About ACATCM — 29 Years of Leadership
The Alberta College of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACATCM) has been Alberta’s original institution for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education since 1997. Now a degree-granting college, ACATCM leads a new era of academic excellence and professional formation in integrative healthcare.
Who We Are
Mission & Vision
Building on a long-standing legacy of leadership since 1997 as Alberta’s original institution for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine — ACATCM is now a degree-granting college preparing the next generation of practitioners for professional practice, research, and leadership across Canada and internationally.
— ACATCM Heritage StatementOur Mission
To empower and advance the practice of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine through excellence in education, clinical training, research, and community engagement. We are committed to preparing graduates who are knowledgeable, skilled, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the health of Albertans and Canadians.
Our Vision
To lead the future of acupuncture in Canada and internationally — preparing the next generation of practitioners through rigorous academic programs grounded in both traditional wisdom and contemporary evidence. ACATCM is committed to shaping a profession that is respected, regulated, and evidence-informed.
“We are more than an educational institution; we are a community of passionate educators and leaders united by a common mission: to empower and advance the practice of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.”
Dr. Benny Xu — Executive Director & Founder, Alberta College of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese MedicineOur Heritage
A Legacy Built on Results
ACATCM’s story is one of relentless dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to quality education — shaped by the collective efforts of an exceptional community of students, faculty, and staff.
ACATCM is Established in Calgary, Alberta Origin
The Alberta College of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine is founded by Dr. Benny Xu, a respected leader in the acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine community. ACATCM opens as Alberta’s first dedicated institution for professional-level acupuncture and TCM education — committed from day one to academic rigour, clinical depth, and the advancement of the profession.
Establishing a Proven Track Record of Academic & Clinical Excellence
ACATCM builds a reputation for academic quality and strong graduate outcomes, reflected in consistently high results on the Pan-Canadian Licensing Examinations — the national standard for professional acupuncture registration. The Huatuo Clinic, ACATCM’s not-for-profit teaching clinic, earns recognition across Calgary’s healthcare community. Research collaborations with the University of Calgary and the Alberta Government further position ACATCM as a leader in evidence-informed TCM education.
Move to Purpose-Built 38,000 Sq Ft Facility Milestone
ACATCM relocates to a state-of-the-art, 38,000 square foot facility at 628 – 12 Ave SW, Calgary — purpose-designed for the education of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine students. The campus encompasses dedicated education, research, practice, and clinical training facilities, and is the largest of its kind in Canada, providing an unmatched environment for student learning and clinical development.
ACATCM Approved as Degree-Granting Institution Under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act
ACATCM receives formal approval as a degree-granting private post-secondary institution under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act — a historic advancement for acupuncture education in Canada. This recognition positions ACATCM as the only institution in Alberta authorized to grant an undergraduate degree in acupuncture, marking a defining milestone in the college’s 29-year history.
Launch of the Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) Degree Alberta’s First
ACATCM launches the Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) — Alberta’s first undergraduate acupuncture degree. This landmark program marks the beginning of a new era in acupuncture education: a four-year degree-level pathway combining rigorous academic study, evidence-informed curriculum, and extensive clinical training at the Huatuo Clinic. Applications for the inaugural Fall 2026 intake are now open.
Why Choose ACATCM
The ACATCM Difference
What sets ACATCM apart is a dynamic integration of academic excellence, clinical depth, and professional formation — built on 29 years of results, now elevated by degree-granting status and Canada’s largest purpose-built TCM campus.
Alberta’s Original — Since 1997
ACATCM is Alberta’s first and original institution for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine education. Our 29-year legacy is not merely history — it is a foundation of demonstrated academic quality, strong graduate outcomes, and sustained professional leadership across Canada.
Degree-Granting Status — B.Ac Degree
ACATCM is now a recognized degree-granting private post-secondary institution under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act. The Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) is Alberta’s first undergraduate acupuncture degree — opening new academic and professional pathways that were not previously available to students in Alberta.
