Dual Diplomas of Acupuncture and Holistic Nutrition
Study Option Overview
The opportunity to earn two individual diplomas in Acupuncture and Holistic Nutrition from one institution is a world-first. The Diploma of Acupuncture provides students foundational philosophies, diagnostic principles and therapeutic techniques of this ancient and powerful system of medicine, and incorporates them with biomedical sciences and other healing philosophies. The Diploma of Holistic Nutrition is the most comprehensive on-site program of Holistic Nutrition in North America and integrates nutritional philosophies of various indigenous cultures and medical viewpoints. Both 3-year (6-semester) programs can be completed within 5 academic years (10 semesters), or 3.5 years with year-round studies.
Length: 10 semesters
Intakes: Winter, Summer, Fall semesters
Format: Blended online and on campus, with on campus requirements for program specific courses.
Clinical Training: 885 hours
Total Training: 3660 hours
ONLINE learning available
I have been thoroughly impressed by Pacific Rim College. Pacific Rim holds high professional standards while maintaining an atmosphere of wellbeing and community. The environment supports students and challenges them to grow into skillful practitioners. I would recommend PRC to anyone who is seeking a place that has deep knowledge and embodied understanding in the field of health and healing.
– Jennifer Raye, RTCMP, RYT, Alumnus
Why Pacific Rim College?
What You’ll Learn:
Key Learning Outcome #1
An in-depth understanding of the therapeutic properties and energetics of foods and how to use them to help clients reach their health goals.
Key Learning Outcome #2
Thorough background of biomedical understanding of the human body, its structure, physiology, common pathologies, and also western diagnostic skills and pharmacotherapy.
Key Learning Outcome #3
The blending of different nutrition philosophies, including the ancient traditions of Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and cultural diets with contemporary dietary practices.
Key Learning Outcome #4
The ancient and powerful system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from classical to contemporary applications, including an in-depth understanding of biological energetic principles of acupuncture.
Key Learning Outcome #5
Wide-ranging professional skills from writing and public speaking to cooking and business development experience needed to establish a private complementary health practice or to join an integrative health centre.
I don’t think I could say enough good things about PRC. After spending three years at a large university, the smaller class sizes and compassionate teachers were an inspiring change. The school itself is a beautiful and nurturing space, and the staff and students make it that much more amazing. I learned so much about myself, gained a new outlook on the world and was trained in an amazing form of healing that has given me a job I am so proud of. I would recommend PRC to anyone, the staff and faculty are educated, kind and helpful individuals who want to see their students grow and succeed in the world of health. I will forever be grateful for my experiences and education from PRC as well as the continued support as I start my own career path. Thank you so much for those three life changing years.
– Sasha Ormiston, Alumnus
Core Program Instructors
Curriculum
Below is a list of all courses that must be completed for a student to be eligible for graduation with both a Diploma of Acupuncture and a Diploma of Holistic Nutrition. Some course prerequisites do exist, and it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are eligible to enrol in any particular course. Please click on course links below to see more course information including descriptions and prerequisites.
Acupuncture
Ayurveda
Biomedical/Biological Sciences
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine Clinical Practice
Nutrition
Nutrition Clinical Practice
Professional Development
Western Herbal Sciences
Total Requirements
Clinical Training
Admissions
Pacific Rim College is committed to educating the highest quality industry professionals, and we offer priority acceptance to applicants who demonstrate the highest potential for success. Admission into the Diplomas of Acupuncture and Holistic Nutrition at Pacific Rim College is on a competitive basis, and applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, humanitarian activities, community involvement, program-related experience, communication skills, professionalism, emotional maturity, independence, ambition, and passion.
Admissions Criteria and Application Requirements
Admission requires successfully meeting the following minimum criteria:
- Applicants must be 19 years of age or older, or have completed high school or an equivalent, such as the GED or CAEC. Applicants who are 19 or older without a high school diploma or equivalent may be considered for mature student status and will be required to complete an essay provided by the college.
- A minimum grade of 70% in previous coursework. All grades will be taken into consideration with emphasis on related language and science-based courses, such as but not limited to general English, general science, creative and professional writing, biology, and chemistry.
