TCM Practitioner Program for Acupuncturists

Our TCM Practitioner Diploma Program is designed for anyone who wishes to incorporate Chinese medicinal herbs as an additional complimentary modality to their acupuncture training.

The TCM Practitioner Diploma Program combines a curriculum of the Chinese Medicinal Herbs Diploma Program (800 hours) with the complete 2,200 hours Acupuncture Diploma Program. Upon successful completion of all curriculum (Acupuncture and Chinese Medicinal Herbs), students receive a diploma that states the completion of 'the TCM Practitioner 3,000 hours Program'.

Learn More

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

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

FAQs

What is a TCM Practitioner?

The Goal of Study?

Why AIM Academy?

Program Length

800 hours (Chinese Medicinal Herbs Diploma Program with the complete 2,200 hours Acupuncture Diploma Program is 3,000 hours).

Program Structure & Start Date

AIM Academy is currently accepting applications for the following start date: 
January 2026

The schedule will be as follows:
January 2026 – December 2026 (one year program at 20 hours per week)

Admissions

Students are eligible for this program if they:
• Are a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or graduate of a 2,200 hour acupuncture program or equivalent
• Have a strong desire to learn and grow
• Have successfully completed an interview with a program administrator

You must understand English to succeed at AIM Academy since 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.
For further information on the application process, please feel free to contact admissions at (416) 323-1818 ex.202 or call our toll free number, 1-800-263-1703 ex.202.

Applications

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

Application Deadline
Due December 31 2025 to start January 2026

Download the Application here
Download the Medical Form here

Application Documents Required
1. Complete application form
2. Application fee of $50.00
3. Transcripts from your TCM institution. Transcripts must be sent directly to AIM Academy 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.

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.

Curriculum & Program Overview

The 800 hour curriculum is a balance of theory and practice and includes the following courses:

Materia Medica (Pan-Canadian Oriented - Single Herbs List)
- Individual herb nature, meridian tropism, function, indication, dosage, caution and contraindications 
- Dui Yao (Herb combinations), Pao Zhi (Herb processing)
- Prohibited, obsolete, environment Canada and FDA regulated herbs

TCM Herbal Formulas (CTCMPAO - Formulas List)
- Classical formulas
- Patent formulas
Chinese Herbal Treatment of Disease (TCMP Scope of practice - TCM diseases)
- Internal Medicine/Nei Ke (5 Zang 6 Fu Diseases)
- External Medicine/Wai Ke (Dermatology, Pain management)
- Gynecology & Pediatrics/Fu Er Ke
Chinese Herbal Dispensary and Preparation 
- Herb Clinic Management
Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture Clinic
- Student Clinical practice
- In person, live cases with hands on supervised experience

Traditional Chinese Medicine Review
- Cumulative and PAN-Canadian Exam Prep

Note: Students enrolled in our TCMP Program are welcome to participate in Theory Courses from our Acupuncture Program free of charge! You will have access to a variety of courses, including but not limited to TCM Theory, Anatomy, Diagnosis, Treatment of Disease, Acupuncture Review, Eastern Nutrition, Practice Management, and many more.

A TCM Practitioner can offer acupuncture treatments along with herbal diagnosis in one session. Generally TCM Practitioners have extended clinical practice, theoretical knowledge and advanced training in acupuncture which incorporates Chinese medicinal herbs.

Our TCM Practitioner Diploma Program is designed for anyone who wishes to incorporate Chinese medicinal herbs as an additional complimentary modality to their acupuncture training.

The TCM Practitioner Diploma Program combines a curriculum of the Chinese Medicinal Herbs Diploma Program (800 hours) with the complete 2,200 hours Acupuncture Diploma Program. Thus, upon successful completion of all curriculum (Acupuncture and Chinese Medicinal Herbs), students receive a diploma that states the completion of 'the TCM Practitioner 3,000 hours Program'.

For those who have already completed their acupuncture training, an additional diploma will be granted for the total hours of study in both programs The diploma will be issued stating completion of 'the TCM Practitioner 3,000 hours Program'.

Goal of Study

The program is designed to prepare the student to become a competent Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner working with a variety of modalities including advanced acupuncture clinic in correlation with Chinese medicinal herbs.

Acupuncture and TCM Practitioners are now regulated in Ontario. This diploma program has been designed to comply with previously regulated provinces (ie. British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador). AIM Academy works very closely with various leaders in the field to ensure the highest quality of regulated training.

Why study Chinese Herbs at AIM Academy?

• Graduates receive high pass rates on the CTCMPAO examinations. 2023 AIM grads have one of the highest pass rates of schools in the city! Click here to see the results.
• Courses are taught by practicing professionals who have excellent academic qualifications and practical experience. All clinical supervisors are registered TCMP's with CTCMPAO.
• You will learn Chinese Herbs as an adjunct to your present discipline or as stand-alone form of alternative healthcare.
• Students will have 250 hours of practical hands-on, supervised Student Clinic.
  
• Students incorporate all elements of their traditional Chinese medicine 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 37 years of educational experience in the field of Eastern therapeutic practices and complementary healthcare.
• Textbook theory AND palpatory skills are emphasized.

Employment Options Upon Completion

• self employment, own and operate your own private clinic
• some therapists travel to clients' homes or place of work for longer or shorter treatments
• work in an established clinic
• work alongside other healthcare professionals
• clinic supervisor, oversee other therapists in a clinic or teaching clinic environment
• instructor/teacher.

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.

Tuition 

Students enrolled in the TCMP 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

One Year Program

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

Instructors

Meet our faculty and instructors at AIM Academy.

• ALEX LIN R.TCMP, R.Ac
• RICHARD KWAN BSc, R.TCMP, R.Ac
• PONEY CHIANG, PhD, R.TCMP, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)
• KATHERINE CHEKHTER BA, R.TCMP, R.Ac
  
• ELENA DOBROVETSKY R.TCMP, R.Ac
• ADINA STANESCU R.TCMP
• YEE JIN (WILLIAM) SUNG R.Ac, R.TCMP
• SONOKO SATO R.Ac
• JOEY GUO R.Ac
• YUXIANG WANG R.TCMP, R.Ac
  
  

Schedule - 1 Year 

Click here for schedule (TBA)
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.

Starts: January 2026
Ends: December 2026

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.