Our College

Our College provides students with an enriched learning experience that includes a first-class education, flexible scheduling options, and an on-site student clinic for hand-on learning.

 

About Us

Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the only government approved career college in Atlantic Canada specializing in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Nutrition programs.  We are leaders in education and professional development, offering students comprehensive, hands-on learning opportunities with a firm foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Our college, along with our sister college Eight-Branches, located in Toronto, Ontario, has received national and international recognition for our academic standards.  We offer flexible scheduling options for our students while providing a balance of practical, theoretical, and clinical perspectives. CCATCM graduates become successful industry professionals that enjoy healthy, long term, rewarding medical careers, and a lifetime of wellness.

Our Focus is Purely on Acupuncture and TCM

Our college standards are recognized by provincial, national, and international associations, institutions, and organizations. We are the only college in Atlantic Canada affiliated with leading colleges in Ontario and British Columbia and with connections to universities and hospitals in China. This makes it possible for our students to graduate with a diploma of acupuncture from CCATCM and continue on to pursue a Diploma of Doctor of TCM and Masters and PhD degrees in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. In addition, our connections to major Chinese hospitals allow our students to enrich their clinical practice through an internship if they so choose.

We are also the only college connected to the S-T/L-C Life-Care Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Clinics – the Maritimes’ oldest and most established acupuncture and natural medicine clinics. Students benefit from the clinics’ 30 years of clinical and business experience. The College is also connected to the Advanced Rejuvenation Medi Spa where students can learn about cosmetic acupuncture. Students also have the opportunity to visit other clinics and benefit from other practitioners’ experiences and knowledge.

The college strives through its clinics, classes, and courses to reach out to the health-care community and the public with the knowledge that acupuncture and TCM can help everyone achieve their wellness goals, both professionally and personally.

Our core faculty has been in clinical practice and instructing in this field of medicine for more than 30 years. Several faculty members have Masters and PhD degrees in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

CCATCM History

The Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (CCATCM) is a leader in education and professional development when it comes to teaching Acupuncture and Natural Nutrition Counsellor programs. We offer some of the most advanced theoretical and practical training available today while staying loyal to an over 5,000-year history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

CCATCM began with the vision of Dr. Diana Tong Li and Dr. Franklyn Shi Chen. They dreamed of a school that combined the best of Eastern and Western Medicine with modern and traditional methods of healing. The result was the Canadian College of Natural Medicine (CCNM) – a career college, founded in 1998 in Bedford. CCNM primarily taught 2200 hours of Massage Therapy programs and Acupressure Massage Therapy programs (Dr. Li-Chen Acupressure Massage Levels 1-4). It experienced remarkable growth as a college of massage therapy, leaving little energy for the owners’ passions of Acupuncture and TCM. At that time Dr. Li and Dr. Chen decided that it was time for a change. The Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy purchased the school in 2003 where it continues to thrive to this day.

In its place, Dr. Li and Dr. Chen created the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine (CCANM). CCANM functioned as a college providing continuing education for health care professionals.

In 2008, Dr. Li and Dr. Chen had the vision to create a full-time, career-based Acupuncture program for students in the Maritimes wishing to pursue Acupuncture and TCM as a profession. In September 2009, CCATCM welcomed its first incoming class.

CCATCM is the result of this rich, educational history. CCATCM is a career college registered with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education, is a member of the Private Career Association of Nova Scotia and National Association of Career Colleges, and a core member of the Federation of TCM Colleges of Canada. CCATCM is also a member of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies. The college is certified by Human Resource Development Canada as an educational institution and recognized by the Ministry of Employment and Immigration. Furthermore, being registered as a Private Career College, our programs are eligible for student loans and other types of funding that allow students to pursue a new career more easily.

CCATCM has also become renowned for its use of the Acupressure Massage program created by Dr. Li and Dr. Chen and is known for being a better way to study TCM. Using a more hands-on approach wherever possible, this program brings the TCM foundation theory alive in the classrooms. During our evolution, we have moved to the forefront of our field by offering our students the opportunity to study to become exceptional acupuncturists and TCM practitioners. Through these efforts and the work of our students, we have been able to impact the lives of thousands of patients across Canada and the world. All of this has been accomplished because of the excitement we take in offering Acupuncture and TCM training and Natural Nutrition Counsellor training, thus building skills, knowledge, and a community where our students can realize their academic and professional goals.

In 2018, Mr. Ravee Ming Chen took over as CEO of CCATCM and led the college to its next phase of growth.

