Veterinary Acupuncture Certification Track

Learn all the tools you need to fully integrate acupuncture into your practice

United States
Mixed Practice
English
Main Campus in Reddick, FL
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Program Overview

The Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) Program is presented in 3 online and 2 on-site sessions.

During the online portions, you’ll study the theories and frameworks that guide acupuncture diagnosis and treatment, followed by recorded demonstrations that show their practical application with live patients.

During the on-site portions at our main campus, you will participate in in-person lectures focused on the treatment of specific conditions, building upon the foundational concepts introduced in the online coursework. Following an included catered lunch, you will transition into small-group lab sessions where you will locate and discuss acupuncture points on live animals under the guidance of instructors certified in acupuncture.

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Major Topics

With a curriculum designed for students new to acupuncture, the Mixed Practice Acupuncture Program provides a comprehensive mix of both theory and practice. You will learn:

  • Frameworks used in acupuncture: Five Elements, Yin-Yang, Eight Principles, Zang-Fu Physiology and Pathology, Meridians and Channels
  • The scientific basis of acupuncture
  • 122 canine and 177 equine acupuncture points on live animals
  • Acupuncture techniques: electro-acupuncture, aqua-acupuncture, moxibustion, and dry needling
  • TCVM diagnostic systems: patient personality, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and client inquiry
  • How to integrate acupuncture into your practice
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Additional Benefits

Once enrolled for the Acupuncture Certification Track at Chi, you will receive:

  • Complimentary canine and equine acupoint chart
  • Complimentary 30-hour Evidence-Based Veterinary Acupuncture Course
  • 1-year complimentary membership with the World Association of TCVM (WATCVM)
  • Free lifetime case consultation by Chi faculty

Program Features

Learn from Dr. Xie, the master of veterinary acupuncture

Experience the flexibility of 20 hours of virtual labs alongside 40 hours of in-person wet labs that provide immersive, hands-on training.

Gain the confidence to start practicing acupuncture with patients after completing your first on-site session.

Earn up to 25% of future master's degree credit per experiential learning

Wet lab groups are limited to six students per instructor, allowing for personalized instruction, close supervision, and meaningful hands-on learning.

What our students have to say

Cara Pillitteri

I found this to be a very thorough and well organized introduction to TCVM. I appreciate learning the theory along with the evidence-based acupoint selection.

Cara Pillitteri, DVM

Boca Raton, FL

Leah Sloan

My expectations were beyond exceeded. All of the teachers and instructors were so nice and helpful. I could not be happier about my class experience!

Leah Sloan, DVM

Pullman, WA

Adria Rodriguez, DVM

The course really opened my eyes and reinforced the passion I have for this practice. I am already seeing ways to incorporate TCVM.

Adria Rodriguez, DVM

Grenada, West Indies

Kim Smith, DVM

The whole program has been enlightening to me so far. I have been wanting to do this for 15 years. I am so glad I am finally here!

Kim Smith, DVM

Hampstead, NC

Nicole Estes

The labs were really well-run and well-thought-out with small groups. They ensured all points were covered and students had time to ask questions.

Nicole Estes

Conesus, NY

Veterinary Acupuncture Certification Track

Taught in English

For veterinarians & veterinary students only

163 RACE-approved CE hours

Curriculum

Introduction to the Program and History of Veterinary Acupuncture

1h

What is Acupuncture

1h

Veterinary Acupuncture: Scientific Basis

2h

Basic TCVM Theories - Yin Yang

1h

Eight Principles and Bian Zheng

1h

Five Elements

2h

Zang-Fu Physiology

2h

Channels and Meridians

2h

Top 10 Canine Acupoints and Clinical Applications

1h

Top 15 Equine Acupoints and Its Clinical Applications

1h

General Rules of Acupuncture

4h

Indications for Veterinary Acupuncture

2h

How to Start Your Acupuncture Practice: Cookbook

1h

Where Do I Start the Acupuncture Practice

1h

How to Start Your Acupuncture Practice: Cookbook

1h

How to Integrate Acupuncture into Your Practice

1h

Canine Anatomy for Acupuncturists

1h

Equine Anatomy for Acupuncturists

1h

Five Elements and Zang-fu Physiology

1h

Introduction to TCVM Diagnosis

1h

Five-Shu Transporting Points, Source Points, Back-Shu & Front-Mu Points, Influential Points

