Acupuncturist
Program
Program Description
Immerse yourself in the world of healing and balance with our comprehensive 3-year program, designed to guide you on the path to becoming a skilled and proficient acupuncturist. Over three transformative years, you will explore the intricate principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the art of acupuncture, equipping yourself with the tools to promote wellness and restore harmony within the body.
In the foundational years, you will build a strong understanding of TCM theory, studying meridians, qi flow, and the body’s energetic systems. You’ll also delve into the history and philosophy of acupuncture, gaining insight into its role in holistic health. Through hands-on training, you will master the precise and delicate art of needle insertion, ensuring you can provide safe and effective treatments.
As you progress, you will further refine your diagnostic skills, learning to assess patients’ health imbalances and develop acupuncture treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.
PTIRU Approved
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Program Hours: Program Months: | Program Weeks: Practicum Hours: |
Year One
The focus of the first year of the acupuncture program will be on the orientation into the paradigm of Chinese medicine. Following the introduction of fundamental theories and concepts the student will gradually be introduced to diagnosis, disease and treatment principles. The practical training will be focused on Taiji Quan. The study of the Chinese language is used to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and to prepare the student for independent research of TCM manuscripts still in their language of origin, as well as preparation for possible further studies in China for those students who choose to do so.
Year One of the program is a particularly significant phase, in that students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse levels of knowledge will establish in themselves not only the actual detailed knowledge of TCM, but also a solid conceptualization of the medicine as a whole. In general, this involves a transition from the romantic view of TCM to the realism of medicine as a science in its own right. With the study of Western science initiated in tandem with that of TCM, students will begin to foster the integrated medical approach advocated within the TCM profession today.
Year Two
The focus of the second year of the acupuncture program is to introduce the more technical elements of Chinese medicine, including acupuncture points and techniques of acu-moxa treatment. Students will continue their study of counselling skills and begin their study of Western Pathology. Tui Na (clinical massage) and Qi Gong (understanding and training qi) and will also be introduced within the program, as well as the classical view of mental and emotional disharmony patterns and their absolute importance to a wide variety of illnesses.
If the study of the foundations of TCM in Year One is likened to the roots, trunk and main branches of a tree, then study in Year Two may be likened to the small branches and leaves. Students will assimilate a vast amount of detailed knowledge in the relevant fields of TCM during this part of the acupuncture program. Based on feedback, this knowledge can sometimes be overwhelming. However, in our experience it serves as “fuel for the fire,” as it is constantly re-examined during the integration phase in the following years of study.
Year Three
The focus in the final year of the acupuncture program is to systematically examine all patterns of disharmony and their manifestations as illnesses. This study encompasses etiology, symptomatology, differential diagnosis, principles of treatment, and appropriate therapy. All therapeutic methods in terms of acumoxa, Tui Na massage and qi-gong will also be discussed. This year draws heavily on the previous years’ materials. The study of business management, ethics and counselling will assist students in developing the professional skills and attitudes necessary for independent practice.
Year Three is the integration phase of the program. Students will re-examine information learned in the previous two years and develop the ability to integrate this knowledge into a coherent understanding of disease and its treatment. At KCC, all students will develop the ability to accurately formulate a TCM-based differential diagnosis, which we consider to be paramount to all other skills. Effective treatment is the natural outcome of an accurate diagnosis.
* For full credit breakdown please contact us
What does an Acupuncturist do?
Acupuncturists assess patient health using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and provide treatments such as acupuncture, lifestyle recommendations, and wellness support to promote balance and healing.
How long does it take to complete the Acupuncturist Program?
Program length is structured to meet professional training requirements and includes both academic study and supervised clinical practice.
Does the program include hands-on clinical training?
Yes. The program includes supervised clinical practice, allowing students to gain real-world experience treating patients.
What skills are important for a successful Acupuncturist?
Strong communication, attention to detail, manual dexterity, professionalism, and a compassionate approach to patient care are essential skills.
What is the role of an Acupuncturist in modern healthcare?
Acupuncturists work as complementary healthcare providers, often collaborating with other professionals in integrative or multidisciplinary healthcare settings.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:
- Comprehensive understanding of Chinese medicine’s theoretical basis and applications, including Chinese medical history and modern applications.
- Comprehensive understanding of biomedical studies including Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Western Lab & Diagnostics, and Pharmacology.
- Comprehensive training and practical application of medical Mandarin language as it pertains to assessing, diagnosing, and treating a patient.
- Comprehensive understanding and practical ability to assess, diagnose, and generate treatment principles and plans.
- The ability to select acupoints and administer needling techniques appropriate for respective condition(s). The ability to utilize supplementary techniques for treatment that may include but are not limited to: moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, tui na massage/acupressure, electrostimulation, and dietary recommendations.
- Practical knowledge and experience in interviewing and counselling skills to support the role of health practitioners. A comprehensive understanding of the classical view of mental and emotional disharmony and the corresponding patterns of various illnesses.
- Practical knowledge of the self-care modalities of Yang Sheng Fa (Nourishing life principles), Taiji Quan, Dao Yin, and Nei Gong.
- Training in research methods to successfully review, analyze, and generate an academic research paper.
- Fundamental training in business and records management.
- The introduction to business models, approaches, marketing, record keeping, and business plan generation.
- Fundamental understanding of practical safety protocols and jurisprudence framework for operating a business and practicing as a practitioner in the jurisdiction of BC under the regulations set out by the CCHPBC. Development of the professional skills and attitudes necessary for an independent and/or collaborative practice.
Admission Requirements:
- High School Diploma & Official Transcripts
- Post-Secondary Diplomas & Official Transcripts (if applicable)
- Personal Essay
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Physician’s certificate of health (Western, Chinese or Naturopathic Doctor/practitioner) including severe allergies
- Resume
- Proficiency in written and oral English
English Proficiency Requirements:
Provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10, with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- Evidence of graduation from a language program with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada, or
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT – Minimum overall score of 46
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall score of 40
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum overall score of 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
- The Michigan English Test (MET) – Minimum overall B2 level
- iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Upon successful completion of this program:
- Qualify to write the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner exam
- Can find employment in Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinics, spas, health retreats, wellness clinics, alternative therapy clinics, healing centres, and private practice, and acupuncture supply companies.
- Once registered an Acupuncturist in BC is authorized to: administer manual, mechanical, thermal, and electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles, use of laser acupuncture, magnetic therapy or acupressure, and moxibustion (Jiu) and suction cup (Ba Guan).
- Teach, conduct research, and publish academic works.
