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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Session 1
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
Session 2
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
Session 3
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
Session 4
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
Session 5
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
Optional Acupuncture Review
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
CVA 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
Instructors
Huisheng Xie
DVM, PhD
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 moreGreg Todd
DVM, CVA
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.
Cheryl Chrisman
DVM, MSTCVM, CVA, CVCH, CVTP, CVFT
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.
John Langlois
DVM, MSTCVM, CVA, CVMMP
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.
Carla Pasteur
DVM, MSTCVM, CVA, CVTP, CVMMP, CVSMT, CERP
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.
Roger Clemmons
DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Neurology and Neurosurgery), CVA, CVFT
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.
Allison Faber Marshall
DVM, MS, CVA, CVSMT
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.
Terri Rosado
DVM, CVA, CTCVMP, CCRT, CVMMP, MS-TCVM
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.
Which track is right for you: Small Animal, Equine, or Mixed Practice?
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
Online
Jan 1 - Feb 4, 2026
$1,220.00
Session 2
On-site in Reddick, FL
Feb 5 - 8, 2026
$1,800.00
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | |
7:45 AM | Check-in begins |
Sunday, February 8, 2026 | |
1:00 PM | Class Ends |
Session 3
Online
Feb 9 - Apr 12, 2026
$1,120.00
Session 4
Online
Mar 2 - Jun 24, 2026
$1,800.00
Session 5
Free & Optional — On-site - Point Review in Reddick, FL
Jun 24, 2026
On-site in Reddick, FL
Jun 25 - 27, 2026
Free & Optional — On-site - Exam Prep Review in Reddick, FL
Jun 28, 2026
Online Written Exam
The 4-hour written exam will be proctored online (to be taken remotely/from home) a few days after Session 5 ends. More details to follow.
Includes the CVA Certification
$1,890.00
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take acupuncture classes in a prescribed order or can I start at any time?
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.