Gently restore balance in human body systems. Master the skill of carefully placing needles in acupuncture points with this 81-week intensive program. Plus, you might qualify for our bursaries and scholarships that can help you fund your studies.
Learn how to evaluate clients and create personalized treatment plans to enhance their overall well-being. This program not only focuses on academic knowledge but also on professional conduct, ethics, industry-standard practices, and community service to promote excellence in the field. With our exceptional curriculum, you will be well-prepared for the Pan-Canadian examinations for acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine professionals.
Career Opportunities
As an acupuncture practitioner, you can enjoy a challenging and rewarding career that allows you to work flexible hours in various workplace environments such as:
health clinics and spas
rehabilitation centers
wellness centers
hospitals
fitness clubs
Salary
$29
Average Wage/HR**
$55
High Wage/HR**
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 32200 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in July 2023.
Program Details
Do you have a penchant for stimulating human body systems to relieve symptoms and improve your patient’s well-being via a holistic approach? If so, then triOS College’s Acupuncture Practitioner program might lead you towards your ideal career path.
This intensive program will not only teach you Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture foundations, techniques, diagnosis, and treatment but will also cover the fundamentals of biomedicine, diagnostics, practice management, professionalism, and interpersonal skills. You will take courses encompassing various topics ranging from anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to acupuncture point locations, oriental acupressure, the Meridian Theory, and Qi Gong/Tai Chi.
Cap off your program with a 562-hour clinical experience that will prepare you to face real-world challenges. Furthermore, you will devote 30 hours to examinations and registration preparation to help you get ready for the Pan-Canadian examinations.
With this Acupuncture Practitioner program, you will receive:
career services
job search assistance
alumni program benefits
Course Listings
Acupuncture Comprehensive 1
Students are being examined on cumulative study and application of Western and TCM subjects. Comprehensive exams are administered each year to evaluate progress made in study and highlight areas of deficiency in understanding material and its application in practice.
Acupuncture Comprehensive 2
Students are being examined on cumulative study and application of Western and TCM subjects. Comprehensive exams are administered each year to evaluate progress made in study and highlight areas of deficiency in understanding material and its application in practice.
Acupuncture Patient Clinical Study 1
Each student follows the same patient for 12 weeks of treatments to monitor progress. Students learn how to apply their TCM knowledge of diagnosis and treatments and write a progress report.
Acupuncture Patient Clinical Study 2
Each student follows the same patient for 12 weeks of treatments to monitor progress. Students learn how to apply their TCM knowledge of diagnosis and treatments and write a progress report.
Acupuncture Point Functions 1
The Point Combinations courses examine how different combinations of acupuncture points can be used successfully to improve health. This first module explores points located on the lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, and the bladder meridians.
Acupuncture Point Functions 2
The Point Combinations courses examine how different combinations of acupuncture points can be used to improve health. This second module explores points located on the kidney, pericardium, san jiao, galbladder, liver, ren and the du meridians as well as extra points.
Acupuncture Point Functions 3
The study of numerous acupuncture point categories, along with the extra acupuncture points listed in the Pan Canadian Candidate Examination Guide.
Acupuncture Point Locations 1
Students learn to locate and palpate the acupuncture point for all of the points from the following seven meridians: lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine and bladder.
Acupuncture Point Locations 2
Students learn to locate and palpate the acupuncture point for all of the points from the following seven meridians: Kidney, Perocardium, San Jiao, Gallbladder, Liver, Ren (conception) and Du (governing).
Anatomy 5
Anatomy 5 or Osteology is the study of the structure and function of bone. This course takes an in depth look into the human skeleton, focusing on the bones and bony landmarks of the body.
For massage therapy students only; a major component of this course is palpation. At the end of each chapter the student is required to locate each bony landmark by developing a palpation trail. Palpation areas are noted within textboxes in the lessons.
Anatomy 6
Anatomy 6 or Syndesmology and Arthrology is the study of the science of the major ligaments and joints in the human body. This course will cover all the major articulations in the human body along with the surrounding ligament structure of each joint.
