Credit Transfer & PLAR
Earn credit toward the Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) for prior coursework, professional training, or relevant experiential learning. ACATCM recognizes formal post-secondary study, CAA-approved acupuncture programs, and demonstrated competencies through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) — up to 50 % of the 149-credit degree.
Fall 2026 intake — applications submitted via secure ACATCM online forms. Choose the form that matches your background.
Section 1
Overview & the 50 % Rule
ACATCM offers two complementary pathways for recognizing learning completed prior to enrolment in the Bachelor of Acupuncture: Transfer Credit for formal post-secondary coursework, and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for documented experiential learning. Both pathways are designed to honour your prior achievements while preserving the academic integrity and clinical depth of the B.Ac degree.
Transfer Credit
For applicants who have completed equivalent post-secondary coursework at a recognized college or university — including ACATCM’s own Acupuncture Diploma and TCM Diploma programs, other CAA-approved acupuncture programs, and accredited Canadian or international institutions.
- Course-by-course academic equivalency review
- Minimum grade of C (or institutional equivalent)
- ~ 80 % match to B.Ac course learning outcomes
- Coursework typically completed within the last ten years
PLAR — Prior Learning Assessment
For applicants whose learning was acquired through professional practice, certifications, structured workplace training, or relevant non-credit study. Each course is assessed individually by a faculty subject-matter expert.
- Three assessment methods — Portfolio, Challenge Exam, Clinical Demonstration
- One attempt per course
- Recorded as “CR” on the transcript — does not affect GPA
- Available only after admission to the B.Ac
Section 2
Who Can Apply
Credit Transfer and PLAR are available to all admitted B.Ac students. Eligibility for specific awards depends on the source of the prior learning and its alignment with B.Ac course outcomes.
1 · ACATCM Diploma Students & Alumni
Current students and graduates of ACATCM’s Acupuncture Diploma or TCM Diploma programs are eligible for the streamlined Diploma-to-Degree Pathway. Block credit is awarded by year of completion through an internal articulation matrix maintained by the Registrar’s Office and Program Chair.
2 · Graduates of CAA-Approved Programs
Graduates of programs approved by the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta — including CCTCMA, CITCM, and MacEwan University’s acupuncture program — may apply for transfer credit on a course-by-course basis.
3 · Other Canadian Post-Secondary
Applicants holding credit from a recognized Canadian college or university (e.g., biology, chemistry, anatomy, English composition, business management) may transfer credit toward the B.Ac’s biomedical, general-education, and professional course requirements.
4 · International Applicants
International credentials must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or another recognized credential evaluation service. Course-by-course evaluation is required for transfer credit consideration. Foreign-language transcripts must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.
5 · Practising Acupuncturists & Mature Learners (PLAR)
Registered Acupuncturists, internationally trained acupuncturists, and mature applicants with substantial supervised clinical practice or specialized training may apply for PLAR after admission. PLAR is particularly suited to bridging gaps where formal coursework is unavailable but competency is demonstrable.
6 · Visiting & Letter-of-Permission Students
Currently-enrolled students at another Canadian institution may take individual ACATCM courses as visiting students; consult the Registrar’s Office for letter-of-permission procedures.
Section 3
Diploma-to-Degree Transitional Pathways
For ACATCM diploma students and graduates, ACATCM has engineered three transitional pathways into the Bachelor of Acupuncture. Final credit awards are confirmed at admission by the Registrar’s Office and the B.Ac Program Chair, subject to the 50 % cap and the B.Ac residency requirement.
Enter B.Ac Year 3
Graduates of the 3-year Acupuncture Diploma typically articulate into Year 3 of the B.Ac. Up to ~74 credits (the 50 % maximum) of Diploma coursework — covering TCM theory, biomedical sciences, herbology, acupuncture and moxibustion, and clinical foundations — are recognized as block credit. Year 3 and Year 4 of the B.Ac (~63 credits) plus any general-education and professional bridging courses are completed in residence.
Enter B.Ac Year 2
Diploma students who have completed Year 1 of the Diploma (~40 credits in foundational TCM theory, anatomy, physiology, biomedicine, herbology I, and acupuncture I) may articulate into Year 2 of the B.Ac. Years 2 – 4 of the B.Ac are completed in residence.
Enter B.Ac Year 1
Year 1 Diploma students are advised to enter B.Ac Year 1 directly. Limited transfer credit may be awarded for individual courses where exact equivalence is established. Students are encouraged to continue full-time in the B.Ac to maximize degree-level integration.
Custom Articulation Plan
TCM Diploma students completing the four-year double-major program receive a customized credit assessment in consultation with the Program Chair. Herbal medicine and TCM internal medicine coursework typically articulates strongly into B.Ac Years 2 and 3.
For ACATCM Diploma Students & Alumni
One-Stop Diploma-to-Degree Application
A single online form combining your B.Ac admission application and your Diploma-to-Degree credit assessment. We pre-fill what we already know from your ACATCM record, you confirm the details, and the Registrar’s Office and B.Ac Program Chair handle the rest.
