ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY DIPLOMA PROGRAM

The 2,200 hour Acupuncture Diploma Program is designed to prepare students to become competent acupuncturists.  Graduates can expect to practice acupuncture as a stand-alone therapy or along their current discipline.  Our curriculum is designed to develop a skilled and confident practitioner under the current guidelines proposed by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).

Extensive hands on training while working with highly qualified professionals, gives our graduates the edge that is required to become successful acupuncturists within the field of Eastern medicine/Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). For individuals who wish to continue their studies to become a TCM Practitioner, additional courses in Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are offered over a one year period. 

Learn More

At AIM Academy we have an open door policy. Which means no question goes unanswered. Here are more details about our program.

FAQs

What is Acupuncture?

Why study Acupuncture?

Why AIM Academy?

Program Length

2,200 hours (exemptions may apply)

Full Time Program

AIM Academy is currently accepting applications for following start date:
• January 2025 (2.5 year program)
• September 2025 (2.5 year program)

Part-Time

Begin your journey on a part-time basis and when you're ready, let us tailor your schedule to suit your needs. Our Part-Time Acupuncture Diploma Program can be taken over the course of 4 years. 

Begin your journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory! Stay tuned for our next start date!  

Please contact our admissions team at info@aim-academy.ca for more details. 

Schedules

We currently have two schedule into which we are accepting new students (2.5-year).

All online classes are recorded for students to review. For more details, contact us at info@aim-academy.ca or call 416-323-1818 x202.

January 2025 - 2.5 Year Schedule

Click here to see the first year schedule for the January 2025 2.5 Year Acupuncture Program!

Starts: January 2025

1st Year: January 2025 - December 2025:

• Term 1: January - April
  
• Term 2: April - July
  
• Term 3: September - December

2nd Year: January 2026 - December 2026:

• Term 1: January - April
• Term 2: April - July
• Term 3: September - December

3rd Year: January 2027 - June 2027:

• Term 1: January - April
• Term 2: April - June 

September 2025 - 2.5 Year Schedule

Starts: September 2025

1st Year: September 2025 - July 2026:

• Term 1: September - December
  
• Term 2: January - April
  
• Term 3: April - July

2nd Year: mid-August 2026 - mid-July 2027:

• Term 1: mid-August - December
• Term 2: January - April
• Term 3: April - mid-July

3rd Year: August 2027 - December 2027:

• August - December

Curriculum

The 2,200 hour curriculum is a balance of theory and practice and includes the following courses:

Goal of Study

The 2,200 hour Acupuncture Diploma Program is designed to prepare students to become competent 'Acupuncturists' and can expect to practice acupuncture as a stand-alone therapy or along with their current discipline in a skilled and confident manner under the current guidelines proposed by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario www.ctcmpao.on.ca.

Extensive hands on training while working with highly qualified professionals, gives our graduates the edge that is required to become successful acupuncturists within the field of Eastern medicine/Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

For individuals who wish to continue their studies to become a TCM Practitioner, additional courses in Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are offered over a one year period. Call the Admissions Department directly to discuss all the various schedule options available.

Why study acupuncture at AIM Academy?

• Graduates receive high pass rates on the CTCMPAO examinations.
• Courses are taught by practicing professionals who have excellent academic qualifications and practical experience. All clinical supervisors are registered acupuncturists with CTCMPAO.
• You will learn acupuncture as an adjunct to your present discipline or as stand-alone form of alternative healthcare.
• Students will have 560 hours of practical hands-on, supervised Student Clinic (500 hours on-site, 20 hours internship & 40 observation hours).
• Students incorporate all elements of their Chinese acupuncture training within student clinic under the instruction of highly qualified, experienced professional therapists.
• Receive discount treatments in the student clinics while studying at AIM Academy.
• Membership in the AIM Academy Alumni Guild with benefits (AIM Academy web site, newsletter, reduced seminar fees for school sponsored seminars, etc.)
• Written, oral and practical exams that offer proof of your progress.
• Benefit from the 38+ years of educational experience in the field of Eastern therapeutic practices and complementary healthcare.
• Textbook theory AND palpation skills are emphasized.
• Acupuncture is less physically demanding than some other modalities, allowing the practitioner a needed change of pace.
• Many extended health care benefits packages provide coverage for acupuncture.

Employment Options Upon Completion

• join the AIM Academy team as a graduate therapist under the CTCMPAO student class designation
• work as a self-employed therapist and operate your own private clinic
• work in an established clinic with a team of other therapists
• work out of your own home
• travel to clients' homes and offer in home care
• set up corporate events to treat clients in their workplaces
• work on a cruise ship
• join the AIM Academy team as a clinic supervisor and oversee students in our teaching clinic
• join the AIM Academy team as a faculty member of our growing teaching staff

Tuition & Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the Acupuncture Diploma Program may be eligible, if qualified, for loans, grants, or awards granted under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

About Financial Aid

Tuition Payment Plans

2.5 year program starting January 2025

**No refunds after the half way point in any program.**

Scholarships

We are introducing new scholarships for future AIM students. For more details, please see AIM Academic Excellence Scholarships.

Instructors

Meet our faculty and instructors at AIM Academy.

Admissions

Students are eligible for this program if they:
• An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent OR Mature Student Status;
• A sincere desire to learn the foundations and principles of Eastern Medicine and grow as a practitioner;
• Experience receiving acupuncture in a Student Acupuncture Clinic or from a Registered Practitioner;
• Successfully completed an interview with a program administrator.

Students are not required to have any previous background in sciences or therapeutic training. Every diploma program offered at AIM Academy incorporates training from the ground up. Exemptions are always considered.

Professionals / Transfer Students
Depending on your previous education, you may be eligible for advanced standing which could reduce tuition for some programs.
Please contact our Admissions Department to discuss your situation on: (416) 323-1818 ext. 202, Toll free 1-800-263-1703 ext. 202.

English Requirements
Our classes and clinics are conducted in English. You must be fluent enough to comprehend your instructors and clinic clients as well as the texts and other written material, and be able to complete written and oral assignments. If your first language is not English, we will assess your English-language capabilities in the interview process. You may be required to submit a TOEFL exam in which you received a passing grade, and demonstrate satisfactory written/oral comprehension of English.

Applications

Enrolment is limited and applications are processed on an ongoing basis. Apply early to avoid disappointment.

Application Deadline
Due January 3, 2025 to start January 5, 2025

Download the Application here
Download the Medical Form here

Application Documents Required
1. Complete Application Form
2. Application fee of $50.00
3. Proof of high school completion OR post secondary education.
4. Completed AIM Academy medical form filled out by your family physician indicating that you have received a full physical within the last year and that you are in good physical and general health, that you are free from communicable diseases.

After Your Application is Submitted
1. Interview
2. Once you have completed the application documents (all documents received), we will arrange an interview.

Application Documents Required at Interview
Please present the original following identification documents:
1. Photo identifications (e.g. driver's license, passport, age of majority card)
2. Birth certificate
3. Social Insurance Number Card

Notification of Status
You will be notified within 30 days of the interview as to your acceptance into the program. Upon acceptance, you will be required to sign an Application for Enrolment form, to confirm your tuition payment plan, and to submit a $500 non-refundable registration fee, which is part of the student's tuition fee.

Advanced Standing
Depending on your previous education, you may be eligible for advanced standing which could reduce tuition for some programs.

AIM Academy reserves the right to cancel or change start dates of program if there is insufficient enrolment. Should the program be cancelled, the applicant will receive a complete refund for their registration fees and/or tuition.