Anatomy 7
Anatomy 7 is a continued study of the systems of the human body. The topics covered during this course are: The Heart, The blood vessels of the body, The Respiratory system, The Lymphatic system, and Lymph drainage of the body.
Anatomy 8
This course discusses the Digestive System and accessory organs of digestion in the human body. The urinary and reproductive systems will also be discussed. The end of the course provides an overview of the nervous system and recap from Neuroscience 1 and 2.
This course involves reading in the assigned textbook, reinforcement exercises at the end of each chapter, an assignment, a midcourse and a final written examination. Conditions of the urinary system and General neurological conditions.
Anatomy and Physiology 1
Anatomy and Physiology I is an introduction course to the human body which includes body descriptions, terminology and basic physiology such as protein synthesis and cell division. The course continues with the study of the cell including internal cellular structures. The second half of the course begins with the study of individual systems of the human body. The skeletal and muscular systems are introduced covering the internal structure and function of bones and muscles along with identification of all 206 bones in the human body and major muscle groups.
Anatomy and Physiology 2
This module continues the fascinating journey into learning about the human body and will specifically address the following systems:
Nervous system and special senses, Endocrine system, Digestive system, Reproductive system
Anatomy and Physiology 3
Anatomy and Physiology 3 is a continued foundational study of the systems of the human body. The body systems covered during this course are: lntegumentary -skin, hair, nails and glands, Blood, Circulation, Heart, Respiration Urinary
Anatomy and Physiology 4
Anatomy and Physiology 4 is a continuation of study of the fundamental systems of the human body. The topics covered during this course are: The Lymphatic system, The Immune system, The Liver, The Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, The Acid and Base Balance, Nutrition and Metabolism(including mechanical digestion)
Business Skills
This course provides a fundamental foundation for the start up and day to day management/operation of a successful small business within the focus of a healthcare professional in massage therapy. The financial, legal, marketing and practical management aspects of setting up and operating a small business or clinic will be studied. Topics such as advertising, record keeping, banking, insurance, community networking are discussed. (While Students will learn how to use the electronic Jane App)
Clinical Modalities
The is a practical course dedicated to the theory and practice of moxibustion, gua sha, and cupping (silicone and suction cups).
Communications and the Healthcare Professional
Knowledge of effective written and verbal skills essential for professional communication. Students will learn the key characteristics for day-to-day communications with clients, understand personal and client needs in communications, recognize behavioral patterns and defense mechanisms for practitioners and clients, recognize and how to establish key boundaries and lines of respect for clients, identify how communication changes due to age and state of health of client.
Communications Terminology 1
The use of roots, prefixes, suffixes, plurals and opposites.
Communications Terminology 2
Significant focus is placed on the understanding, writing and pronouncing of medical terms, as they relate to Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. The emphasis is on body systems.
Communications TCM Terminology (.5)
Students will learn fundamental vocabulary in Chinese used in TCM, and pronunciation.
CTCMPAO Preparation
In this 2 hours class students learn the application process for Pan Canadian Examination as well as process to open the Student Portal in preparation for application process and future registration with the College.
Dermatology/ 5 Senses
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for disorders of the ears, eyes, nose, throat, mouth and skin. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Diagnosis & Treatments 1
Students learn to asses and diagnosis patients via the TCM patterns of Yin-Yang, 5 elements and Organs using the 4 methods of diagnosis: palpation, observation, listening and hearing and inquiry. After completing this course, students will be able to begin to differentiate TCM patterns based on sysmptoms and assessment results.
Diagnosis & Treatments 2
Students learn different methods of diagnosis based on principles of 6 stages, 4 levels, and 3 Jiaos as well as analyzing different TCM patterns for various western ailments.
Direct Patient Care Clinic #2
Upon completion of 60 hours of clinical client observation as well academic subject pre requisites, the student will be given an assigned client whose condition a faculty member deems to be appropriate for an entry-level student. Under the supervision and guidance of a faculty member the student will carry-out assessment, TCM diagnosis and treatment.
