International Medical University

Overview of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine in International Medical University Malaysia

ABOUT THE CHINESE MEDICINE DEGREE

Chinese medicine is over thousands of years old. However, enrolling for Chinese Medicine is not about learning the history and traditions of an ancient civilization but rather, gaining an understanding of Chinese philosophy and how these have been adapted into the healing arts in ways that are still relevant today.

Chinese Medicine approaches health from a holistic manner in terms of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The range of treatments includes herbal therapy, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tuina, bone and spine manipulations, dietary therapy, exercise therapy like qigong and taijiquan.

Today, there is a revival in the acceptance of Chinese Medicine even in western nations. Indeed, certain Chinese Medicine practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies are integrated with western medicine for pain management and to reduce the side effects of prescription drugs.
In Malaysia, traditional and complementary medicine is a big business with herbal imports being 3 to 4 times the value of western medicine. Naturally, the Ministry of Health recognizes the importance of Chinese Medicine and is implementing policies related to the training and registration of practitioners with the aim of integrating Chinese Medicine into the national healthcare delivery system.

IMU’s Chinese Medicine programme comprises both western and Chinese Medicine subjects. It is an outcome-based approach, whereby students develop clinical skills during their junior years, with early clinical attachment to prepare them for a successful career. As the programme is fully conducted in English, our students get to pursue career opportunities not only in Malaysia but on a broader, global scale.

WHY STUDY CHINESE MEDICINE AT IMU

An Established Private Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 28 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. IMU achieved the SETARA-2017 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

Strong Western Science and Medicine Component

IMU offers a wide range of medical and healthcare programmes. The western science and medicine subjects in Chinese Medicine are delivered by experienced western medicine practitioners. Not only are students able to fully immerse in a solid medical science learning environment, they could also enhance their learning through inter-professional networking and activities at IMU.

Internationally Benchmarked English Curriculum

IMU is one of the few universities in Malaysia to offer Chinese Medicine in an English-speaking environment. The programme is delivered in English, is supported with Mandarin when required, and is accepted by Australia and China for credit transfer. Both our partner universities in Australia and China are part of the large WHO Chinese Medicine research centre network.

Student-Centred and Lifelong Learning Emphasis

The IMU educational philosophy is not about how many lectures are delivered. Instead, it emphasizes on how much students have learned. This unique approach encourages students to be responsible for their own studies. As such, many learning activities are centered around students, from which they will hone their critical thinking and clinical skills to become competent lifelong Chinese Medicine practitioners in the modern world.

Personalized Attention from Lecturers

Students are able to receive personalized attention from their lecturers due to an emphasis on small-group learning. This enhances the teaching and learning experience for students.

Entry Requirement of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine in International Medical University Malaysia

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.

FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE

• Foundation in Science qualifications from other higher education institutions will be considered on a case by case basis for admission into the local IMU programmes.

• Students with IMU Foundation in Science can apply into IMU programmes and programmes with selected credit transfer options, upon meeting the entry requirement eligibility. ** (Please refer to IMU Foundation in Science brochure for more details)

FOR ADMISSIONS INTO THE IMU FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE PROGRAMME, STUDENTS WILL NEED TO HAVE:

• Pass SPM / O-Levels with minimum 5 credits in Mathematics, 2 Science subjects and 2 other subjects.
  Note: Specific SPM / O-Levels requirements may be needed for admissions into IMU programmes.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

* ONLY applicable for those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia

** UEC students with a pass in Chinese Language are exempted from HSK.

FAQ of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine in International Medical University Malaysia

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the structure of the programme?

The IMU Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine (CM) is a 4.5 years full-time course taught in English and Mandarin where necessary. After graduation, the graduate must spend 12 months in an accredited hospital by the Public Service Department of the Malaysian Government as an intern. Upon satisfactory internship, the Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) can be registered by MOH to practice in Malaysia.

