To become a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) with the Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Association of Canada - Nova Scotia (CMAACNS), practitioners must complete a program that includes:
• A minimum of 2,200 hours in a full-time Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) program.
• At least 500 hours of clinical practice.
• Training from a college approved or registered by a provincial Department of Education (in Nova Scotia, the Department of Labour and Advanced Education) and/or the Federation of TCM Colleges of Canada (FTCMCC).
Additionally, to bill health providers for acupuncture treatments, practitioners must be registered with a recognized TCM acupuncture association in Nova Scotia.
The CMAACNS evaluates schools based on Entry-Level Occupational Competencies for the Practice of TCM in Canada, developed by the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies for TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CARB-TCMPA). This national organization establishes standards to ensure acupuncturists and TCM practitioners deliver safe, effective, and ethical care.
Canadian regulatory colleges of TCM and Acupuncture
TCM practitioners and acupuncturist who practice in regulated Canadian provinces (BC,AB, ON, QU, NF) must pass a provincial board exam (Pan-Canadian exam) through a regulatory college for TCM and acupuncture to become licenced before being able to practice. Associations and Regulatory Colleges of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture help ensure a safe, professional practices that are up to date with evolving national standards for the practice of acupuncture in Canada.
Alberta
College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA) 5213 – 87 St. Edmonton AB, T6E 5L5 tel.780-466-7787 registrar@acupuncturealberta.cawww.acupuncturealberta.ca
British Columbia
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMABC).
1664 West 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V6J 1V4. tel. 604-738-7100. info@ctcma.bc.ca. www.ctcma.bc.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador
The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Newfoundland and Labrador. 47 Leslie Street St. John’s NL. A1E 2V7. tel. 709-763-8208. www.ctcmpanl.ca
Ontario
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO)
163 Queen St. E., 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5A 1S1. tel. 416-862-4790. info@ctcmpao.on.ca www.ctcmpao.on.ca