Acupuncture Diploma Program
Become a Skilled Acupuncturist with Hands-On Training
Acupuncture is a way to bring healing into communities. We welcome students from all backgrounds who want to make a real impact through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Our Acupuncture Diploma Program provides the hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and strong clinical foundation to practice confidently.
Whether you’re starting a new career, deepening your understanding of holistic health, or expanding your medical expertise, you’ll find a place here.
About the program
With over 30 years of excellence in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education, CCATCM stands as a leader in the field. Rooted in over 5,000 years of TCM tradition and guided by founders with more than 40 years of clinical and teaching experience.
- Credential Awarded: Diploma in Acupuncture (D‑Ac)
- Total Training Hours: 2,268 (≈ 1440 classroom hours / 668 clinical hours / 140 hours research and advanced study)
- Delivery Formats: Whether you prefer online, on-site, or blended learning, we offer one of the most distinguished acupuncture programs in Canada.
What you’ll learn
Acupuncture Techniques
Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies
The program covers methods to assess patients using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and develop personalized treatment plans.
Fire Cupping
Students will gain skills in utilizing fire cupping, a technique involving heated glass cups, as a therapeutic modality.
Gua Sha
The program teaches the Gua Sha technique, which involves scraping the skin with a tool to stimulate healing.
Acupressure
Moxibustion
Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutrition & Herbology
Students study the dietary principles and herbal remedies used in TCM for health and treatment.
Integrative Healthcare Approaches
The program explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine can be integrated with other healthcare modalities for comprehensive patient care.
Clinical Communication
Patient Care Skills
The program teaches practical skills for providing holistic and compassionate patient care within a TCM framework.
How the Program Works
Designed for Real-World Success
We build every part of the curriculum around practical training and clinical experience. You won’t just study acupuncture—you’ll practice it with confidence.
Program Offerings
Two-Year Intensive Acupuncture Diploma Program (On-Site)
How it works
- Total Duration
2 years (24 months of instruction)
- Total Hours
Schedule
- Year 1 — On-Site Classes
Wednesday (8:30 am – 12:30 pm OR 1:30-5:30 pm) Thursday- Friday (8:30 am – 5:30 pm AST with a 1-hour lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm)
- Clinic Hours:
Monday – Thursday 5:30-9 pm
Saturday 10-2 pm
- Intakes
January and September
- Year 2 — On-Site Classes
Monday – Tuesday (8:30 am – 5:30 pm AST with a 1-hour lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm) Wednesday (8:30 am – 12:30 pm OR 1:30-5:30 pm)
- Tuition & Financial Aid
Identical tuition to all diploma formats; fully eligible for federal & provincial student‑loan funding and most third‑party bursaries
- Perfect For
Learners who prefer face‑to‑face instruction, want to complete their studies quickly, and can attend campus multiple full days each week
Two‑Year Blended Acupuncture Diploma Program (50 % Online - 50 % On‑Site)
How the Program Works
- Total Duration
2 years (22 months of instruction, 2 months summer vacation)
- Total Hours
2,268 (1440 classroom hours / 668 clinical hours / 140 hours advanced study projects)
Schedule
- Year 1 — Live‑Online Theory
Monday ‑ Friday (6‑10 pm AST) (recordings available)
- Clinic Hours:
Clinical component done onsite
Monday – Thursday 5:30-9 pm
Saturday 10-2 pm
- Intakes
January and September
- Year 2 — On‑Site Practice
Monday – Tuesday (8:30 am – 5:30 pm AST with a 1-hour lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm) Wednesday (8:30 am – 12:30 pm OR 1:30-5:30 pm)
- Tuition & Aid
Identical tuition to all diploma formats; fully eligible for federal & provincial student‑loan funding and most third‑party bursaries
- Perfect For
Students who need to keep working during Year 1 or who live outside Halifax but can relocate for Year 2
Three‑Year Intensive Acupuncture Diploma (On-Site)
How the Program Works
- Total Duration
3 Years (27 months, 4 months of summer vacation)
- Total Hours
2,268 (1440 classroom hours / 668 clinical hours / 140 hours advanced study projects)
Schedule
- Years 1‑2 — On-Site Classes
September Intake:
Wednesday (8:30 am – 12:30 pm OR 1:30-5:30 pm)
Thursday- Friday (8:30 am – 5:30 pm AST with a 1-hour lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm)
January Intake:
Wednesday-Friday (8:30 am – 5:30 pm AST with a 1-hour lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm)
- Year 2 — On-Site Classes
- Year 3 — Clinical Residency
Full‑time, on‑site clinical year
- Clinic Hours:
Clinical Component completed in the 3rd year
Monday – Thursday 5:30-9 pm
Saturday 10-2 pm
- Intakes
January and September
- Tuition & Aid
Identical tuition to all diploma formats; fully eligible for federal & provincial student‑loan funding and most third‑party bursaries
- Perfect For
Learners who cannot relocate immediately and prefer to study from home for the first two years
Three‑Year Blended Acupuncture Diploma (70% Online - 30% On-Site)
How the Program Works
- Total Duration
3 Years (27 months, 4 months of summer vacation)
- Total Hours
2,268 (1440 classroom hours / 668 clinical hours / 140 hours advanced study projects)
Schedule
- Year 1 - Online Classes
Monday ‑ Friday 6‑10 pm AST (throughout the program)
- Year 2 - Online Classes
Monday ‑ Friday 6‑10 pm AST (throughout the program)
- Year 3 - Onsite Classes and Clinical Residency
2.5 consecutive days / week each term for hands‑on labs & clinic. Final‑year clinic rotations provide the bulk of practical hours
- Clinic Hours:
Clinical Component completed when Onsite
Monday – Thursday 5:30-9 pm
Saturday 10-2 pm
- Intakes
January and September
- Tuition & Aid
Identical tuition to all diploma formats; fully eligible for federal & provincial student‑loan funding and most third‑party bursaries
- Perfect For
Those who are not in the area, and can only relocate for a short period and need summers off this is the program for you!
