3-Year Acupuncturist Program

The 3-Year Acupuncturist Program at Royal Pacific Institute equips students with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to become licensed acupuncturists in British Columbia.

The program combines in-depth traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) education with rigorous clinical training, preparing students to challenge the acupuncture licensing examination and practice professionally in Canada and internationally.

Royal Pacific Institute offers an authentic TCM learning environment, led by experienced instructors with extensive clinical and academic backgrounds in China and Canada.

With small class sizes and individualized support, students benefit from personalized guidance and optimal opportunities for practical experience in the student clinic.

• Total Program Hours: 1,965 hours (1,485 instructional hours + 480 clinical practice hours)
• Credits: 116 credits
• Duration: 3 academic years (6 terms)
• Credential Awarded: Diploma
• Schedule: Full-time, with three intakes per year (January, May, and September)
• Study Mode: Students may choose to complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis to accommodate diverse scheduling needs.

• TCM theory, meridian and point location, acupuncture techniques, diagnostics, and treatment planning;
• 150 hours of clinical observation in Year 2;
• 330 hours of supervised clinical practice in Year 3, independently treating patients under professional supervision.

In-person, but some courses are available both in-person and live online.

Instruction is available in English or Chinese to accommodate diverse student needs.

• Attend full-time classes (20+ hours per week)
• Complete all required coursework and clinical training
• Pass academic assessments and clinical evaluations

• High school diploma or equivalent; or mature student status (19 years or older).
• International applicants are welcome.

Note: According to current CCHPBC policy, students who have not completed at least two years of recognized post-secondary education at the time of licensing application may need to sit the acupuncture licensing examination in Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec to practice in British Columbia.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for licensure as Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac.) in British Columbia and other Canadian provinces.

They may pursue careers as:

• Acupuncturists in private practice
• Practitioners in multidisciplinary health clinics
• Wellness consultants
• Educators in TCM institutions
• Health care collaborators in integrative medicine settings

• Tuition per term (15 weeks): CAD $4,400
• Tuition per academic year (two terms): CAD $8,800
• Additional costs: Approximately CAD $500 per year for textbooks, workshops, and registration fees (not included in tuition).