The IMU’s CM course trains CMPs to deliver evidence-based healthcare services. The course fulfills the requirements of the MQA (Malaysian Quality Agency). At the end of the course the student should have acquired knowledge and relevant skills to be a competent practitioner; has a good command of Mandarin, Malay and English; is able to communicate with all stakeholders; has acquired the attributes of a professional, is a team player, a life-long learner, a critical thinker with knowledge of research techniques, the CM business and takes time to reflect on actions taken.

The IMU has partnerships with several universities of TCM in China (Shanghai University of TCM, Shangdong University of TCM, Guangzhou University of TCM, Beijing University of TCM) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) for students to transfer after 3 years in this programme. After an additional 2 years, the graduates will be awarded bachelor's degrees in CM of the respective partner universities.

The CM course consists of modules in basic Medical Sciences and Chinese Medicine. The contents will be delivered via many delivery modes, including case studies, practice visits, attachments to hospitals or clinics, and supervised clinical practice. A research project in Semesters 7 aims to develop skills of scientific inquiry, observation, analysis, and scientific writing.

What are the key features of the programme?

This course has incorporated a number of key features to prepare the graduate for challenges beyond graduation. These proactive features enable students to acquire the following outcomes.

• A solid foundation in the basic medical sciences to build a good understanding of the structure of the human body, its functions, and disease processes from the western scientific aspect. This will be taught by lecturers who have experience teaching medical, pharmacy, and nursing students.

• Knowledge of Chinese philosophy of balance (yin and yang), the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), and the importance of Chinese classics and their contribution to the development of Chinese medicine.

• Knowledge of the importance of diet and exercise in therapy.

• Knowledge of the concepts and theories, important for the development of acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina, herbal therapy.

• Able to speak and write Mandarin, Malay, and English at a functional level.

• Acquisition of relevant practical and clinical experience.

• An inquiring mind, skills of discovery, analysis, and presentation.

• Knowledge of the laws and ethics governing the practice and business of CM in Malaysia.

• Knowledge of CM business, the setting-up, and management of a CM clinic and CM herbal shop.

• Interaction with students in other healthcare courses like chiropractic, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, psychology, and pharmaceutical chemistry. This will facilitate interdisciplinary networking and friendships which would develop into better inter-professional working hips after graduation.

When do students get clinical exposure?

During semester 12, students will spend a substantial amount of time in hospital or clinic attachment, observing clinical Chinese medicine practitioners. This will progress to supervised clinical practice under experienced CMPs.

Are there any Internship placements?

IMU will guide students in securing internship placements in hospitals that are accredited by the MOH and the Public Services Department (PSD), Malaysia so that our graduates will be able to register with the MOH and can work in government hospitals and clinics as well as in the private sector.

What are the semester contents?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure 

What is the medium of instruction?

The medium of instruction is English supported by Mandarin when required. Students who are not proficient in English or Mandarin are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English and Mandarin by making their own arrangements to attend additional English and Mandarin classes before entering the IMU.

Who will award the degree?

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine degree is awarded by IMU.

What sort of jobs/careers can be undertaken with this degree?

Once registered with the MOH, the Chinese medicine practitioner can work in any of these positions.

• Chinese medicine practitioner in integrated healthcare in a government or private hospital.

• Chinese medicine practitioner in a Chinese medicine hospital.

• Acupuncturist in an integrated hospital or Chinese medicine hospital or clinic.

• Chinese medicine practitioner in a private Chinese medicine clinic, as the owner and practitioner or as an employee.

• With additional postgraduate qualification as a lecturer in a University or Chinese academy. delivering courses (diploma, degree, post-graduate degrees, or certificate) in Chinese Medicine or acupuncture.

• A member of the sale and marketing of Chinese medicine products.

• With additional post-graduate training as a researcher in an academic institution or herbal or pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

What personality traits are best suited for a career in Chinese Medicine?

The person who is patient has good interpersonal and communication skills, eager to learn, is dedicated and responsible, proactive and good-tempered, is empathetic, self-reliant, generous, and willing to share is best suited for this profession.