Over time, under faculty supervision and guidance, the student will be granted progressively more challenging clients to assess, diagnose and treat using TCM principles and acupuncture. Eventually, under the supervision of a faculty member, the student will be permitted to offer their insight to observing students.
Ethics and the Healthcare Professional
Ethics and professionalism for the regulated healthcare professional addressed the key subjects such as: accountability, boundaries, conflict of interest, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, duty to report, and ethical theories and practices from a practical perspective.
First Aid
Students will undertake the St. John Ambulance Certificate program and will also study 4 hours of Natural First Aid applications. Students will learn the techniques of stabilizing physical injuries, including sprains, broken bones and lacerations.
Gynecology 1
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for a variety of menstrual disorders as well as menopause. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Gynecology 2
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for pregnancy, post-partum depression, infertility, uterine prolapse and vaginal disorders. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Internal Medicine 1
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for disorders of the Lungs, Spleen and Stomach organs. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis
are presented and discussed.
Internal Medicine 2
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for disorders of the Liver, Gallbladder, Kidneys and Bladder organs. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Internal Medicine 3
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for sexually transmitted diseases and proctology disorders as well as external skin disorders such as alopecia, herpes, lyrne disease and scleroderma. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Meridian Theory 1
This course introduces, describes and identifies the location and basic function of the 12 regular meridians and the 8 extraordinary vessels. This course also reviews the 12 regular meridians and the 8 extraordinary meridians provides detailed descriptions of the 12 divergent channels, the 15 collaterals, the 12 muscular regions and the 12 cutaneous regions.
Meridian Theory 2
This course reviews the 12 regular meridians and the 8 extraordinary meridians provides detailed descriptions of the 12 divergent channels, the 15 collaterals, the 12 muscular regions and the 12 cutaneous regions.
Modern Mental Diseases
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for disorders such withdrawal, mania, irritability, frequent joy, worry, over-thinking, fear, fright, agitation, impaired memory, profuse dreams, insomnia, ADHD, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar, depression, anxiety. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Modern Physical Diseases
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for modem physical disorders such as Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, lupus, and hyperthyroidism. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Needling Lab
Senior students evolve their needling skills via this primarily hands-on course. Students are guided by faculty to needle numerous combinations of acupuncture points.
Nutrition Food Cures
This course is based on the Yin and Yang theory and considers the energy of foods to be a factor in people's diet. Students learn the right food for each unique individual via differentiating the nature and energy of each healthy food option.
Oriental Acupressure/Tui Na 1
Students evolve a basic understanding of tuina manipulations such as pushing with one finger, rolling and kneading, rubbing, scrubbing, flat pushing, foul age, wiping, shaking, vibrating, pressing, digital pressing, grasping, holding/twisting, patting, digital striking, tapping, flicking, rotating, carrying, pulling, traction-counter-traction. The use of Tuina to treatment common pain-related ailments is also presented and discussed.
Oriental Acupressure/Tui Na 2
Students learn to complete a full body massage, facial massage and self-massage using tuina. It's principles as a TCM treatment modality are also presented and discussed.
Oriental Acupressure/Tui Na 3
Students continue to evolve knowledge and skills acquired in levels 1 and 2.
Observation Clinic #1
During clinical client observation, the student observes the process of client assessment, establishing a treatment plan, the explanation of the treatment to the client and the art of needling. Students also participate in the setup/preparation of the clinic and in the clean up of the clinic. In this manner students will be engaged in team building skills & communications, client safety and personal safety issues, such as the final check of a work area for needles and needle caps. Students will participate in discussions with senior students and the faculty supervisor. This segment augments the transition from theory taught in a classroom environment to its application in a clinical environment, it re enforces the correct understanding of the technique and it is supportive to building the student's confidence in their treatment skills, in preparation for live client interactions.
