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Studying at PRC

Recognitions and Accreditations

PRC is a an Accredited academic institution with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) of British Columbia. As a result, Canadian students are eligible to apply for Canada Government Student Loans. Academic programs within PRC are recognized by various governing bodies and associations, including the CTCMA for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine programs. Please visit Accreditation and Recognition for more information.

Continuing Education

Pacific Rim College provides some of the most unique learning opportunities in natural health found anywhere. Through our Department of Continuing Education, you are eligible to enroll in virtually any PRC course provided that you meet prerequisites. For a list of upcoming course offerings, please visit Continuing Education.

Course Schedule

Please click on the link below to see the Course Schedules for the following programs: Diploma of Acupuncture (and Oriental Medicine), Natural Health Program and Diploma of Phytotherapy. The course schedule for all other programs can be found on the appropriate Faculties and Programs page. Non-program students are welcome to enroll in any course provided that thay have met any prerequisites. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@pacificrimcollege.ca or by phone at 1.866.890.6082.

Financial Aid

As an accredited institution, Canadian PRC students may apply for Canada Government Students Loans for most academic programs. For financial information specific to your program of interest, please visit the appropriate program page under Faculties and Programs.

To learn more about Federal and Provincial Student Loan programs, please visit Canada's Student Loan website by clicking here.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Various scholarship programs are available to students at Pacific Rim College. Students must satisfy minimum criteria to be eligible for financial rewards. more>>

Community Service

To be eligible for graduation from any diploma program or the Natural Health Program at PRC, all students must complete 20 hours of community service during the course of studies.

Ten hours are to be completed within the community at large through volunteer work with various organizations or at events. It is recommended that all students seek preapproval from PRC admin for any at large community service opportunity.

The other 10 hours of community service are to be completed within the PRC community. Opportunities will be made available to students on a regular basis and may include helping out at college events or doing college-sponsored work within the Victoria community.

Campus

Pacific Rim College is located in Market Square, a famous heritage structure in the heart of downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Market Square is comprised of eight nineteenth century buildings surrounding a spacious and peaceful brick-paved courtyard. PRC's quintessential campus offers a perect urban studying environment. more>>

Study Options

PRC offers year-round educational opportunities with an academic calendar based on 3 semesters per year. Enrollment into all multi-year programs is possible every January, May and September and students may either choose to pursue year-round studies or to take a semester or more off. By choosing their course load each semester, students may complete any semester on a part-time or a full-time basis. Students who wish not to enroll in any program are also eligible to take individual courses for personal enrichment provided that applicable course prerequisites have been met.

As for programs that are not multi-year (i.e. Hellerwork Training Program, Community Herbalist Program and Japanese Acupuncture Certificate Program), intakes are at various times of the year. Please visit the Faculties and Programs page to learn about study options specific to your preferred program.

Progressive Learning Format

Phytotherapy students learning about flower essences.

Pacific Rim College uses a Progressive Learning Format (PLF) in which students take an active role in their education. Although students are given guidance to help them meet all prerequisite standards for the completion of their chosen academic program, they are also given full flexibility in determining their academic focus and schedule. Students register for courses prior to the start of each semester, choosing a course load that most appropriately matches their schedule and abilities. As long as students meet the prerequisites for each course and space is available, they may enroll in any course. Dozens of elective courses are offered in order to provide students with ample opportunity to explore various areas of expertise.

In the classroom the use of modern teaching technologies such as PowerPoint presentations, wireless Internet access, and a web database lay the foundation for an interactive educational experience commonly seen only at larger universities. Instructors provide ample opportunity for discussion and debate and encourage independent thinking. Group projects promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences and prepare students for a career of communicating with others. Throughout their academic careers, students are given the tools necessary to develop critical problem solving and leadership skills. Students are encouraged to act not only as learners but also as leaders and teachers.

Global Outreach Program

Pacific Rim College is committed to providing global externship opportunities for our students to gain valuable experience while helping people around the world. The Global Outreach Program (GOP) allows PRC students to complete clinical training in a variety of medical centres around the world and also provides support through fundraising efforts, public exposure and the donation of medical supplies. more>>

Instructional Faculty

PRC's teaching faculty is comprised of a diverse group of instructors with unique backgrounds and enthusiastic teaching styles. When possible, instructors have a terminal degree in their field of expertise and/or extensive experience. We select our instructors not only for their professional qualifications, but also for their passion and ability to inspire students. Via in-class evaluations and verbal feedback, students are integral in PRC's decision to make instructional and curricular modifications. more>>

Student Societies and Committees

Student Gardening Committee. Through the Student Gardening Committee, students cultivates herbs on our campus and in the Victoria community. The most recent project is the Community Herbal Garden located in our campus courtyard and kindly provided by Market Square. Here and in our solarium the general public can see live medicinal plants and through information signs, learn more about their healing properties.

Global Outreach Committee. This committee works closely with school administrators to ensure the best global clinical opportunities for our students. Click here for more information about PRC's Global Outreach Program.

Curriculum Development Committee. This committee liaises with PRC's Academic Dean to foster new learning opportunities for students and to help to refine existing courses and programs.

Student Council. The student body at PRC elects representatives to serve on the Student Council. The goal of the Student Council is to develop initiatives and projects within the PRC community that reflect the interests of the students. The Student Council operates the Pacific Rim Student Society.

International Students

International students are welcome to attend Pacific Rim College and are encouraged to apply. Canadian law requires foreign students to have a valid study permit to study in Canada. Pacific Rim College provides international students with the necessary documentation to receive a valid study permit. In some cases students can apply for and obtain a permit upon entering Canada.

Canadian law requires that foreigners obtain a work permit for work within Canada during academic studies. See http://www.cic.gc.ca/ for more information.

Student Accommodations

There are no on campus housing opportunities for students, but Victoria has an expansive range of rental opportunities. Monthly costs for a one-bedroom suite average from $550-850. Two-bedroom apartment generally range from $700-1100 per month. For shared accommodation in a house, students can expect to pay from $400 to $650 per month.

To search for accommodations, please visit the following sites:
www.victoria.en.craigslist.ca
www.housing.uvic.ca
www.househunting.ca

Career Preparation

It is a goal of Pacific Rim College to assist students in job preparation and placement upon graduation and beyond. By working alongside Fine Point Acupuncture, the Canadian hiring centre for Steiner Leisure, the world's largest spa group, PRC is helping to provide employment for hundreds of acupuncturists in spas on the world's finest cruise ships. Please visit www.finepointacupuncture.ca for more information.

Learning Resources

PRC students, alumni and faculty have access to PRC's library, containing hundreds of volumes related to health and wellness. Students also have access to the Internet via either their personal computers or the student computer centre.

Bookstore

PRC's bookstore has more than a hundred titles in stock in areas inlcuding Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Biomedicine, Herbology, Medical History and more. more>>