Our History
Founded to bring centuries-old Eastern medicine to the heart of the Midwest.
The Reason for Founding the Institution
The Chicago College of Oriental Medicine was founded by Dr. Yong Gao Wang. This college was his response to the limited exposure in the Midwest to the centuries-old practice of Oriental Medicine and its contemporary applications. Both the East and West coasts have experienced an increased trust and demand for this alternative medicine approach to support holistic health and promote healing. Both areas of the country have responded with the growth of several Eastern Medicine colleges, while Chicago currently has only two.
As CCOM’s Chancellor and Founder, Dr. Wang has experienced the positive effect of Eastern medicine firsthand. He was both a student and a physician in China, and is currently a practicing acupuncturist in Chicago. He felt compelled to expand Eastern Medicine as an alternative practice option to support wellness as a complement to western health care delivery. The vehicle needed was trained practitioners.
Dr. Wang and his colleagues incorporated the Chicago College of Oriental Medicine. He began assembling subject matter faculty and developing the partnerships needed for both acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree-granting programs. He has been building a solid educational organization that promotes wellness through the practice of clinical diagnosis, acupuncture, and other forms of alternative therapy.
“Flexible class time will not interfere with your current job. There are expert teachers and helpful admission officers. We engage in supervised clinical practice within the first year. The teachers help prepare us for the NCCAOM license exams. Acupuncture has good prospects. Right now is the best opportunity to come learn at CCOM.”
— Current Student