Oral Practical Comprehensive 1
Students are being examined on Theory and Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in their clinical application. Review of Clean Needle Technique, Diagnosis, and Zang/Fu pattern is applied to clinical treatments of patients.
Oral Practical Comprehensive 2
Students are being examined on Theory and Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in their clinical application. Review of Clean Needle Technique, Diagnosis, and Zang/Fu pattern is applied to clinical treatments of patients.
Oral Practical Final
Students are being examined on Theory and Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in their clinical application. Review of Clean Needle Technique, Diagnosis, and Zang/Fu pattern is applied to clinical treatments of patients.
Orthopedics
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for disorders of the loco-motor system including bones, muscles, joints and all related tissues. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Pain Management and Rehabilitation 1
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for pain located in various parts of the body including the heel, thigh, foot, leg, knee, hip, low-back, hand, elbow, shoulder and the neck. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Pain Management and Rehabilitation 2
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for pain located in various parts of the body including the hip, low-back, hand, elbow, shoulder and the neck. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Pan-Canadian Preparation Course
Graduates go through detailed program review of western and TCM subjects in preparation for board examinations.
Pathology 1
Pathology is the study of disease and disharmony in the human body. During Pathology One, you will learn, conceptually:
How the human body functions at a cellular level
Sources of disease and the pathologies that affect the body on a cellular level
Additionally, infection, inflammation and an overview of the body's immunity response system are also presented. An in-depth understanding of the functioning of the human cell, the process of inflammation and healing, infection and the immune system.
Pathology 2
Pathology 2 is an in-depth study of diseases of the skin. This course starts with a discussion of the skin. The course of study then changes to include diseases of the skin, signs and symptoms, possible treatments and prognosis of the illness.
Pathology 3
Pathology 3 is an in-depth study of diseases and common ailments of joints and bones. Clinical signs and symptoms, possible treatments and prognosis of the illnesses are discussed.
Pathology 4
Pathology 4 is an in-depth study of diseases of muscular, kidney and reproductive systems. It includes the clinical signs and symptoms of these diseases, possible treatments and prognosis of the illnesses.
Pathology 5
Pathology 5 is an in-depth study of diseases of the nervous system. This course starts with a discussion of congenital pathologies and continues with injuries and diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This course includes the clinical signs and symptoms of these diseases, possible treatments and prognosis of the illnesses.
Pathology 6
Pathology 6 is an in-depth study of diseases of the digestive tract. This course starts with a discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system and continues with injuries and diseases of the gastrointestinal system. This course includes the clinical signs and symptoms of these diseases, possible treatments and prognosis of the illnesses. It follows Pathology 5 in the same semester.
Pathology 7
Pathology 7 is an in-depth study of diseases of the respiratory and endocrine system. This course starts with a discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and continues with injuries and diseases of the respiratory system. This course includes the clinical signs and symptoms of these diseases, possible treatments and prognosis of the illnesses.
Pathology 8
Pathology 8 is an in-depth study of diseases of the cardiovascular system. This course starts with a discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system. The content focuses on the heart, blood vessel, blood and lymphatic disorders. This course includes the clinical signs and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, possible treatments and prognosis of the illnesses. This subject follows Pathology 7 in the same semester.
Pediatrics
Students learn to differentiate TCM patterns for conditions commonly impacting children and teens such as common cold, pneumonia, anorexia, vomiting, canker sores, chicken pox, mumps, measles, convulsions, enuresis, jaundice, diarrhea, stomach ache, hyperactivity and delayed development. Appropriate acupuncture point combinations and tuina treatments for each pattern diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Pharmacology
This course gives the student an understanding of the concepts and principles of pharmacology. The student will learn the different classification of medications, uses and effects. The student will also learn to research drug profiles and know how to read prescription labels. This course is designed to educate the student about drug therapy used as a treatment for a client's condition and how that drug therapy may help or hinder the practitioner's treatment.
