About CCOM

Chicago College of Oriental Medicine (CCOM) is dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare practitioners through rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical experience, and a deep foundation in traditional Chinese medicine.

We welcome students from around the world to study time-tested medical systems with over 2,000 years of history, while gaining the skills needed to practice in today’s modern healthcare environment. Located in Chicago, CCOM provides students with access to a diverse patient population and real-world clinical experience in an urban setting.

International Student Admission

Chicago College of Oriental Medicine welcomes students from all over the world regardless of nationality, religion, sex, or race. Any student who is not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States and its territories will be considered an international student for purposes of admission.

International students are encouraged to contact the International Admission Representative as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to complete all necessary steps in the administrative process.

Enrollment Requirements

For Students Applying from Outside the United States

All submitted documents must be officially translated into English.

Required Documents and Fees:

• $200 Non-Refundable Application Fee
• $30 Background Check Fee
• Copy of passport identification page (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended U.S. entry date)
• High school diploma or post-secondary transcripts (consult your Admissions Representative for specific submission guidelines)
• Official transcript of your highest completed degree, along with a foreign credential evaluation from a NACES-accredited agency confirming education equal to or greater than a U.S. associate degree
• Completed College Application Form
• Completed I-20 Application Form
• Affidavit of Support from a parent, relative, guardian, sponsor, or governmental agency (available through your Admissions Representative), along with a bank statement dated within the past six months

Proof of Financial Support (One Academic Year): (Funds must cover tuition, housing, fees, books, and living expenses. Exact amounts may vary by campus.)

• Master’s of Acupuncture: $30,000
• Master’s of Oriental Medicine: $33,000

Upon receipt of all required documentation, CCOM will issue a SEVIS Form I-20. Students whose visas are subsequently denied by the U.S. consulate are expected to return this form and will receive a full tuition refund.

For Students Already in the United States (Change of Status)

If you entered the United States for work, travel, or any other purpose and now wish to pursue full-time study, CCOM can assist you with a change of status. Please note that some visa categories cannot be converted to an F-1 student visa, including:

• J-1
• Visa Waiver Program visas
• C-1
• K-1

Students who enroll under Change of Status are expected to attend for a full quarter or will be terminated.

Required Documents and Fees:

• $200 Non-Refundable Application Fee
• $30 Background Check Fee
• Completed College Application Form
• Copy of passport with I-94
• Affidavit of Support or bank statement

When Change of Status is required within the United States:
If you came to the United States to work, travel, or for any other purpose and changed
your purpose to study later while in the country, we can help you change your status.

1. Submit a completed application for admission with all the processing fees.
2. Photocopy of passport with I-94.
3. Affidavit of Support or Bank Statement.

Some visas may not be changed into a F-1 student visa, such as:

1.  J-1
2. Visa Waiver Program visas
3. C-1
4. K-1

Note: Students who enter the college under the Change of Status designation are
expected to attend for a full quarter or be terminated.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

TOEFL iBT — Minimum overall score of 61

• Speaking: 20
• Listening: 17

IELTS — Minimum overall band score of 6

• Speaking: 6.5
• Listening: 6

Prior English-Medium Education — The applicant has completed at least two years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) of undergraduate- or graduate-level, English-based education at an institution:

• Accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, or
• Located in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, or Ireland