Become a Registered Acupuncturist in Canada. Study Online, Graduate Practice-Ready.

CCATCM’s blended Acupuncture Diploma lets you complete most coursework online and then spend your clinical year in Halifax building real-world skills. Government student loans available for eligible Canadians. September 2026 intake now open.

Talk to an Admissions Advisor

Get the Canada Student Info Booklet

Takes ~30 seconds. Tuition overview, online/blended structure, Halifax clinical timeline, and a province-licensure planning.

30+

Years of Excellence

~1,000

Canadian & International Graduates

2,268

Total Training Hours

668+

Supervised Clinical Hours

Testimonials

Emily MacPhail

I love CCATCM and I decided to come here right after I graduated from high school. While I was in high school I have always just wanted to help people and I think Acupuncture for me is the perfect way to do that. In 2019, I joined CCATCM’s TCM China Camp, (an experiential learning opportunity) to China. This was a trip of a lifetime, with Dr. Li, we got to visit a TCM hospital and I really learned a lot.

Linda Bingley

I came to CCATCM from Newfoundland and completed the Intensive two-year program. I love what I have learned, I am passionate about TCM and I think it is one of the greatest careers anyone could think about going into. I am now 61 years of age, which proves you are never too old to start over and learn something new, especially if you are passionate about it.

Natalie Gaudet, RMT

“My studies at CCATCM have allowed me to grow in so many aspects, both personally and professionally with my existing clientele as a massage therapist. Everything has exceeded my expectations from the course content, the educators and staff, and the practice. I honestly feel that being a student at CCATCM has started a new chapter and outlook in my life. ”

Carole Potter

In 2012 I graduated from CCATCM with a Diploma of Acupuncture. The education I received provided me with the essential skills to begin my practice. I was so fortunate to be welcomed at a well-established multidisciplinary health clinic on the South Shore…. I have become so busy over the years that the clinic has made a wise decision to welcome a second Acupuncturist…. I have been in a full-time practice now for eight successful years and now I want to become a CCATCM instructor, to share my passion and love of the profession with students.

Brandy Dowdall

After 30 years practicing as a lawyer… I decided to retire and pursure another lifelong passion — Traditional Chinese Medicine. I found CCATCM in Halifax and I am so happy that I did. The coursework is challenging and fun, the instructors are terrific and very well-qualified. I feel confident that my education is second-to-none.

How the Blended Path Works

Step 1: Study Online

Complete your lecture coursework online with a structured evening schedule, from any province.

Step 2: Clinical Year in Halifax

Relocate for hands-on clinical training and supervised patient care.

Step 3: Graduate and Launch Your Career

Complete your province’s licensing steps and begin practicing as a Registered Acupuncturist.

Not sure if the blended format works for your life? Download the free program guide and we'll walk you through timelines, attendance expectations, and the clinical year in detail.

A Complete TCM Education: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Clinical Skills

Your Diploma of Acupuncture covers every technique you’ll use in practice. 2,268 training hours across theory, lab, and supervised clinic work, so you graduate confident and ready.

Plus: Acupressure, Scalp Acupuncture, Facial Rejuvenation, and Dr. Li-Chen Signature Techniques, exclusive to CCATCM.

Your Clinical Year in Halifax: A City You'll Actually Love

Halifax is a beautiful coastal city on Canada’s East Coast, known for its waterfront, parks, friendly student vibe, and affordable cost of living. For most students, the clinical year feels less like moving away and more like a focused season of hands-on training in a city you’ll genuinely enjoy.

Halifax waterfront / harbour:

A coastal city with an easy, affordable lifestyle

Campus exterior:

A focused, supportive learning environment

Student clinic:

Supervised, hands-on clinical training from day one

Downtown/lifestyle:

Walkable, welcoming, and student-friendly

Government Student Loans Are Available: Don't Let Tuition Hold You Back

CCATCM is recognized by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education. That means eligible Canadian students can access federal and provincial student loan funding, living allowances, and third-party bursaries, just like any other career college program. Ask our admissions team about your eligibility. Many students are surprised by how much support is available.

Federal and provincial student loans for eligible students
Third-party bursaries and scholarships
Payment plan options available
No bachelor’s degree required to qualify

Ask About Funding Options

Experience TCM at Its Source: The CCATCM China Camp

No other acupuncture college in Canada offers this. Every year, CCATCM takes a cohort of students to China to study TCM where it originated, visiting hospitals, training with masters, and experiencing a culture that has refined this medicine over 5,000 years. For Emily MacPhail, it was “a trip of a lifetime.” It’s one of many reasons CCATCM graduates go into practice with a depth of knowledge their peers simply don’t have.

Learn From Experts, Train With Confidence

CCATCM was founded by world-renowned PhD TCM experts Dr. Diana Tong Li and Dr. Franklyn Chen, and is led by top faculty with doctorates and decades of clinical experience. You’ll learn the “why” behind the medicine and develop real clinical skill through hands-on supervised training.

Choose the Format That Fits Your Life

Blended Program (Most Popular for Canadian Students)

Study online from your home province in Year 1, then complete your clinical year in Halifax.

3-Year Program

A flexible pace with more runway, ideal if you’re balancing work or family commitments

2-Year Intensive Full-time, on-site in Halifax.

The fastest path to graduating and getting into practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the program if I already have a full-time job?

Many students balance work and school, especially during the online portions of the blended program. However, students should expect a significant time commitment throughout the program, particularly during practical and clinical training.

What’s included in the info booklet?

Tuition overview, blended timeline, admissions steps, and a state-licensure planning checklist.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply?

No — CCATCM is designed so you can apply without a bachelor’s degree.

Is CCATCM approved in Nova Scotia?

Yes. CCATCM is recognized by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

Can I visit the campus before applying?

Absolutely! We encourage prospective students to book a campus tour or attend an open house event.

Where is CCATCM located?

CCATCM is located in Bedford, Nova Scotia, just outside Halifax.

What practical techniques will I learn besides acupuncture?

Students also study cupping, gua sha, tui na, acupressure, moxibustion, and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.

Are class sizes large?

No. CCATCM focuses on smaller class sizes to allow for more personalized instruction and hands-on learning.

Is the training hands-on?

Yes. You’ll complete supervised clinical training as part of your program requirements.

What are the program options?

Three-year program, two-year intensive, and blended program options are available.

Is there a student clinic?

Yes — clinical training includes supervised practice.

Does CCATCM offer continuing education or short courses?

Yes. We offer workshops, certifications, and individual courses related to Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic health practices.

Do students need to buy textbooks and supplies?

Yes. Textbooks, needles, uniforms, and some practical supplies are purchased separately from tuition. Students receive a supply list before classes begin.

What makes CCATCM unique?

CCATCM is one of the only government-recognized colleges in Atlantic Canada specializing in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a strong focus on hands-on clinical training and blended learning flexibility.

30+ Years. Nearly 1,000 Graduates. Your Turn.

If you’ve been thinking about a career in acupuncture, there’s never been a better time to start. Holistic health is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Canadian healthcare. CCATCM’s blended program makes it possible to begin without leaving your province, and government loan funding may cover more of your tuition than you think.

Download your free program guide
Talk to an admissions advisor, no pressure and no obligation
Attend a free virtual open house, dates updated regularly