In recent weeks, TCMO has received a surge of messages from our members and the public regarding a questionable online program offering a so-called “Chinese Medicine Certification.” The volume of concern, from misleading ads on social media to confusion among patients, has reached a point where formal clarification is urgently needed. This blog post shares our official letter to the College, outlining the dangers such programs pose to public safety, regulatory integrity, and the profession of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Ontario.
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On behalf of the members of TCMO, I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding the company Efficient Therapist, which is currently marketing an online “Chinese Medicine Certification” program (https://efficientherapist.com/product/chinese-medicine/). Many of our members and colleagues have reported being inundated with advertisements for this program across social media platforms, and some have received inquiries from the public questioning its legitimacy. As the governing body of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Ontario, and in the best interest of our profession and public safety, we believe you must be made aware of this situation.
Efficient Therapist is advertising a “Recognised Certificate in Chinese Medicine” and claims to qualify graduates to practice as a “Chinese Medicine Wellness Practitioner” or “Chinese Medicine Coach.” The course is structured as a 40-hour, 10-module, self-paced online program, offered at a discounted price of $127. According to its marketing materials, graduates will learn to apply yin-yang theory, the five elements, meridian theory, food energetics, acupressure, and lifestyle alignment in wellness and coaching contexts. The company further claims the program is “fully accredited” and that graduates will receive an insurable certification upon completion.
This program raises several concerns:
Public Risk through Misinformation: By framing this program as a certification in “Chinese Medicine,” the course misleads participants into believing they are qualified to deliver care rooted in TCM, potentially putting the public at risk. Furthermore, creating the titles “Chinese Medicine Wellness Practitioner” or “Chinese Medicine Coach” can deceive the public into believing that graduates of this program are legitimately trained practitioners, thereby putting individuals at risk.
Disregard for Regulatory Standards: In Ontario, the CTCMPAO oversees the safe and competent practice of TCM and acupuncture. As you know, entry-to-practice requirements include thousands of hours of supervised study and clinical training, not a 40-hour online course. The promotion of this program directly undermines these standards and devalues the profession.
Unqualified Instructors: None of the listed instructors has formal training or credentials in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture. This program is a breeding ground for misinformation and the dissemination of erroneous information under the guise of “accredited training”.
Misrepresentation of Credentials: The program promotes itself as a recognized and accredited certification, claiming backing from multiple “international accreditation bodies.” Upon review, these accreditations appear to be fabricated or illegitimate.
Given these issues, we are asking the College:
To investigate this organization and its claims.
To issue a public statement clarifying that such certifications are not recognized in Ontario, nor do they permit individuals to identify or practice as TCM practitioners.
To protect the public from misleading advertising and the unregulated use of “Chinese Medicine” terminology in the marketplace.
As the regulatory body with a mandate to protect the public, your leadership in addressing this issue will be critical. The spread of unregulated programs such as this not only threatens the integrity of the profession but also puts Ontarians at risk of harm through misinformation and inadequate care.
Please let me know if TCMO can be of any assistance to the CTCMPAO in this matter or in any other issue that may be top-of-mind.