Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have become increasingly popular complementary health approaches in the United States. At the forefront of TCM education and clinical training is Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, based in Santa Monica, California.
With rigorous academic programs, world-renowned faculty, and decades of clinical experience, Emperor’s College has established itself as a leader in the field.
About Emperor’s College
Founded in 1983 by Dr. Bong Dal Kim, Emperor’s College was the first acupuncture school to receive accreditation in California [1]. The college offers a Master’s in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MTOM) and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine (DAOM), both fully accredited programs [2].
In 2023, Emperor’s College was ranked the #1 acupuncture school in California and #2 in the nation by TheBestSchools.org [3]. The college is known for its academic excellence and elite training. Students learn from experienced TCM practitioners and acupuncturists with expertise in a diverse range of health topics.
The Emperor’s College Community Acupuncture Clinic
The teaching clinic at Emperor’s College, in operation since 1983, is a key component of the hands-on clinical training students receive. Each year, this community acupuncture clinic provides over 15,000 treatments to residents of Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area [4].
Under close supervision of licensed acupuncturists, student interns gain practical experience treating patients. The clinic offers personalized therapies tailored to individual health needs. Students also gain knowledge of herbal medicine by working in the on-site herbal dispensary.
With over 10,000 patients annually, the clinic maintains a focus on integrative care and prevention alongside the treatment of acute and chronic conditions [4]. Pricing is maintained at affordable rates, ranging from $15 to $80 per treatment, to allow for greater community access to acupuncture therapy [5].
Specializations and Areas of Care
The faculty supervisors at Emperor’s College have expertise across a diverse range of health topics and TCM specializations, including [6]:
- Pain management
- Women’s health
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Internal medicine
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Immune support
- Mental health
- Digestive health
- Dermatology
By working under specialized supervisors, students can gain deeper knowledge of applying TCM in ways tailored to specific health conditions and areas of medicine.
Training Leaders in Integrative Medicine
Many graduates of Emperor’s College have gone on to leadership positions advancing TCM and integrative medicine nationwide. Alumni have founded successful acupuncture practices, authored books, and directed integrative health programs at major medical centers and hospitals [7].
The clinical and academic training at Emperor’s College prepares graduates to provide exceptional integrative health care and emerge as leaders shaping the future of the field. With its proven programs and decades of experience, the college is helping pave the way for the growth and acceptance of acupuncture and TCM throughout mainstream western medicine.
Sources:
[1-7] https://www.emperors.edu/