2h

Other Special Points and Clinical Application

2h

How to Practice Acupuncture in Horses

1h

Equine Musculoskeletal Case Studies

1h

TCVM for Equine Lameness

1h

Acupuncture for Tendons and Cervical Disorders

1h

Acupuncture for Neurological Disease and Back Pain

1h

Acupuncture for Forelimb and Hind Limb Lameness

1h

Point Labs

16h

How to Treat Bi/Wei Syndromes, Osteoarthritis and IVDD (Small Animal)

2h

How to Treat Gastro-Intestinal Disorders (Small Animal)

2h

How to Treat Respiratory Disorders (Small Animal)

2h

Five Treasure: Qi, Blood, Shen, Jing, Body Fluid Physiology and Pathology

4h

TCVM Diagnosis

4h

Eight Extraordinary Channels

2h

Etiology and Pathology

2h

How to Select Acupoints

2h

How to Make a TCVM Diagnosis (Dry Lab) (SA)

2h

Acupuncture for Neurological Disorders (SA)

2h

How to Approach Clinical Cases (SA)

2h

How to Improve Acupuncture Result (SA)

2h

Avian Acupuncture (SA)

1h

Exotic Animal Acupuncture (SA)

1h

How to Select Acupoints (EQ)

2h

Equine Acupuncture Techniques (EQ)

1h

Acupuncture for Equine Lameness (EQ)

2h

Acupuncture for Neck & Back Pain (EQ)

1h

Acupuncture for Tendon/ligament, Shoulder, Hip, Stifle and Hock Pain (EQ)

1h

Equine Special Conditions (EQ)

2h

How to Approach Clinical Cases (EQ)

1h

How to Improve Acupuncture Results (EQ)

1h

Dry-lab Lameness and Internal Medicine Case Studies (EQ)

1h

Bubble Chart Review

1h

A Quick Review from Sessions 1 to 3 (SA)

1h

How to Treat Chronic Kidney Disease with TCVM I (SA)

1h

How to Treat CKD & UTI with TCVM II (SA)

1h

How to Treat Heart Failure (SA)

1h

How to Treat Behavioral Problems

2h

Herbal Introduction (SA)

2h

Acupuncture for the Liver (SA)

2h

How to Treat Skin Problems (SA)

2h

Acupuncture for Cancer (SA)

1h

Feline Acupuncture (SA)

2h

Case Studies from Students (SA)

1h

A Quick Review from Sessions 1 to 3 (EQ)

1h

How to Treat Urinary and Cardiovascular Disorders in Horse (EQ)

1h

How to Treat GI Disorders (EQ)

2h

How to Treat Respiratory Problems (EQ)

2h

How to Treat Bi and Wei Syndrome (EQ)

1h

Acupuncture for Sports Medicine (EQ)

1h

How to Understand Herbal Medicine (EQ)

1h

How to Start Your Herbal Practice (EQ)

1h

How to Treat Cushing’s Disease (EQ)

1h

How to Treat Other Endocrine Disorders (EQ)

1h

Acupuncture for Liver Diseases (EQ)

1h

Acupuncture for Skin Diseases (EQ)

1h

Liver Physiology and Pathology

1h

Lung Physiology and Pathology

1h

Spleen Physiology and Pathology

1h

Heart Physiology and Pathology

1h

Kidney Physiology and Pathology

1h

How to Approach a TCVM Canine Case Started Using TCVM

1h

Virtual Clarification of Acupoints and Acupuncture Techniques(SA)

3h

How to Approach an Equine Case

1h

Virtual Clarification of Acupoints and Acupuncture Techniques(EQ)

3h

Point Lab

8h

CVA course-Review

4h

How to Treat Reproductive Disorders

1h

How to Practice Equine TCVM for Profit and Pleasure

1h

Intro to Food Therapy

1h

Intro to Tui-na

1h

Canine & Equine Lab

12h

How to Treat Thyroid Disorders

1h

How to Treat Diabetes Mellitus and Cushing’s Disease

1h

How to Make TCVM Profitable

1h

Cross Promotion

Point Lab 1 (Session 2 acupoint review)