Physiology 5
Physiology 5 is the study of the human body on a chemical and cellular level. It revisits the material covered during Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 and expands on that material in greater depth in order to further the students' knowledge of the physiology of the human body.
Program Final Examinations
TCM Case Studies
Program Final Examinations 2
Bio-Medicine
Program Final Examinations 3
TCM Sciences
Professionalism and the Healthcare Professional
This course discusses the importance of professionalism in the massage therapy program and in a clinic environment. Topics include interaction with other healthcare providers, developing academic skills, professional etiquette, what is professionalism? Concept of professionalism, Client/patient interaction, behavioral responses, personality types, death and dying, health clinics client management, telephone communication, time management, teamwork and goal setting and achievements. Professional letter writing formats are also presented.
Qi Gong /Tai Chi
Students learn the theory behind Qigong as well as develop various related skills such as the alignment of breath, physical activity and awareness. Studying Tai Chi allows students to learn to balance their own energy, manage their stress load and generally improve their health by simply practicing the techniques learned in class. This introductory course involves studying the Yang style short form, otherwise known as the 'Yang Style 24 Form'.
Research 1
Research 1 is a course which aims to present and discuss the importance of research literacy among health care practitioners. Topics covered include critical thinking, various ways knowledge/intelligence can be acquired, decision making and heuristics that impact decision making, the importance of research in healthcare, the critical evaluation of published articles & papers & how it applies to professional health practitioners, health research sources. Research 2 is the creation of a written paper wherein a student selects a topic related to massage therapy and interprets other professionals literature and published research.
Research 2
Research 1 is a course which aims to present and discuss the importance of research literacy among health care practitioners. Topics covered include critical thinking, various ways knowledge/intelligence can be acquired, decision making and heuristics that impact decision making, the importance of research in healthcare, the critical evaluation of published articles & papers & how it applies to professional health practitioners, health research sources. Research 2 is the creation of a written paper wherein a student selects a topic related to massage therapy and interprets other professionals literature and published research.
TCM Classics
This course is a detailed study of the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor). Students complete assignments related to each chapter and discuss the content each chapter with faculty.
TCM Clinical Safety
By following the highest standards of acupuncture hygiene, this course will introduce techniques for safe, clean, and effective needling.
TCM Jurisprudence
A study of provincial and federal law, as it applies to registered acupuncturists.
TCM Myology 1
A study of the relationship between the muscles and acupuncture points of the body.
TCM Myology 2
A further study of the relationship between the muscles and acupuncture points of the body.
TCM Theory Foundations 1
This course offers a complete introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) including Yin & Yang theory, 5 element theory, the vital substances, Zang Fu theory, the extraordinary organs and the causes of disease from a TCM perspective.
TCM Theory Foundations 2
Students learn deeper meaning of theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine for purpose of better comprehension and application in diagnosing and treating patients.
Techniques of Acupuncture 1
Students learn the basic treatment methods used in Chinese Medicine such as needling techniques and treatments, scalp acupuncture, and auricular acupuncture. Students also learn basic treatment methods such as cupping treatment, moxibustion (moxa), Gua Sha techniques, and electro acupuncture.
Techniques of Acupuncture 2
Students learn basic treatment methods used in Chinese Medicine such as needling techniques and treatments, scalp acupuncture, and auricular acupuncture. This is theory and hands-on/practice lab class.
Admission Requirements
You must:
have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, OR
have an accepted equivalent by the time the program commences, OR
be at least 18 years old on or before the program begins AND pass a qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent. (The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test with a passing score of 14.)
If you’re applying from other Canadian provinces, you must:
be at least 19 years old,
be out of high school for at least 1 year by the program start date, and
successfully pass an academic achievement test.
If you’re an international student, please contact us for more details.
Skill/Practical Requirements:
Criminal check, vaccinations, and first aid certificates are not required to participate in college-supervised (on-site or off-site) practicals/clinics.
In addition to academic prerequisites, students must pass an oral practical examination and complete 24 hours of clinical observation before directly treating the public.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!