TCM therapists: What does their everyday work look like?

TCM naturopaths can have their own practice, be part of a group practice or work in clinics, rehabilitation centers or spa hotels. They support people in activating and strengthening the body's self-regulation and self-healing powers.

At the start of treatment, you will conduct a detailed medical history interview and examine the patient using TCM diagnostic methods: pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis and observation. In addition to complaints and symptoms of illness, sleeping, eating and working habits or questions about the relationship environment are also discussed. The evaluation leads to a diagnosis, which is used to determine the appropriate treatment methods. The TCM therapist can use acupuncture, tui na massage or cupping to release energy blockages and reactivate the flow of energy. Herbal applications stimulate the self-regulating and self-healing powers from within and without. And a change in diet and lifestyle can support the healing or alleviation of symptoms in the long term.

Good to know:

Since 2015, there has been a federally recognized qualification in alternative medicine in Switzerland. The title "Naturopath with a federal diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine" can be obtained by passing this examination (higher professional examination).

Target group and skills: Who is the Traditional Chinese Medicine-TCM course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The following target group is addressed with training in Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• People who are interested in TCM
• Healthcare professionals who want to expand their skills
• Persons seeking a federally recognized qualification as a naturopath in TCM with a federal diploma

The following qualities are required for a successful career as a TCM therapist:

• Serious interest in alternative medicine
• Communication skills and empathy
• Physical and mental resilience and a balanced state of mind
• Tolerance towards people who think differently and other value systems

Prerequisites for admission to the Traditional Chinese Medicine-TCM training (Cert.):

As a rule, TCM training is open to all interested persons. No specific previous training or professional experience is required.

Some schools require the following points for admission:

• At least 22 years old
• Apprenticeship qualification with federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or Matura
• Several years of professional experience
• Good knowledge of German

Subject matter and content of the training

The subject matter of a TCM training course is determined independently by the schools; it can therefore vary.

The following topics are often covered in the course:

• Basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (origin, history, development)
• Understanding illness, health and healing (elements, meridians, pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, Chinese medicines)
• Acupuncture/needling technique and TuiNa
• Basic cupping, ear diagnostics and treatment, QiGong, Shiatsu
• Principles, concepts, effect and purpose of the treatment
• Work as a therapist
• Treatment structure (anamnesis, diagnostics, communication)
• Indicators, contraindicators and limits of treatment
• Legal aspects

Costs and financing of further training

How much a TCM training course costs is determined by the schools themselves. The costs can therefore vary from provider to provider.

You can expect the following costs for training up to the federal diploma as a naturopath:

• Course feesBetween CHF 35'000.- and CHF 50'000.-
• Added to this is theExamination fee for the modulesThe amount is determined by the schools: approx. CHF 1000.
• TheExamination fee for the higher professional examinationis determined by the sponsoring body of the HFP and is binding for all candidates: CHF 2,600 (as of April 2024)

There are also specialist training courses lasting a few days/weeks (e.g. for healthcare staff), which are correspondingly cheaper: between CHF 1000 and CHF 4000.

• Some providers requireExtra costsfor
  • Teaching aids
  • Training documents

Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out the actual costs.

Course structure, duration of study, training options, teaching format and learning effort

• TCM training - whether specialist further training courses (cert.) or up to the federal diploma as a naturopath (HFP) - is designed to be part-time and has a modular structure. This means that each module is taken and completed individually.
• The duration of the courses is determined by the schools themselves and therefore varies greatly depending on the provider and the course offered. It is likely to be between five and eight years. There are also shorter courses of a few days/weeks, for example for healthcare professionals who want to train in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.
• The schools also decide independently when the lessons take place. Some courses offer lessons two days a week and on selected Saturdays (and Sundays). Others only offer lessons one day a week.
• The training generally takes place in classroom teaching.
• You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.

Degree, diploma and title

Those who have successfully passed all modules of the TCM training course are admitted to the final examination.

The final examination is conducted by your personal teacher and serves to test your confidence in the use and application of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Diploma and title

Successful graduates receive a school certificate / diploma from the respective school: "TCM therapist [name of school]" or "graduate TCM therapist [name of school]".