Pacific Rim College

The School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Pacific Rim College.

We offer both full-time and part-time study options for our diploma programs. The curriculum for all of our programs meets and/or exceeds the licensing and registration requirements in both Canada and the United States. Students aiming for licensure in British Columbia must have completed 2 years of college or university level studies in order to be eligible to sit for the provincial licensing exam.

We offer the following programs:

• Diploma in Acupuncture
• Diploma in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
• Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Our Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Programs

Diploma in Acupuncture

The Diploma of Acupuncture program is a recognized 3-year program. Courses range from Acupuncture, Biomedical Sciences and Counselling to Nutrition, Oriental Medicine and Professional Development. This diploma program requires a total of 1590 hours of theory and 510 hours of clinical practice, for a total of 123 credits.

Diploma in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

The Diploma of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program is a recognized 4-year program. Courses range from Acupuncture, Biomedical Sciences and Counseling to Herbal Pharmacology, Chinese Food Therapy and TCM Dermatology and External Medicine. This diploma program requires a total of 2130 hours of theory and 690 hours of clinical practice, for a total of 165 credits.

Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The minimum prerequisite for admission into the program leading to a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine diploma is successful completion of all requisites for a Diploma in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

To graduate, students are required to complete 2595 hours of theory, 1050 hours of clinical practice for a total of 3645 hours and 208 credits. Building upon the diploma programs, in the final semesters, students take courses such as Acudetox, Advanced TCM Internal Medicine and TCM Psychology.

Clinical Training

Pacific Rim College takes great pride in providing ample opportunity for experiential-based learning. The on-campus Integrative Health Centre provides students the opportunity to work alongside experienced practitioners from the very first week of academic studies. Through the Global Outreach Program, students can complete clinical training while providing much needed health care in developing parts of the world such as Zanzibar and Sri Lanka.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Pacific Rim College is on a competitive basis. Entering students must have a high school diploma, and all non-native English speaking applicants must demonstrate a mastery of written and spoken English. Any foreign applicant may be required to submit an official score report from an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Test System).

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pacific Rim College offers scholarship programs to help ease students' financial burden. Scholarships valued up to $6000 annually are available to full-time students. Students must satisfy minimum criteria to be eligible for any financial reward.

Career Placement

Through a unique partnership with one of the world's largest spa groups, Steiner Leisure of the UK, all graduates from the School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are eligible to work as an acupuncturist in one of 200 spas on cruise ships and in countries around the world. Acupuncturists with Steiner are currently averaging over $1000 per week after expenses and taxes.

Campus Facilities

PRC's historic campus is located in Market Square in the heart of downtown Victoria. The western-facing windows overlook the Gorge Waterway of the world famous Inner Harbour while the eastern-facing windows overlook a massive brick-paved 19th century courtyard.

Contact Us Today!

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.