Section 4
Application Process
For the Fall 2026 intake, the four-step process below applies to all applicants. Step 1 combines your B.Ac admission application with your Credit Transfer or PLAR submission into a single online form, so you can apply once and have everything assessed together.
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1
Apply — B.Ac Admission & Credit Transfer / PLAR Together
Submit a single online application that combines your B.Ac admission and your Credit Transfer or PLAR submission. Choose the form that matches your background (see application forms below). Indicate the courses you wish to be evaluated and upload all supporting documents — official transcripts, course outlines, and (for PLAR) your CV, cover letter, and portfolio evidence.
- Acknowledgement email within 1 business day with your reference number
- Application progresses automatically to the Registrar’s Office for completeness review
- Status updates emailed at each milestone
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2
Completeness Review (Registrar’s Office)
The Registrar’s Office verifies official transcripts, course outlines, and supporting documents within 5 business days. You will be notified by email if any items are missing or require clarification.
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3
Faculty Academic Assessment
Each requested course is reviewed by the relevant subject-matter expert (Course Coordinator or Program Chair) using a standardized rubric. For PLAR, the assessor selects the appropriate method — portfolio review, challenge exam, or clinical demonstration — and conducts the assessment within 30 calendar days of a complete submission.
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4
Decision & Transcript Update
Decisions are communicated by email within 2 business days of assessment completion. Approved credits are posted to your ACATCM transcript with the notation TR (Transfer) or CR (Credit by PLAR). Your B.Ac Program Plan is updated by your Academic Advisor. Credits do not contribute to your GPA.
Choose Your Application Form
Three secure online forms cover every applicant pathway. Each form combines B.Ac admission intake with the appropriate credit-recognition workflow for Fall 2026.
Most common · ACATCM Diploma
Diploma-to-Degree Application
For ACATCM Acupuncture Diploma and TCM Diploma students and alumni. One form, pre-filled from your ACATCM record. Combines admission + Diploma-to-Degree advanced standing.
- Fee: No charge for transfer assessment · $40/course PLAR (if requested)
- Best for: Year 1 / 2 / 3 diploma students & recent alumni
External Applicants
Credit Transfer Application
For B.Ac applicants with prior post-secondary coursework from another Canadian institution or an international institution — including graduates of CAA-approved acupuncture programs (CCTCMA, CITCM, MacEwan).
- Fee: $50/course (Canadian) · $155/course (international)
- Best for: External transfer with formal coursework
Practice-Based Learning
PLAR Application
For applicants seeking credit through Prior Learning Assessment — supervised clinical practice, professional certifications, or other documented experiential learning. Submit alongside your B.Ac admission application.
- Fee: $40 application + per-course assessment fee (up to 75% B.Ac course tuition)
- Best for: Practising acupuncturists, internationally trained, mature learners
Section 5
Required Documents
For Credit Transfer
- Official transcript(s) from each previously attended institution
- Detailed course outline or syllabus for each course (learning outcomes, contact hours, credits, assessment methods)
- Diploma or degree parchment, if completed
- WES or equivalent credential evaluation (international applicants)
- Notarized English translation of any non-English documents
For PLAR
- Current curriculum vitae or résumé
- Cover letter describing your learning context and rationale
- Portfolio of evidence — certificates, employment letters, case logs, publications, performance reviews
- Course Match Document mapping evidence to course learning outcomes
- Proof of professional registration (if applicable)
Section 6
PLAR Assessment Methods
The B.Ac Program Chair selects the assessment method most appropriate to the course and the applicant’s prior learning. Some courses — such as final-year supervised practica (INTR 401, INTR 402) and capstone integrative courses — are not eligible for PLAR.
Portfolio Review
Submit a structured portfolio mapping documented evidence (certificates, work samples, employer attestations, publications) to course learning outcomes. Reviewed by a faculty assessor and the Program Chair.
Challenge Examination
A proctored examination (in-person or remote) covering the full course learning outcomes. Pass mark is 60 %. One attempt per course. Available for theory courses where competency is best demonstrated through formal testing.
Clinical Demonstration
A supervised demonstration of clinical skills (e.g., needling technique, point location, patient assessment) on a peer or model. Two assessors — a clinical instructor and a Registered Acupuncturist — evaluate against a standardized rubric.
Section 7
Fees & Timelines
ACATCM has structured the fee model to recognize the contributions of our own diploma graduates, while reflecting the additional administrative effort required to assess external and international credentials.
Scroll to see all columns| Applicant | Credit Transfer Assessment | PLAR Application | Per-Course PLAR Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACATCM Diploma Graduates & Current Students | No charge | $40 / course | Up to 75 % of B.Ac course tuition |
| Other Canadian Post-Secondary | $50 / course evaluation | $40 / course | Up to 75 % of B.Ac course tuition |
| International Applicants | $155 / course evaluation | $40 / course | Up to 75 % of B.Ac course tuition |
All fees are in Canadian dollars and are non-refundable once the assessment has commenced. International applicants are responsible for the cost of WES (or equivalent) credential evaluation, paid directly to the evaluation service.
