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Diploma of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Program Overview

The Diploma of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a 4-year (8-semester) program that deeply explores theoretical and clinical concepts of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine involves disciplines such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chinese massage, diet therapy and therapeutic exercises. Students learn foundational philosophies, diagnostic principles and therapeutic techniques of this ancient and powerful system of medicine, and incorporate them with biomedical sciences and other healing philosophies.

Clinical Training

Students in the Diploma of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program complete 705 hours of direct clinical practice. Students can complete all clinical training in PRC’s on-campus Student Clinic, or can participate in our Global Outreach Program, Clinical Externship Program, or with our clinical partner in China, Liaoning University of TCM. Full-time students generally begin clinical training via observation during the very first week of studies.

Study Options

The School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers year-round educational opportunities with an academic calendar based on 3 semesters per year. New students may enrol every January, May and September and students may either choose to pursue year-round studies or to take a semester or more off at their discretion. By choosing their course load each semester, students may complete any semester on a part-time or a full-time basis. Students who wish not to enrol in any program are also eligible to take individual courses for personal enrichment provided that applicable course prerequisites have been met. Please see Non-Matriculating Students below for more information. Students aiming for practitioner registration with the CTCMA of British Columbia must complete the Diploma of Acupuncture program in no less than 2 calendar years and in no more than 5. There are currently no time requirements for the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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Not Sure Where to Start?

Choosing a school or program can feel overwhelming, especially when funding details, eligibility, and timelines may depend on your personal situation.

A good first step is to identify the type of training you’re interested in, then connect with schools that can explain program options, admissions steps, and available support.

Use the search tool to begin narrowing your options based on your goals.

*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.