Clinical Excellence — Huatuo Clinic
Students gain extensive supervised clinical experience at the Huatuo Clinic — ACATCM’s not-for-profit teaching clinic — developing the patient-centred care skills that define practice-ready graduates. The clinic is recognized across Calgary’s healthcare community for its advanced facilities and quality of care.
Proven Exam Results
ACATCM graduates consistently achieve strong results on the Pan-Canadian Licensing Examinations — the national standard for professional acupuncture registration. These outcomes speak to the rigour of ACATCM’s curriculum and the dedication of our faculty and students to academic and clinical excellence.
Research Opportunities
ACATCM students have the opportunity to participate in research in partnership with institutions including the University of Calgary and the Alberta Government — contributing to the growing body of evidence-informed knowledge in acupuncture and TCM, and preparing graduates for leadership roles within the profession.
An Integrated Campus for Education, Practice, and Research
ACATCM’s Calgary campus brings together classroom learning, clinical training, and academic development within a purpose-designed environment. This integrated approach supports rigorous education while preparing students for professional practice in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Regulatory & Institutional Recognition
Accreditation & Compliance
ACATCM operates within Alberta’s formal post-secondary and health profession legislative frameworks — ensuring full regulatory compliance and the highest standards of consumer protection for students and the public.
Post-secondary Learning Act (Alberta)
ACATCM is recognized as a degree-granting private post-secondary institution under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act. The Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) is a formally recognized undergraduate degree program — the first of its kind in Alberta — offered under this Act, with oversight by Alberta Advanced Education.
Governs the B.Ac Degree ProgramPrivate Vocational Training Act (Alberta)
ACATCM is a registered private vocational training provider under Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act. The Acupuncture Diploma and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diploma programs are offered under this Act, ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer protection for all enrolled students.
Governs Diploma ProgramsHealth Professions Act (Alberta)
Acupuncture is a regulated health profession in Alberta under the Health Professions Act, with practice oversight by the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA). ACATCM’s programs are designed to meet CAA entry-to-practice competency requirements, preparing graduates who are eligible to apply for professional registration.
Regulates Acupuncture Practice in AlbertaCollege of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
ACATCM’s programs are designed to meet the entry-to-practice competency standards of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA). Graduates of ACATCM’s programs are eligible to apply for registration with the CAA as Registered Acupuncturists (Dr. Ac.), subject to meeting all CAA registration requirements.
CAA Recognized ProgramsOur People
College Leadership
ACATCM is guided by experienced practitioner-educators who bring decades of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and commitment to the advancement of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada.
Welcome to ACATCM, where your journey begins toward a meaningful career in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Here, you will explore the depth of TCM—not only as a system of healing, but as a philosophy and way of understanding health rooted in Eastern tradition.
At ACATCM, you will experience TCM as a beautiful way of living and a deeply rewarding path of professional service. Our programs are built on 29 years of academic rigour, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to the advancement of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada.
As we enter this exciting new era — with Alberta’s first Bachelor of Acupuncture degree now open for enrollment — I invite you to join our community, discover your calling, and become part of a legacy that is shaping the future of integrative healthcare in Canada and beyond.
Read Dr. Xu’s Full Message →Clinical Excellence
The Huatuo Clinic — Where Learning Meets Practice
Students at ACATCM gain extensive supervised clinical experience at the Huatuo Clinic — ACATCM’s not-for-profit teaching clinic — developing the patient-centred care skills that define truly practice-ready graduates.
The Huatuo Clinic is highly respected in Calgary’s healthcare community for its advanced acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine facilities and the quality of care provided by supervised student practitioners under experienced faculty oversight. Patients receive professional-quality treatment while students develop the clinical confidence and skills required for independent practice.
Take the Next Step
Transform Your Passion Into a Career
ACATCM is accepting applications for Fall 2026 — including the inaugural intake of Alberta’s first Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) degree. Join a community united by a commitment to excellence in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.