4h

Point Lab 2 (Session 2 acupoint review)

2h

Point Lab 3 (Session 4 acupoint review)

2h

Point Lab 4 (Session 4 acupoint review)

4h

Certification

Students of the Veterinary Acupuncture program are eligible for the Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist certification endorsed by Chi University and the World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (WATCVM). The CVA certification requirements are as follows:

  • Complete all sessions of the program

  • Pass three online quizzes with scores above 70%

  • Pass the written exam proctored online after the final session with a score over 70%

  • Pass the clinical acupoint exam in the final on-site session with a score above 70%

  • Submit one veterinary acupuncture case report to be approved

  • Complete 30 hours of advanced TCVM program training or internship with a certified veterinary acupuncturist

Please note that Chi cannot issue any certification to veterinary students until their DVM or equivalent has been obtained.

Textbooks

TCVM: Fundamental Principles

by Huisheng Xie and Vanessa Preast

Clinician's Guide to Canine Acupuncture

by Curtis Wells Dewey and Huisheng Xie

Equine Acupuncture: A Practical Guide for Clinicians

by Carla Pasteur and Huisheng Xie

Instructors

Dr. Xie has 42 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience in veterinary acupuncture and TCVM. He has trained over 12,000 veterinarians to practice TCVM worldwide. Dr. Xie’s education includes advanced training in veterinary medicine, veterinary acupuncture, and human acupuncture. Dr. Xie has authored 20 books and over 100 peer-reviewed papers. His textbooks, including Xie’s Veterinary Herbology, Xie’s Veterinary Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine-Fundamental Principles, have been used for TCVM training programs around the world. Dr. Xie continues to teach and develop educational courses and programs at Chi University, serves as a full clinical professor at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and is an honorary professor at China Agricultural University, South China Agricultural University, and China Southwest University.

Read more

Dr. Todd graduated from the University of Florida with a DVM in 1988. In 1993, Dr. Todd became an apprentice to Dr. Patrick Sullivan, AP, and began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 1996, he became certified by IVAS. His studies continued at Chi. He has lectured and instructed nationally and internationally for IVAS, the North American Veterinary Conference, and Chi. Dr. Todd practices integrative veterinary medicine at the Animal Hospital of Dunedin in the Tampa Bay Area.

Dr. Chrisman received her DVM from Michigan State University in 1968, an MS degree from the Ohio State University in 1974 and became certified in veterinary neurology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1976. Dr. Chrisman is a certified veterinary acupuncturist from Chi. She was a professor and Chief of the Neurology Service at UF for 30 years and integrated acupuncture into her neurology practice as well as a member of the UF Acupuncture Service. She is a Professor Emeritus at UF as well as the former Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and is on the Executive Board of the American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Langlois is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. He has been an equine practitioner in Marion County, Florida for the past 32 years, where he established his own practice in 1983 with an emphasis on reproductive medicine, lameness diagnostics, and surgery. He has received advanced training in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese veterinary herbal medicine, and veterinary Tui-na massage. He has been practicing for over 30 years and has been using Chinese medicine and spinal manipulation successfully for over 10 years enjoying treating at many of the prestigious thoroughbred farms in Marion County, FL.

Dr. Pasteur grew up showing horses in many disciplines, including reining, saddleseat, dressage and pleasure. She graduated in 1991 from the University of Wisconsin and opened an equine exclusive clinic in Green Bay. The practice grew to cover five counties, with emphases on reproduction and lameness. She received her acupuncture training from IVAS in 1997, sold her conventional practice and began an equine alternative practice. She has been a Chi instructor since 2005 and has lectured internationally. Her current practice encompasses TCVM, veterinary medical manipulation and osteopathy, focusing on sport and performance horses.

