Admission to ACATCM
ACATCM now offers two distinct pathways — Alberta’s first Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) degree and our established Acupuncture & TCM diploma programs. Explore requirements, deadlines, and how to apply.
B.Ac Admission Pathways
ACATCM welcomes applications from individuals who are ready to pursue a meaningful and rewarding path in acupuncture and integrative healthcare. We recognize that students enter this profession from many different backgrounds — from recent high school graduates to experienced healthcare professionals.
Regular Admission
The standard entry pathway for applicants completing or who have completed Alberta high school (or equivalent).
- Alberta high school diploma or recognized equivalent
- Grade 12 English — required
- Grade 12 Biology (preferred), or Chemistry, or Mathematics
- Minimum 65% in required subjects
- Minimum overall admission average of 65%
- Applicants educated outside Alberta assessed on equivalent qualifications
Post-Secondary Transfer Admission
For applicants who have completed studies at a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Good academic standing — minimum GPA 2.3/4.0 (65%)
- Must meet B.Ac admission requirements including English proficiency
- Prior coursework may be assessed for potential transfer credit
Diploma-to-Degree Pathway
Designed for graduates or current students of accredited acupuncture or TCM diploma programs seeking to advance to a bachelor’s degree.
- Graduates of accredited acupuncture or TCM diploma programs in Canada
- Current ACATCM diploma students
- Applicants with comparable formal acupuncture or TCM training
- Eligible for advanced standing based on completed coursework, clinical hours, and alignment with B.Ac learning outcomes
- Maximum 50% of total program credits may be transferred
- All students must complete at least 50% of the B.Ac program at ACATCM
Mature Applicant Admission
For applicants who do not meet Regular Admission requirements but can demonstrate readiness for degree-level study.
- Must be 21 years of age or older by the first day of classes
- Must have been out of full-time high school for at least two years
- Must meet the program’s English proficiency requirement
- Required to submit a portfolio of relevant experience
- Must complete an admissions assessment and attend an interview with the Admissions Committee
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose previous education was not completed primarily in English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The following test scores are accepted:
| Test | Minimum Score / Requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall — no individual band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall |
| CAEL | 70 overall |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 overall |
| PTE Academic | 61 overall |
English proficiency requirements may be waived for applicants who have completed at least three years of full-time study in English at the secondary or post-secondary level.
🌐 International Credential Evaluation
High School (Secondary) Education
Course-by-course evaluation required from the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS).
Post-Secondary Education
Evaluation from World Education Services (WES). Course-by-course evaluation is recommended if applying for transfer credit.
B.Ac Program Intake & Deadlines
Choose Your Diploma Program
Diploma in Acupuncture
A comprehensive, proven program preparing graduates to become Doctor of Acupuncture (Dr. Ac.) — a designated title for registered acupuncturists in Alberta.
Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine
A double-major program. Graduates receive both an Acupuncture Diploma (end of Year 3) and a TCM Diploma, preparing them to become skilled TCM doctors.
Admission Eligibility Requirements
All applicants to ACATCM diploma programs must demonstrate the academic preparation, maturity, and professional conduct necessary for success in an entry-to-practice healthcare program.
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1
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
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Academic Preparation
Alberta high school diploma or recognized equivalent, verified by official transcript. Minimum 60% or better in Grade 12 English, Mathematics, and Science.
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3
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient for success in an entry-to-practice healthcare education program. This requirement may be satisfied through completion of secondary or post-secondary education where the primary language of instruction was English. Otherwise, recognized English test scores are required.
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Essential Capacities
All applicants must demonstrate capacity in: Cognitive & Academic Ability (comprehend complex material, critical thinking, sustained academic performance); Communication Skills (spoken and written English, clinical documentation); Emotional & Professional Stability (professional judgment, patient-care boundaries, receptiveness to feedback); Physical & Sensory Abilities (fine motor tasks for safe acupuncture practice, palpation, visual assessment); and Technological Literacy (LMS, digital submissions, institutional platforms).
Mature Student Pathway
Applicants who do not meet standard academic admission requirements may be considered under the Mature Student category if they can demonstrate the capacity to succeed in an entry-to-practice healthcare education program.
A mature student applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application; and
- Have no Alberta high school diploma or equivalent; or
- Have been absent from formal secondary or post-secondary education for a period of at least five (5) consecutive years prior to the application date.
Please refer to the Student Admission Policy for full Mature Student requirements.
Application Process
The same five-step process applies to all ACATCM programs. Applications may be submitted online or by email/mail.
Check Eligibility
Review the admission requirements for your chosen program to confirm you meet the criteria.
Prepare Documents
Gather all required supporting documents before starting your application.
Submit Application
Apply online or download the form and email/mail it with your documents and application fee.
Interview
Qualified applicants are invited to an interview — in person or via video — with a senior administrator.
Acceptance
Successful candidates receive an acceptance letter with orientation date, schedules, and next steps.
Supporting Documents Checklist
Please ensure all of the following are included with your application:
| Applicant Type | Application Fee (non-refundable) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Students (Canadian citizens & Permanent Residents) | $150.00 CAD |
| International Students | $500.00 CAD |
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.
Key Dates Summary — Fall 2026
Completion of an ACATCM Program Does Not Automatically Grant the Right to Practice
Graduates who wish to practice acupuncture in Alberta must meet the licensure requirements established by the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA) — the regulatory body governing acupuncture practice in the province. Graduates of the B.Ac program and the Acupuncture Diploma program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Acupuncturist (Dr. Ac.) with the CAA.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Applications for Fall 2026 are now open. Start your path toward becoming a registered acupuncture professional in Alberta.