Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is launching a Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree - the first of its kind in Canada.
Through the program students can train to become registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. The degree, newly approved by the Government of British Columbia and the first to be offered at a public post-secondary in Canada, also opens up opportunities in other fields of natural healing, such as acupuncture and naturopathy.
"Our government is excited to partner with KPU to offer the first degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada," says Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "By training more Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture practitioners through a more extensive program, we're meeting labour market demand and providing more holistic health care choices for people in B.C. while also ensuring the professionalization of practitioners."
The degree is an extension of an existing diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture, which KPU launched in 2016. It is equivalent to similar programs at four universities in China, Australia and New Zealand, allowing graduates of KPU's degree to pursue master's programs at these internationally recognized post-secondary institutions.
"This new degree will complement KPU's successful diploma program and chart a path of advanced studies for students to become leading practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine," says Dr. Diane Purvey, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, at KPU.
The Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program was announced outside the Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic at KPU Richmond on July 26 by Premier David Eby, Minister of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang, and Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. Kang and Yao have been strong supporters of the program, which expects to welcome its first intake in September 2025.
They were thanked by Purvey and Sharmen Lee, Dean of the Faculty of Health at KPU, while program chair Dr. John Yang explained the degree's value.
"From theory to lab to patient experience, the Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program will further prepare students to diagnose, treat and manage patients with complex care needs," says Yang. "The importance of qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners to complement the health care system will only rise as our population continues to grow and age."
Caldwell Lever, a student in the diploma program, shared his experience with guests.
"KPU provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment where I can hone the skills crucial to success in my career, and whose instructors encourage ambition and are equal to the task of leading their students to personal and academic success," says Lever.
"The Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine will only help inspire current and future students to reach their fullest potential and nourish a new generation of practitioners that I'm confident are bound to become leaders in their field."
