The premier of B.C. got poked with needles at Richmond's Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) campus on Friday.
An acupuncture demonstration was held - with Premier David Eby as the patient - in conjunction with an announcement that the campus will be the first place in Canada where students can earn a bachelor's degree in Chinese traditional medicine.
The bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BTCM) will be offered by the Faculty of Health, and its anticipated start date is September 2025.
This program is the first of its kind for a public institution in Canada, and students will be able to complete six semesters of the program to graduate with a TCM Diploma in Acupuncture, or 10 semesters to graduate with a bachelor's degree.
KPU Faculty of Health dean Sharmen Lee said the occasion marked the culmination of a decade-long journey of dedication and collaboration.
Eby highlighted the health contributions this program will bring.
“There has not been a degree program in traditional Chinese medicine not only in British Columbia, but in Canada,” said Eby.
“The degree will offer students a pathway to practice traditional Chinese medicine at the highest levels; to be respected internationally for their knowledge and technique.”
KPU academic provost and vice-president Dr. Diane Purvey, also underscored this milestone, saying her institution is committed to providing programs meeting holistic health-care needs.
The degree will cover a mix of theory and practice, and according to Minister of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang, there are significant benefits when complementing this form of medicine with western health models.
“This is a holistic approach,” she said. “Current registered acupuncture and herbalist practitioners will now have the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge and skills in this program.”
Kang added graduates of this program will be eligible to apply to be registered as traditional Chinese medicine practitioners with a college of complementary health professions of B.C.
The degree is equivalent to leading bachelor of Chinese traditional medicine programs in China, Australia and New Zealand, and according to TCM program chair Dr. John Yang, a unique aspect of it will be direct patient care.
“As our population grows and ages, the need for qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioners is increasing,” he said. “A unique aspect of the program is emphasizing patient experience, training students to diagnose, treat and manage patients.”
“We are proud to be at the forefront of training the next generation of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.”
For more information, visit the KPU’s BTCM website.
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