry date into the U.S.)
• High School Diploma or Post Secondary School Transcripts (ask your Admissions Representative for submission requirements)
• Official Transcript of the highest degree with foreign credentials evaluation letter
• College Application Form
• I-20 Application Form
• Affidavit of Support (please obtain form from your Admissions Representative)
• Financial Documents (dated no earlier than six months prior to applying for admission). Minimum amount on financial documents for one year of study (required amounts vary by campus; ask for details): Required amounts cover tuition, room and board, fees, books and supplies
  • $43,000 for the Master’s degree program
  • $43,000 for the Bachelor’s degree program
  • $38,000 for Associate degree programs
• Students must score a total score of at least 61 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT), including a minimum speaking exam score of 26 and a minimum listening exam score of 22, or an overall band score of level 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam
• Students seeking admission to the professional doctoral program must have a score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an iBT score of at least 80
• Personal Statement (requirements vary by program – please see the application)
• An interview in the later stages of the application process
• Vaccination Record (NY campus only)
• Master’s:
  • English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to the program. This must be demonstrated by one of the following means:
    • The student must have completed a two-year (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) baccalaureate- or graduate-level, English-based education in an institution: a)accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or b) in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, or Ireland. In all cases, English must have been both the language of instruction and the language of the curriculum used
    • For programs taught in English, the student must score a total score of at least 61 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT), including a minimum speaking exam score of 26 and a minimum listening exam score of 22, or an overall band score of level 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam
• Professional Doctorate:
  • English language competency must be demonstrated by all students seeking admission to the professional doctoral program. Specifically: 
    1. For programs taught in English, competency may be demonstrated by scoring at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an iBT score of at least 80
    2. For programs taught in languages other than English, competency may be demonstrated by scoring at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an iBT score of at least 80

​​If you are already in the U.S. attending a college/university or ESL school

In addition to the documents listed in Section 1:

• Completed Transfer Form signed by the DSO from your previous school (obtain from Admissions Office)
• Copy of I-20 from previous school(s)
• Copy of Passport name page and Visa

If you are in the U.S. in an immigration status other than F-1 (B-1, B-2, J-1, J-2, H1B, L-1, L-2, E-1, etc.) and would like to change your immigration status to F-1 while in the U.S.

Referral for assistance with the change of status process is available (ask Admissions Office for details).

Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)

The admission process is the same for U.S. citizens.

If your primary language is English, if your higher education was in English outside the U.S., or if you have a degree from a U.S. college or university, the English proficiency exam may be waived (ask Admissions Office for details).