Dr. Clemmons graduated with his DVM from Washington State University. There, he also was granted a PhD in veterinary science (emphasis in neurophysiology and clinical neurology). Dr. Clemmons then took a faculty position at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine where he practiced neurology and neurosurgery for 35 years before joining the private Veterinary Specialty Hospitals in Florida. Dr. Clemmons, a board-certified specialist in Neurology, has published over 100 peer-reviewed original studies, reviews, papers and abstracts and given numerous presentations, both in the US and abroad. At UF, he has had an active research program and is known for his work on platelet physiology and in the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as degenerative myelopathy. He has developed a number of innovative neurosurgical techniques including fixation of atlantoaxial subluxation and Wobbler’s syndrome. Dr. Clemmons taught veterinary and graduate students at the University of Florida for 35 years. Dr. Clemmons became a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA) at Chi in 2000. He was certified in TCVM Food therapy (CVFT) from Chi in 2009. He integrates Veterinary Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and nutrition into his practice. He is a national and international speaker in the field of neurology and the science of veterinary acupuncture.

Dr. Allison Faber Marshall graduated from University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995 and moved to Virginia into general equine practice. She opened Full Circle Veterinary Services, PC in 2005 after becoming a Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (CVSMT) through Healing Oasis Wellness Center and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University where she also trained in veterinary herbal medicine, food therapy, and tui-na, culminating in completion of a Master’s of Science in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Marshall served on the AAEP ethics committee from 2010-2013. She has been an instructor at Chi since 2010. Her busy practice is limited to equine alternative therapies in Virginia and Maryland, and she enjoys a large variety of sport horses and beloved friend as patients. She has 3 grown children, and is an avid surfer, knitter, yarn spinner, gardener, and works to keep her many interests and profession in balance.

Dr. Terri Rosado holds certifications in all Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine branches. As an Assistant Professor at Chi University and the medical director of Chi Animal Hospital, Dr. Rosado is passionate about education, offering externships to Chi and veterinary school students, and inviting volunteers to experience small animal veterinary practice.

Enrollment Options

Semester

Spring 2026

Schedule & Tuition

Access to all sessions will end at the conclusion of the final session.

Labs: While the Small Animal and Equine tracks spend their lab time learning species-specific acupoints, the Mixed Practice track learns the most commonly used acupoints of both species. Although the Mixed Practice track covers overall more acupoints than the single-species tracks, it covers fewer acupoints per species.

Lectures: Many of the fundamental lectures in the earlier sessions are shared between all tracks. As the course progresses, there are more species-specific lecture topics and thus, much less overlap between the Small Animal and Equine tracks. However, the Mixed Practice track receives all lectures from both the Small Animal and Equine tracks, and therefore, has the most lecture hours.

During on-site sessions, the Small Animal and Equine tracks will have many separate lectures. Mixed Practice students will be assigned to either sit in on the Small Animal or Equine track lectures. Meanwhile, the lectures given to the other track will be recorded and the videos later uploaded to the Mixed Practice portal for online review.

Switching Tracks: Because the curriculum varies between all three tracks, it is not ideal to switch tracks after the course has already begun (particularly after Session 2). In addition, dropping one part of the Mixed Practice track is not an option. For example, students cannot choose to take only the small animal portion of the Mixed Practice track, and even if this was possible, it would not be equivalent to the Small Animal track.

Self-study: Because self-study is highly recommended to properly prepare for the final exams, if you do not have access to horses or dogs to practice point identification on outside of the lab sessions, you may consider enrolling in a single-species (Small Animal or Equine, respectively) track instead.

Session 1
Session 2

Location

Location of class
Chi Main Campus

9650 W Hwy 318

Reddick, FL 32686

Hotel & accommodation recommendations

Thursday, February 5, 2026

7:45 AM

Check-in begins

Sunday, February 8, 2026

1:00 PM

Class Ends

Session 3
Session 4
Session 5

Location

Location of class
Chi Main Campus

9650 W Hwy 318

Reddick, FL 32686

Hotel & accommodation recommendations

Thursday, June 25, 2026

7:45 AM

Check-in begins

Saturday, June 27, 2026

5:30 PM

Class ends

Payment Information

A $250.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.

Payment is due 60 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.

Add-ons

Printed Binders

$50.00 / on-site

Required Textbooks

$556.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

You must start at session one and continue along in order. If you have mitigating circumstances, you will have to defer all following sessions until the next semester.