Service-Level Targets
| Stage | Target Turnaround |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgement of submission | ≤ 1 business day |
| Completeness review (Registrar’s Office) | ≤ 5 business days |
| Faculty academic assessment (from complete submission) | ≤ 30 calendar days |
| Decision communicated & SIS updated | ≤ 2 business days after assessment |
| Appeal window | 5 business days from decision |
Section 8
Appeals
If you believe a Credit Transfer or PLAR decision was made in error, or that procedural fairness was not observed, you may submit a written appeal within 5 business days of receiving the decision.
How to Appeal
- Submit a written appeal to appeals@acatcm.com
- Include the original decision letter and your reference number
- State the specific grounds for appeal and provide any new supporting evidence
What to Expect
- The Academic Appeals Committee acknowledges receipt within 3 business days
- The Committee reviews the case and issues a written decision within 30 calendar days
- The Committee’s decision is final and binding
Section 9
Frequently Asked Questions
A maximum of 50 % of B.Ac program credits — approximately 74 of 149 credits — may be awarded through Transfer Credit and/or PLAR combined. The remaining credits must be earned at ACATCM to satisfy the residency requirement.
Yes. Graduates and current students of ACATCM’s Acupuncture Diploma and TCM Diploma programs are eligible for block credit toward the B.Ac through the Diploma-to-Degree Pathway, up to the 50 % cap. Diploma students entering Year 3 of the B.Ac typically receive credit for Years 1 and 2 of the degree, subject to individual review.
For Fall 2026 intake — no. Submit one combined online application that handles both your B.Ac admission and your Credit Transfer or PLAR request together. Choose the form that matches your background (Diploma-to-Degree, External Credit Transfer, or PLAR). Faculty assessment runs in parallel with admissions review.
For Fall 2027 intake and beyond, applications will move into the Student Portal (Classe365). You’ll first apply for B.Ac admission, then — once admitted — submit a Credit Transfer or PLAR application through the portal. The decision criteria, fees, and SLAs do not change between the two systems.
Generally a minimum grade of C / 63 % (or institutional equivalent) is required for transfer credit, and the course must demonstrate at least 80 % alignment with the corresponding B.Ac course learning outcomes. Credits are typically valid if earned within the past ten years; older coursework may be considered with supporting evidence of currency (e.g., recent professional practice, continuing education).
No. You will not be required to retake courses for which transfer credit or PLAR credit has been awarded. Some Diploma courses do not have an exact B.Ac equivalent — in those cases, your Academic Advisor will recommend an appropriate elective or bridging course to ensure your degree program plan is complete.
Generally no. The B.Ac requires 1,200+ supervised clinical hours, with final-year practica (INTR 401, INTR 402) completed in residence at ACATCM’s Huatuo Clinic. Earlier-year clinical education courses may be eligible for credit if the prior clinical training meets the equivalent learning outcomes and supervision standards.
Applications are acknowledged within 1 business day. The completeness check takes up to 5 business days, and faculty assessment is completed within 30 calendar days from a complete submission. Decisions are communicated by email within 2 business days of completion.
Yes. You may submit a written appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee within 5 business days of the decision, providing any new supporting evidence. See Appeals.
No. Transfer credits are recorded as TR and PLAR credits as CR on your transcript. They satisfy degree requirements but are not factored into your B.Ac grade point average.
Yes. The official ACATCM transcript identifies each transfer credit by source institution and original course. The transcript legend explains the TR / CR notations.
This page is the comprehensive Credit Transfer & PLAR resource for the Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac). The existing diploma credit-transfer policy continues to apply to ACATCM’s diploma programs. Diploma applicants seeking credit toward a diploma should refer to the diploma admissions information and contact admin@acatcm.com.
Yes. Final-year supervised clinical practica (INTR 401, INTR 402) and capstone integrative courses must be completed in residence at ACATCM. The B.Ac Program Chair maintains the current list of PLAR-ineligible courses; check the Student Portal or email transfercredit@acatcm.com for the most up-to-date list.
Contact the Registrar’s Office at transfercredit@acatcm.com or call +1 (403) 286-8788. We strongly encourage a 30-minute advising conversation before you submit a PLAR application — it helps us scope the right assessment method and gives you a realistic sense of the credit award you can expect.
References & Authorities
- ACATCM Credit Transfer Policy — acatcm.com/credit-transfer/
- ACATCM B.Ac Program Curriculum (149 credits) — acatcm.com/bachelor-of-acupuncture-curriculum/
- Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC) — Degree-Program Handbook on advanced standing — caqc.alberta.ca/handbooks/
- College of Acupuncturists of Alberta — Approved Acupuncture Education Programs — acupuncturealberta.ca/approved-acupuncture-education-programs/
- SAIT Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Courses) — public policy reference informing the 50 % cap and ≤10-year currency rule
- MacEwan University Prior Learning Recognition — public policy reference informing transcript notation (CR) and fee structure
Take the Next Step
Ready to Start Your B.Ac Pathway?
Applications for Fall 2026 are open. Apply for B.Ac admission first — your transfer credit and PLAR assessment begins as soon as you accept your offer.