As of July 2019, CCATCM was excited to expand into the natural nutrition field by offering the approved Natural Nutrition Counsellor Diploma Program. This allows CCATCM to combine time-honored TCM with holistic nutrition, enhancing the knowledge and learning experience of the students. Ravee Ming Chen welcomed our first Natural Nutrition Counsellor class in September of 2019.

In July 2020, CCATCM received approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education to begin offering the Blended Delivery Acupuncture Diploma Program (Two Years), with its first class of students starting in September 2020.

As of September 2020, CCATCM started a partnership with the leading Acupuncture School in Ontario to raise the standard of TCM and Acupuncture education in Eastern Canada.

With an increased focus on providing the best quality of education and expanding both the college’s reach and available programs, CCATCM has grown immensely and has earned an outstanding reputation provincially, nationally, and internationally.  Ravee Ming Chen has overseen the expansion of the school’s curriculum to colleges in other provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia. He continues to have a greater vision to provide the best Acupuncture and TCM education across Canada and North America.

Why choose CCATCM?

CCATCM’s founders designed our programs to provide you with the hands-on knowledge and practical experience to become a fully qualified and world-class practitioner. Our flexible schedules, multiple intakes and onsite student clinic are just a few of the many reasons to choose CCATCM. Our doors are always open and we welcome you to visit the college and become a student for a day in order to see the CCATCM experience firsthand. You may even receive a treatment while you are here!

  1. CCATCM is Registered
    CCATCM is fully recognized as a Private Career College by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
  2. Highly Recognized
    CCATCM is accredited by numerous provincial, national, and international organizations including the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC), Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Colleges of Canada, World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, British Acupuncture Council, various natural nutrition associations in Canada, and more.
  3. High Education Standards
    Our programs go above and beyond what is taught in similar courses provincially, nationally, and internationally. In addition to meeting industry standards, our programs include additional enrichment and improved educational experiences.
  4. Access to Various Forms of Funding
    CCATCM applicants are eligible for student loans from all provinces and territories in Canada. That includes access to OSAP in Ontario, Nova Scotia Student Loan, StudentAidBC in British Columbia, Alberta Student Aid, Quebec Student Financial Assistance and more. Students are also able to access various forms of third-party funding such as military and armed forces, skills development funding for those who qualify, and funding from Native/Indigenous sources.
  5. Flexible Schedule
    Our 2.5-day per week class structure allows CCATCM students to enjoy a proper life balance while studying to become a healer. With the Blended Delivery Acupuncture Diploma Program, students complete their first year online (evenings or weekends) which allows students to work and study at the same time, while their second year is completed onsite.
  6. World-Class Instructors
    CCATCM has an extremely strong and professional teaching faculty. Our instructors have a great passion and dedication to their work. They love passing their knowledge and expertise onto our students. CCATCM’s teaching faculty includes highly-recognized and skilled TCM Doctors, Acupuncturists, Naturopathic Doctors, Natural Nutritionists, Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, and more. Some of our Professors have over 35 years of clinical experience with a PhD Degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  7. The Best Clinical Experience
    The CCATCM clinical experience is a major steppingstone in our student’s preparation to practice in the real world. CCATCM places an emphasis on hands-on practice. CCATCM founders specially designed our curriculum with CCATCM Signature Acupressure Massage courses that will be taught in the first year, which gives students the opportunity to touch and feel Acupuncture Points and Meridians. It makes the TCM theory come to life. After only three months, our students can begin helping patients in the student clinic, as well as their family and friends with their healing journey.
  8. High Success Rate for Licensing Examinations
    CCATCM graduates are thoroughly prepared to write and attain pass rates well above national averages for the Pan-Canadian Examinations. These board exams are necessary for Acupuncturists to work in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia where acupuncture is a regulated profession.
  9. Great Cultural Opportunities
    Every year CCATCM has a TCM China Camp for students to visit TCM hospitals in China and experience the Chinese culture including food, silk, jade, and tea ceremonies. After landing in China, most expenses may be paid by a third party.
  10. Perfect Location
    CCATCM’s campus is located in the heart of Bedford overlooking the beautiful Bedford Basin. Not only is the college located on a major bus route, within walking distance to two malls and numerous shops, but our campus also has the best feng shui and healing energy. CCATCM’s campus is more than 16,000 square feet and the college hosts four ample classroom spaces, clinic rooms, student lounge, herbal store, etc.
  11. National Footprint
    CCATCM has sister colleges in Ontario and British Columbia where we collaborate to meet high educational standards and allow students to transfer locations and course credits seamlessly amongst colleges.
  12. Higher Education
    Through our affiliation with Guangzhou Chinese Medicine University in China, CCATCM graduates are eligible to
    continue their study for a Master’s or PhD degree.

