Program Overview
The graduate-level CVA program is designed for veterinarians and veterinary students with a bachelor’s degree who would like to engage deeply with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) for diagnosis, treatment, and enhancement of the medical care of their patients.
Students are encouraged to complete the graduate-level CVA program within 1 year. Students can expect to complete the program in 6 months with full-time study.
In the state of Florida, only licensed veterinarians can perform acupuncture on animals. The Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture does not qualify a graduate of the program to perform veterinary acupuncture without the appropriate licensure to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in Florida.
Program Overview
The main courses of the graduate-level CVA program include studies in fundamental frameworks used in acupuncture, acupuncture points, and acupuncture techniques. A heavy focus is placed on evidence-based learning and giving students the tools to design comprehensive treatment plans.
The courses are designed to give the student the opportunity to master unique diagnostic skills. Compared to CE courses, the Master's learning platform is more rigorous, with weekly assignments for each course.
Program Objectives
Understand the frameworks used for acupuncture
Learn when and how to use each acupuncture point
Delve into the evidence-based science of acupuncture
Design individualized acupuncture treatment plans
Master acupuncture through clinical research
gCVA Curriculum
All gCVA students must complete a minimum of 10 credit hours and meet the curricular requirements described below.
Acupuncture
3 required courses
The acupuncture courses provide a foundation in TCVM and give students all the tools they need to integrate acupuncture into their practice.
MTM4710: Veterinary Acupuncture Level 1
3.5 credit hours
This course discusses the fundamental principles of TCVM including Yin-Yang, Eight Principles, Five Elements and Zang-fu physiology and pathology. Scientific basis of acupuncture and research data are discussed as well as real-world implementation of acupuncture clinical usage including pain management, lameness, musculoskeletal disorders and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture points and techniques including dry-needling and aquapuncture are also discussed. A hands-on wet lab will be provided during the on-site portion of the class in Reddick, FL.
MTM4711: Veterinary Acupuncture Level 2
2 credit hours
This course discusses in-depth traditional Chinese veterinary medical theories including Jing, Qi, