Studying Chinese Medicine in Australia: Accredited Pathways

Yes, you can train as a Chinese medicine practitioner in Australia. The profession is nationally regulated; graduates must complete an Ahpra-approved program to register.

Approved Universities (as of 2024)

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) / Master of Chinese Medicine.
• RMIT University (Melbourne) – Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) – 4 yr full-time.
• Western Sydney University – Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine).
• University of Melbourne – Master of Applied Chinese Medicine (postgrad).
• Monash University – Master of Chinese Medicine (pending/transition).
• University of Adelaide – Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Chinese Medicine major).
• University of Queensland – Postgraduate coursework (check current offerings).
• University of Tasmania – Limited offerings; verify.

Curriculum Core

• Acupuncture (needling, electro, auricular, scalp).
• Chinese Herbal Medicine (materia medica, formulas, dispensing, pharmacology, TGA compliance).
• Tuina (therapeutic massage).
• Qigong / Taiji (movement therapy).
• Biomedicine (anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, red flags, referral).
• Clinical Practice – 500+ supervised hours in student clinics.

Registration & Practice

• Graduate → Apply to Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) under Ahpra.
• Meet English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 / OET B).
• Scope: Acupuncture, herbal dispensing (Schedule 1 herbs), tuina. Cannot prescribe restricted medicines or diagnose Western pathology independently.
• Must complete CPD (20 hrs/yr) and hold professional indemnity insurance.

Career Paths

• Private clinic (solo/group), integrative health centers, hospitals (some), fertility/IVF support, aged care, research, education.

Check Ahpra's "Approved Programs of Study" list before enrolling—courses open/close.