Admission Procedures
Prospective students are invited to schedule an appointment to visit us and discover the ACATCM tradition – where we are always at the forefront of innovation and excellence!
1. Eligibility
All applicants seeking admission to the Alberta College of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine must demonstrate the academic preparation, maturity, and professional conduct necessary for success in an entry-to-practice healthcare program.
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Have completed high school education with an Alberta high school diploma or equivalent, verified by transcript, with 60% or better in Grade 12 English, Mathematics, and Science.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient to succeed in an entry-to-practice healthcare education program. Applicants may satisfy this requirement through completion of secondary or post-secondary education where the primary language of instruction was English.
- All applicants must demonstrate capacity in the following areas:
- Cognitive and Academic Capacity: Applicants must be able to comprehend complex material, apply theoretical knowledge to clinical contexts, engage in critical thinking, and maintain sustained academic performance in a multi-year post-secondary program.
- Communication Skills: Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English, document clinical information accurately, and interact respectfully with patients, faculty, and peers.
- Emotional and Professional Stability: Applicants must demonstrate professional judgment, maintain appropriate boundaries, regulate emotions in patient-care environments, and accept constructive feedback.
- Physical and Sensory Abilities: Applicants must be able to perform fine motor tasks required for safe acupuncture practice, palpate anatomical landmarks, visually assess treatment areas, and participate in laboratory and clinical training activities.
- Technological Literacy: Applicants must be able to use the institution’s learning management system, submit assignments electronically, access digital learning materials, and communicate through institutional digital platforms.
Mature Student:
Applicants who do not meet the standard academic admission requirements may be considered for admission under the Mature Student category where they demonstrate the capacity to succeed in an entry-to-practice healthcare education program.
A mature student is an applicant who:
- Is at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application; and
- Has no Alberta high school diploma or equivalent; or
Has been absent from formal secondary or post-secondary education for a period of at least five (5) consecutive years prior to the application date. See Student Admission Policy for Mature Student requirements.
2. Application Deadline
The application for our Fall 2026 term is now open and we continue to process new applications as usual. We will continue to be flexible where possible and adapt to changing circumstances with the aim of removing any barriers to the completion of the application process.
Deadlines:
- Domestic Student: July 31st, 2026
- International Students: June 30th, 2026
Fall 2026 semester begins on September 1, 2026
3. Application
Thanks for your interest in applying for admission to ACATCM, you can easily submit your application by:
- online application form, or
- download and complete the application form here, then email it to admin@acatcm.com or mail to the ACATCM Admission Office at 500, 628 – 12 Ave SW, Calgary Alberta T2R 0H6.
Please ensure the following document are included:
- Copies of certificates/parchments and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Two recent passport-sized photos (for student ID card) (Please check the guidelines here).
- A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 CAD (domestic applicants) or $500 CAD (international applicants) payable to ACATCM by e-transfer (to admin@acatcm.com) or wire transfer.
- A letter of intent that states your background, motivation for choosing this profession, etc.
- Two referral/character reference letters from non-family members with verifiable contact details (email/phone) included.
- Police Information Check obtained within 6 months upon application.
- English proficiency test scores, if applicable under the English Proficiency Policy.
Download Admission Application Form
Late Application:
Late applications may be considered and are reviewed in the order received, subject to program capacity. Submission of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview. Interview invitations are issued at the discretion of the Registrar’s Office, subject to program capacity, applicant competitiveness, and adherence to established evaluation criteria.
If you require more information about admission or program of interest, you may send in your request using the form below.
4. Review Process
Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Office and/or Registrar upon receipt. Qualified applicants may be invited to participate in an interview conducted in person or by video conference with a senior administrator. The interview process evaluates academic readiness, professional suitability, ethical reasoning, communication skills, and the ability to meet expectations for participation in an entry-to-practice healthcare program.
5. Success
Congratulations! You will be welcomed into a thriving student-led learning environment.
Successful candidates will receive admission and acceptance letter followed by instructions such as students’ orientation date, course schedules, textbook information, etc.
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Become Part of ACATCM Education to Further Your Career.
Alberta Licensing Requirements
Completion of the ACATCM Acupuncture Program does not in itself grant the right to practice as an acupuncturist in Alberta. Graduates who wish to practice acupuncture must meet the licensure requirements established by the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the regulatory body governing the practice of acupuncture in the province.
Learn about the eligibility requirements to become a Registered Acupuncturist in Alberta on the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta website.