First College's Acupuncture Program is structured as a comprehensive 1.5-year diploma program (1980 hours) designed to equip you with extensive practical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience. You will learn core TCM principles, including the theory of Qi (vital energy), meridians, and the balance of Yin and Yang, all integral to effective acupuncture treatment. The program includes over 462 hours of direct clinical practice, where you will gain firsthand experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions using acupuncture and other TCM modalities. This ensures that you are thoroughly prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare industry with a well-rounded skill set.
As a professional acupuncturist, you will enter one of Canada’s most employable fields, experiencing one of the fastest-growing employment rates across the country. In British Columbia, graduates have a variety of career opportunities. You can choose to launch your own private practice, incorporating both acupuncture and holistic health services, or collaborate with other allied healthcare professionals within multidisciplinary teams. This flexibility allows you to tailor your career to fit your personal and professional goals, ensuring you thrive in diverse healthcare settings and contribute to the growing field of integrative medicine.
What are your future opportunities?
As a professional acupuncturist, you will enter one of Canada’s most employable fields, experiencing one of the fastest-growing employment rates across the country. In British Columbia, graduates have a variety of career opportunities. You can choose to launch your own private practice, incorporating both acupuncture and holistic health services, or collaborate with other allied healthcare professionals within multidisciplinary teams. This flexibility allows you to tailor your career to fit your personal and professional goals, ensuring you thrive in diverse healthcare settings and contribute to the growing field of integrative medicine.
What will you receive?
Acupuncture Program Diploma: Upon completion, you will be awarded a diploma that signifies your comprehensive knowledge, advanced skills, and readiness to excel in the field of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Graduates of this program will be eligible to write for the PAN-CAN examinations for acupuncturists in BC.
Get in touch with an admissions advisor for more information!
The Acupuncture program is currently undergoing approval by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
Additionally, the Acupuncture program at First College has received preliminary accreditation from the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), confirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of educational quality.
Understanding Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy). This practice aims to restore balance within the body, harmonizing the flow of energy to promote healing, alleviate pain, and support overall wellness.
How Does It Work: Acupuncturists perform a thorough assessment of the patient’s health, considering their physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors to identify imbalances in the flow of Qi. Treatment involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the body’s meridians. This process encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms and enhances the flow of energy, which can help address a variety of health concerns, including:
Pain Management: Acupuncture is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as back pain, headaches, and joint pain, by stimulating endorphin release and improving blood circulation.
Stress Relief: By targeting specific points, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
Digestive Health: Acupuncture can stimulate the digestive system to restore balance, helping to alleviate issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
Immune System Support: Acupuncture can enhance the body's immune response by boosting the circulation of blood and Qi to support healing and defense mechanisms.
Energy Balance: The practice works to balance the flow of Qi throughout the body, ensuring that physical, emotional, and mental energy are in harmony.
Goals of Acupuncture
The primary goal of acupuncture is to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself by focusing on:
Restoring the balance of Yin and Yang within the body.
Promoting the smooth flow of Qi through the meridians.
Addressing the root causes of discomfort and disease rather than just treating symptoms.
Program Information and Application
Admission requirements, application package and more!
Admissions Requirements
Educational Qualifications:
- High school graduation or equivalent
- Proof of English/Chinese proficiency
*Proof of English Language proficiency for applicants to the English language program OR Proof of Chinese Language proficiency for applicants to the Chinese language program.
English Proficiency (satisfy one out of three):
1. Completion of 3 years of full‐time secondary education (Grades 8‐12) from a country where English is one of the principal languages
2. Completion of 2 years of full‐time post‐secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction (excluding ESL courses)
3. Minimum accepted English Language Proficiency assessment test scores:
- IELTS: 5.5 overall (academic)
- TOEFL: 46
- CELPIP: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5
Chinese Proficiency (one out of two):
1. Completion of 3 years of full‐time secondary education (Grades 8‐12) from a country where Chinese is one of the principal languages
2. Completion of 2 years of full‐time post‐secondary education at an accredited institution where Chinese is the language of instruction
Application Components:
1. Application Essay (Max 500 words): Please provide an essay that addresses the following:
- Why do you want to be a Acupuncturist?
- Your experiences, if any, related to acupuncture or Chinese medicine
2. Two Character Reference Letters: Letters that speak to your character and potential in the profession.
3. Your Current Resume: Detailing your educational background, work experience, and relevant skills.
4. A Criminal Record Check Clearance (CRC):
- Must be obtained from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General’s Criminal Records Review Office.
- Criminal Record Check with Code: SJEVKCH8MU
5. Valid First Aid & CPR-C Certification
Credit Transfer for Healthcare Professionals
Graduates of Registered Massage Therapy (RMT), Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Manual Osteopathic Therapy (MOT) programs may be eligible for credit transfers in our Acupuncture Program. Depending on your prior education, you can receive exemptions for 4 to 5 courses, allowing you to fast-track your studies while building on your existing healthcare knowledge. Contact us to learn more about transfer credits and program details.
Excemptional courses:
ACU120 Musculoskeletal Anatomy
ACU121 Anatomy and Physiology
ACU220 Western Pathology
ACU320 Pharmacology
Our Acupuncture Program is not open for enrollment yet, but you can stay informed! Email info@firstcollege.ca to join our mailing list, and we’ll notify you as soon as registration opens.