Every student graduates with over 2,268 training hours, including extensive hands-on practice. No matter which program you choose, every student graduates with over 2,268 training hours, including 1,440 classroom hours, 668 clinical hours, and 140 hours of advanced study projects, ensuring hands-on practice and a thorough education.
The Best Acupuncture Program in Canada
- Nation-wide impact: For the past 18 years our graduates have served every Canadian province, the United States, and beyond—improving the lives of thousands of patients.
- Proven exam success: Graduates are eligible—and consistently well-prepared—to sit the Pan-Canadian Exam in Acupuncture (CARB-TCMPA) with an excellent pass rate.
- Curriculum that exceeds the standard: Designed and continually refined by our founder, the program is third-party evaluated and aligned with British Columbia’s benchmark standards, meeting and surpassing national entry-to-practice requirements.
- Global recognition & partnerships: Our diploma is acknowledged by provincial, national, and international acupuncture bodies. We maintain academic links with leading universities and TCM hospitals in China, the U.S., and beyond, and are an active voice within the Federation of TCM Colleges of Canada.
- Clinical first, always: A rigorous academic foundation is paired with extensive, hands-on practice so students leave with exceptional clinical confidence and authentic TCM skills.
- Accessible & supportive: Ask us about payment plans, scholarships, and funding options—we’re committed to making a transformative education flexible and affordable.
Why Study Acupuncture at CCATCM?
CCATCM is more than a college. It’s a community of healers, educators, and students committed to advancing holistic health.
Accredited & Recognized
Recognized across Canada, the U.S., and internationally, exceeding national acupuncture education standards.
Hands-On Training
From the start, you’ll work in real clinics, treating real patients under expert supervision.
Flexible Study Paths
Choose from full-time, part-time, or blended online-onsite programs to fit your schedule.
Clinical Excellence
Train for 668+ hours in supervised practice, well beyond board exam requirements.
A Supportive Community
Join a network of students, faculty, and alumni dedicated to wellness and lifelong learning.
At CCATCM, learning happens in small, interactive classes where instructors know your name. You’ll be part of a welcoming environment that values diversity and collaboration.
Training That Prepares You for a Career
CCATCM students don’t just graduate—they start practicing. We ensure every student leaves with the skills and experience to work in acupuncture clinics, wellness centers, or start their own practice.
What You Gain
Clinical Experience from Day One
Work with real patients in our student and professional clinics.
Expert Board Exam Preparation
Train beyond national requirements and achieve high exam pass rates.
Global Learning Network
Connect with top TCM institutions in China and beyond.
Flexible Scheduling
Study full-time or part-time, onsite or online.
Career Support & Mentorship
Gain the confidence to build your own practice or join an established clinic.
A Holistic Approach
Learn how to integrate acupuncture into broader healthcare settings.
Graduates go on to launch their own clinics, join wellness centers, and bring acupuncture to communities in need.
Join a Community of Healers
The best way to learn acupuncture is to start practicing it. At CCATCM, you’ll train in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and patient-centered care. Whether you’re new to holistic health or already working in healthcare, this program will give you the skills to create meaningful change.
Start Your Journey Today
- Learn More About the Program - Get details on courses, schedules, and clinical training.
- Apply Now - Take the first step toward a career in acupuncture.
Schedules, course sequencing and tuition are subject to change. Always consult the CCATCM Academic Calendar for the most up‑to‑date information.