Why Acupuncture and TCM?

  1. It’s a healthy, long-term, stable medical career
  2. There is great income potential
  3. It is a lifetime of wellness for you, your family, and your patients

CCATCM Strengths

  • Internationally recognized programs and faculty
  • Programs are eligible for student loans and other forms of funding
  • National college partnerships
  • International college and hospital affiliation
  • Wide range and enriched clinical practice
  • A variety of courses and classes for continuing education and self-growth
  • Affiliations with National and International networks of colleges, institutions, and associations
  • Internships to assist the transition from student to practitioner
  • Partnered with the (S-T and L-C) Life-Care Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Clinics providing observational clinical hours for students from two core doctors that both have PhDs in Acupuncture and TCM and over 70 years combined practice treating thousands of patients.

By choosing CCATCM, you will attend a quality school where the teachers have a passion for what they do and a firm basis in traditional practices.

Acupuncture is a lifetime career and being an Acupuncturist enables you to have the ability to provide a lifetime of wellness for you, your family, and your patients!

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Faculty Intro

The faculty at CCATCM are some of the most respected and well-known instructors, not only in Canada but in the world. Many of our instructors are leaders within a provincial, national, or international Acupuncture and TCM Association. Some of them have PhD’s in Acupuncture and TCM with over 30 years of clinical and teaching experience.

Our instructors are selected for their passion, knowledge, and clinical experience to deliver to students a deep understanding of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They have the skills to teach in a manner that is customary to Western students. Our students experience a high standard of technical and professional training with a mixture of fun, friendship, and laughter, all with an emphasis on hands-on learning, self-healing, exploration, and guidance.

These skilled professionals with their extensive backgrounds are highly qualified and have all been approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education to teach in their field. They are excited, eager and have a strong desire to pass on their knowledge, skills, and passion to their students.

Our Founding and Key Faculty

Accreditation 

Since its beginning in 2009 the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has been visited by a number of elected officials at different levels of government. These officials have spoken to our students and taken the time to acknowledge our college.

The Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine College of Canada certified CCATCM met the FTCMCC educational standards and compliance with relevant requirements in September 2013 and provided CCATCM with a Certificate of Accreditation.

Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education

Private Career Association of Nova Scotia and National Association of Career Colleges

Federation of TCM Colleges of Canada

Recognition

Since its beginning in 2009 the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has been visited by a number of elected officials at different levels of government. These officials have spoken to our students and taken the time to acknowledge our college.

Nova Scotia Minister of Immigration The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Nova Scotia Minister of Immigration, visited the college on Feb. 7, 2019, to help celebrate the college’s 10th anniversary and celebrate Chinese New Year.

Organizations that Recognize CCATCM

CCATCM has strong affiliations with provincial, national and international Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine communities. Through these networks, our students and graduates have opportunities to study and practice Acupuncture and TCM at the highest levels and in a global context.

CCATCM has been approved by the Canadian Federal Ministry of Immigration and Nova Scotia Ministry of Education to enroll international students in the relevant acupuncture and TCM courses.

Currently, CCATCM is an important part of the World Federation of Acupuncture Associations (WFAS), the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Associations (WFCMS), the Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Colleges of Canada (FTCMCC).

For further information please contact the CCATCM admission office.

WFCMS
CCATCM is a member of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS), an international, non-profit organization of Chinese Medicine societies, colleges, and universities.

WFAS
CCATCM is an official Inheritance Base for Acupuncture and Moxibustion under the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), an NGO in official relation with the World Health Organization (WHO).

FTCMCC
Our Acupuncture diploma programs meet and exceed the minimum curriculum requirements set by the Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Colleges of Canada (FTCMCC). OCTCM is an accredited institutional member of the FTCMCC.

CMAAC
Graduates of the Acupuncture and TCM Practitioner diploma programs are eligible for professional membership in the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC).

CANNP
Graduates from our Natural Nutrition Counsellor Diploma Programs are able to join The Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Practitioners (CANNP).

CAHN-Pro
Following completion of our Natural Nutrition Counsellor Diploma Program CCATCM students are eligible to join the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals (CAHN-Pro).

IONC
Once a CCATCM student has finished our Natural Nutrition Counsellor Diploma Program they can join the International Organization of Nutrition Consultants (IONC).