The Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (FITCM) was established in 1986. We are committed to providing the best possible curriculum in TCM.
To this end, we have prepared a thoughtful and thorough curriculum. Our training program covers various TCM philosophies such as the Five Element Theory, Yin/Yang, Eight Principles, Four Levels, Six Stages, Zang Fu Theory, and Qi, Blood, and Body Fluid Theory.
Each of these philosophies reflects the basic principles of TCM outlined in the preceding pages. The condensed three-year curriculum is equal to that of five-year colleges in China. Primarily, we utilize translations of the same textbooks used in China, with minor modifications to accommodate American culture, standards, educational systems, and styles.
Our core faculty members have a minimum of five years of medical education in China (3500 didactic hours, and 1500 clinical hours) as well as a minimum of five years of clinical practice, predominantly in hospitals. Although our faculty members have the ability to speak, read, and write English when they arrive, they receive further training to enhance their English skills and to prepare them for the American education system and culture. FITCM considers its well-educated and experienced faculty to be a critical factor in delivering a high-quality, relevant, dynamic education to our students.
Our training program emphasizes both classroom and clinical training. Although TCM theory is a science, the practical skills and techniques involved are an art. Students are required to complete 800 hours of clinical practice before they graduate. FITCM maintains two student clinics that are open to the public. These clinics are staffed by student interns under the guidance and supervision of our seasoned faculty members. The clinical program is divided into phases that correspond to the didactic coursework, allowing the student to synthesize and apply the lessons learned in the classroom.
Our goal is to produce successful TCM practitioners who embrace our philosophy and commitment to excellence, and who are prepared to inherit and promote this ancient healing modality into the next century. Prospective students should note that FITCM offers a formal medical program. Students must be strongly motivated and demonstrate a qualified educational background and a firm commitment to the study of TCM to succeed.
As a student at FITCM, you become a member of our family. We will do our utmost to ensure that, upon graduation, you obtain state licensing and/or successfully complete the National Certification Examination. After all, your success is our success.
Brief History of FITCM
The Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine was founded and licensed in 1986, offering a two-year course of study in TCM. In 1992, FITCM expanded to a four academic year, 2882 hour program, to be completed in 36 months.
FITCM has graduated a total of twenty classes and enjoyed a consistently higher passing rate with higher scores by its students on the National Certification Exam (NCCAOM) compared to the national average.
FITCM was accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) in 1988 and re-accredited in 1991, 1994, and 1998. The professional Master’s Level Traditional Chinese Medicine program of the FITCM has achieved Accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
Florida State Regulations for TCM
In 1974, the State of Florida became one of the first states to permit the practice of acupuncture. In 1980, Florida enacted laws that provide for the regulation, examination, and licensing of acupuncturists.
Currently, an acupuncturist is defined by Florida Statute as a Primary Healthcare Provider. An individual who has successfully passed the Florida State Board Examination is referred to as an Acupuncture Physician (AP), and is allowed to practice independently, without referral/diagnosis by another physician, and can utilize a variety of treatment modalities.