Education · 1 of 4
The path
A diploma, a national exam, and a provincial registration.
- 1
High school
Grade 12
Biology and English. Most programs ask for a Grade 12 diploma, some ask for a year or two of college or university first.
- 2
Acupuncture or TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) diploma
About 3 years
About 3 years full time. Anatomy, physiology, TCM theory, point location, needling, safety, and a supervised student clinic. MacEwan in Edmonton is the only public program in Alberta. Ontario and BC have mostly private schools.
- 3
Pan-Canadian exams
After graduation
A written exam and a practical clinical exam shared by the regulated provinces. Ontario adds a safety and jurisprudence (law) test.
- 4
Register with your province
A few months
In Ontario that is the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. Then buy insurance and find a clinic.