ACUPUNCTURE
THERAPY DIPLOMA

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. 

"AIM prepares students for the real world. There’s history in their teachings. As one of the original Chinese Medicine schools, they gather the best teachers in the industry. Our clinic pays attention to AIM graduates who apply to our busy Acupuncture clinic. As Alumni myself, I attribute my own success to the incredible experience I had over 20 years ago. As a clinic owner, I know first-hand that AIM Grads benefit from the generous amount of hands-on work. These practical real-time skills are vital for serving patients. We trust that AIM Grads will be prepared to sustain a living doing Acupuncture. Trust this Toronto Institution for quality Traditional Chinese Medicine education."

- Sarah Keitzer | AIM Alumni

Learn More

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

Program

Program Details, Schedule & Start Dates

Admissions

Application & Admission Requirements

Application

Application Details

Curriculum

Courses

Goal of Study

Program Objectives

Tuition

Tuition, Financial Assistance, Scholarships & OSAP

Instructors

Meet your teachers

Schedules

Full & Part Time Schedules

Student Life

What its like to be an AIM Student & Alumni!

Campus Tour

Come see our school virtually and get a feel for what our campus is like.

Get In Touch

Have some questions about our program? Looking to take the next step? Reach out to our admissions team for more info!

Book a 1-on-1 Consultation

Learn More about our other Graduate Programs

TCM Practitioner 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 sessions with the following start dates:
September 2023 (2 year program)
January 2024 (2.5 year program)

Part-Time

Begin your journey on a course by course 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. 

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.

Curriculum

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

  • Acupuncture Technique (100 Hours)
  • Advanced Acupuncture Technique (20 Hours)
  • Biomedical Pharmacology (40 Hours)
  • Clean Needle Technique (20 Hours)
  • Clinical Acupuncture Practicum (560 hours; 500 hours on-site, 20 hours off-site & 40 observation hours)
  • Eastern Nutrition - Prevention, Diet, Lifestyle (40 hours)
  • Ethics & Jurisprudence (24 Hours)
  • External Techniques: Auricular acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture, Plum Blossom, Gua-sha, Cupping and Moxibustion (60 Hours)
  • First Aid and CPR (16 hours)
  • Functional Anatomy (60 hours)
  • Human Anatomy (60 Hours)
  • Human Pathology and Symptomology (60 Hours)
  • Human Physiology (60 Hours)
  • Introduction to Acupuncture Points (160 hours)
  • Introduction to Herbal Theory (20 hours)
  • The Jing-Luo (Meridians and Collaterals) System (60 hours)
  • Medical Qi-Gong (35 Hours)
  • Practice Management and Communication Skills (60 Hours)
  • Professional Counselling (20 hours)
  • Tai Chi (35 hours)
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Case Study (40 hours)
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis (200 hours)
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Review (30 hours)
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory (100 hours)
  • The Treatment of Disease (200 hours) (includes external and internal medicine, dermatology, gynecology, trauma and orthopedics, and more!)
  • Tuina (80 Hours)
  • Western Medical Assessment (40 Hours)

    • Applications

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

    Application Deadline
     Due August 31, 2023 to start September 2023

    Download the Application here
    Download the Medical Form here

     Application Documents Required

  • 1. Complete application form
  • 2. Application fee of $25
  • 3. Proof of 2 years post-secondary education OR equivalent professional experience. Transcripts can be from any post secondary educational institution (does not need to be related to your desired program(s) of study *Transcripts must be sent directly to the school from the issuing institution to be official.
  • 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 and your tuberculosis status within the last year.


  • After Your Application is Submitted
  • 1. Interview
  • 2. Once you have completed the application requirements (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.

    • 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 35 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 year program starting September 2023
    2.5 year program starting in January 2024

    **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.

  • RICHARD KWAN BSc, R.TCMP, R.Ac
  • ALEX CHANG R.Ac, RMT
  • PONEY CHIANG, PhD, R.TCMP, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)
  • KATHERINE CHEKHTER BA, R.TCMP, R.Ac
  • SIMON CHONG
  • ELENA DOBROVETSKY M.Sc, R.Ac, R.TCMP
  • HEECHAN (Eden) LEE R.Ac
  • KIM GLASGOW R.Ac
  • ROBERTO IUSSO R.Ac
  • CATHY KEENAN R.Ac
  • ALEX LIN R.TCMP, R.Ac
  • JESSE LOWN R.Ac, R.TCMP
  • ZACHARY LUI R. Ac, MMQ
  • ATANU NANDY MB BS, MD, DMV
  • CARLOS PRANIAUSKAS, Dipl.ST, MQP
  • SONOKO SATO R.Ac
  • YEE JIN (WILLIAM) SUNG R.Ac, R.TCMP
  • TONY TAVARES R.Ac, R.TCMP
  • ROBERT YU-SHENG TAN R.TCMP
  • KAVITA GILL R.Ac, R. TCMP
  • MARY YUAN R.Ac.
  • CARLY HOLLAND R.Ac.

    • Schedules

    We currently have two schedules into which we are accepting new students (2-year and 2.5-year).

    Interested in our September 2023 program? Click here to view the schedule for September - October!

    2 Year Schedule

    Starts: September 5, 2023

    Ends: June 28, 2025

    Weekly Schedule: 
    Monday - Friday 9:30AM - 5:30PM

    1st Year: September 5, 2023 - June 2024:
    • Term 1: September - December
    • Term 2: January - April 8 
    • Term 3: April - June
      July and August off

    2nd Year: September 2024 - June 28, 2025:

    • Term 1: September - December 
    • Term 2: January - March
    • Term 3: April - June

    For more information about these schedule options or tailor made schedules, please contact the Admissions Department at (416) 323-1818 ext. 202 or for those who are outside of Toronto but reside in North America, please call our toll free number at 1-800-263-1703 ext. 202. 

    2.5 Year Schedule

    Starts: January 2024

    Ends: June 2026

    Weekly Schedule:
    Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm
    Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:00pm - 10:00pm

      1st Year: January 2024 - December 2024:

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

      2nd Year: January 2025 - December 2025:

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

      3rd Year: January 2026 - June 2026:

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

      Part-Time Studies

      If this schedule does not work for you and you are looking for part-time studies please contact our admissions team at info@aim-academy.ca for more details.