Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac)
– A New Era in Acupuncture Education
A four-year degree program designed to prepare students for professional acupuncture practice through rigorous academic study, hands-on skills development, and clinical education.
Program Overview
A Degree Program Built for the Future of Practice
The Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) is a four-year degree program designed to prepare students for professional acupuncture practice through rigorous academic study, hands-on skills development, and supervised clinical education. As ACATCM’s first degree program, the B.Ac represents a major institutional milestone and a new stage in acupuncture education in Alberta.
Building on a long-standing legacy of leadership since 1997 as Alberta’s original institution for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this program reflects a bold step forward in Canadian integrative healthcare education. Students develop strong foundations in acupuncture theory, biomedical sciences, and professional practice, alongside advanced clinical reasoning and patient-centred care.
The curriculum integrates evidence-informed approaches with extensive clinical training to ensure graduates are practice-ready and adaptable within modern healthcare environments. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for registration with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA) as Registered Acupuncturists (Dr. Ac.), subject to meeting CAA registration requirements.
Why Choose ACATCM
Excellence at Alberta’s Premier TCM Institution
A Degree Designed for the Future
Our B.Ac program reflects a shift toward degree-level education in acupuncture, aligning with increasing expectations for professional standards, clinical competency, and academic rigour.
Research & Evidence-Informed Practice
Gain a forward-looking education grounded in research and evidence-informed practice. Build the skills to think critically, engage with new developments, and contribute to the evolving future of acupuncture.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world insight into the classroom and actively support your growth, clinical confidence, and long-term success.
Integrative Healthcare Perspective
Understand how acupuncture fits within today’s healthcare environment. Develop the ability to communicate effectively with patients and approach care with a modern, patient-focused perspective.
Real-World Clinical Training
Gain meaningful clinical experience working with real patients through Huatuo Clinic, ACATCM’s not-for-profit teaching clinic. Build the skills, confidence, and professional judgement needed for modern practice.
Shaping the Future of Acupuncture
Be part of a new generation of practitioners prepared for the evolving expectations of acupuncture in modern healthcare.
Curriculum Overview
What You Will Study
Foundations
Establish a strong foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, meridian systems, and acupuncture fundamentals, alongside introductory biomedical sciences and research methodology. You will begin developing diagnostic awareness, point location skills, and professional communication, while gaining early exposure to clinical education and safe practice principles.
Diagnostic Development & Treatment Application
Deepen your understanding of TCM diagnostics, internal and external pathologies, herbology, and acupuncture treatment strategies, supported by continued study in biomedical sciences. You will apply clinical reasoning through case-based learning and expand hands-on abilities through structured clinical education.
Clinical Integration & Professional Formation
Advance into integrated, case-based learning that connects TCM with biomedical diagnostics, imaging, and research-informed practice. You will study specialty areas and professional regulation while progressing through supervised clinical education and practicum.
Advanced Clinical Practice & Entry-to-Practice Readiness
Consolidate your training through advanced practicum experiences and focused coursework in moxibustion, diet therapy, and business and practice management. You will refine clinical decision-making in preparation for entry into the acupuncture profession in Canada.
Transform Your Passion Into a Career
ACATCM is accepting applications for Fall 2026. Join a community of passionate educators and future leaders of integrative healthcare in Canada.