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
Prior to acceptance applicants must meet at least one of the following language proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 11 with a grade of ‘60%’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) – An applicant must earn a score of no less than 16 out of 30 on any of the 4 test sections and a total score of no less than 75 out of 120.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – An applicant must earn an overall score of 5.5 or higher.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test – An applicant must earn an overall score of 40 or higher.
- Duolingo English Test – An applicant must earn an overall score of 95 or higher.
Application Deadline
We offer three semesters of study per year for our diploma programs – Fall (September – December), Winter (January – April), and Summer (May – August). Diploma students are welcome to apply to begin in any semester. We do not have a set deadline for applications and will continue to accept students up until the start of classes provided there is space within the program, however, programs do fill prior to the semester start, so we recommend applying 6 months to one year in advance.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is based on a per credit system. Although the college provides guidance for the order of course completion within each program, ultimately each student determines personal course load and schedule and thus per semester tuition. Audited credits do not apply towards graduation requirements. All prices listed are in Canadian dollars. For each semester, full tuition payment is due on the first day of the semester.
Please click here for a description of Academic Fees in PDF format.
Financial Aid
This program is approved for Canada Student Loans. British Columbia residents can apply for student loans online through StudentAid BC. For non-British Columbia residents, please visit hrsdc.gc.ca for information about Canada Student Loans.
For a list of all financial aid programs available to PRC students, please visit our Financial Aid page.
Post-Graduation
Graduates of the Diploma of Acupuncture program who have met the requirements of the CCHP of British Columbia, which includes 60 university credits of liberal arts or sciences, will be eligible to sit for the Canadian national registration exam to become Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac.) in the province of British Columbia. Based on reciprocity agreements, this distinction permits registrants to practice acupuncture across Canada.
Students aiming for licensure by the State of Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners are eligible to do so only after completing PRC’s Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program. The DTCM program meets the requirements of R4-8-403 and R4-8-404 (licensure qualifier under Arizona Revised Statutes 32-3924(2)).
Past graduates who have completed required electives in appropriate disciplines have also met the professional standards set by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) in the United States. This has permitted them to sit for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) acupuncture examination and thus be licensed in the majority of US states. PRC graduates aiming for licensure in the United States must have their credentials evaluated by ACCRAO.
Graduates of the Diploma of Holistic Nutrition have the most comprehensive training offered in Canada with more than three times the on-site education than any other diploma program in the field. Having completed a minimum of 360 hours of clinical training, and having received specific education in practice management and business development, graduates are poised to be successful nutritional practitioners and consultants. Additionally, graduates can also seek employment in other sectors of the health and wellness industry by filling positions such as retail consultants, product developers, teachers, fitness advisers, restaurant consultants, spa managers and more.
Program Accreditation
The Diploma of Acupuncture is approved by the CCHP of British Columbia and meets the education requirements of many other provinces, states and countries.
The Diploma of Holistic Nutrition is recognized by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals as an approved and recommended education program. Graduates who have sufficient professional experience are qualified for professional membership with NANP and to sit for the holistic nutrition national board exam offered through the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB). Successful exam candidates will become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition.
The Diploma of Holistic Nutrition is approved by the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners (CANNP). Graduates are eligible to be considered for the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners designation of NNCP (Natural Nutrition – Clinical Practitioner).
The Diploma of Holistic Nutrition is approved by the Health Coach Alliance (HCA), which is proud to fall under the Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition. Graduates are eligible to apply for membership to become a Registered Health Coach (RHC) or a Registered Health & Nutrition Counselor (RHNC). (Licensed will replace Registered in areas where Registered is not permitted)
The Diploma of Holistic Nutrition is approved by the Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition (CAIN). Graduates are eligible to use the designations of Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner (RHNP) or Registered Holistic Health Practitioner (RHHP). (Licensed will replace Registered in areas where Registered is not permitted.)
The Diploma of Holistic Nutrition is approved by the the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals. CAHN-Pro is a professional association for the accreditation of holistic nutritionists.
Licensing Requirements
Practitioner licensing requirements vary based on region of governance.
The Diploma of Acupuncture program is approved by the CCHP of British Columbia and meets the education requirements of many other provinces, states and countries. It is students’ responsibility to ensure they meet eligibility criteria in their chosen region.
Currently there are no government restrictions to the practice of Holistic Nutrition in Canada. It is students’ responsibility to ensure they meet eligibility criteria in their chosen region.