Applications for the 2025 Academic year are still being accepted at the ICTCM and places are filling up fast.
If you are interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine and considering training in Acupuncture TCM, here are some common queries you might have—along with helpful answers to guide you.
I am not from Ireland – can I still do this course?
We accept students from Ireland, the UK and Europe.
We also accept people from other countries provided they do not need a student visa to study with us. The courses at the ICTCM are part-time, and therefore do not qualify for a student visa to study in Ireland. If the applicant has the right to work or study in the EU, we can review their application and offer an interview to suitable candidates.
Am I too old?
No. There is no upper age limit. Provided you are 21 years of age when starting the course, there are no other age requirements.
The courses at ICTCM are designed for adults. Frequently our students are working full-time while retraining with us, others are unemployed, some have or are soon retiring and fulfilling their wish of learning TCM, others are raising families. There is a broad variety of backgrounds.
In 2025 the average age of the first year students was 40. This varies from year to year but a mix of ages is the norm.
What qualifications do I need to be a successful applicant?
- Good spoken and written English is essential.
- No specific formal academic qualifications are required. However evidence that you have successfully completed formal education to age 18, e.g. the Leaving Cert in Ireland, is expected.
- You need to be capable of following an intensive and sometimes challenging course of study and clinical training.
- A high level of commitment is essential as this is an intensive part-time course.
- No prior knowledge in either Western Medicine or Chinese Medicine is needed.
What type of qualification is the Licentiate?
The Licentiate qualification is the equivalent of a degree level qualification. As the ICTCM is not a university per se it is not a degree.
What Qualities do I need to be a successful applicant?
Many new qualities will be developed over the course of the Lic. TCM course and a willingness to develop these is essential.
Qualities such as having a keen interest in medicine and health, not being afraid of hard work, and a willingness to work in a small group with other adults who have the same hopes and expectations as yourself, are very useful. It is also beneficial to be well motivated, kind and helpful to others.
You can learn more about the Licentiate TCM Acupuncture Professional Training programme and the Application process via these links.
We look forward to hearing from you soon if you wish to apply for the 2025 programme!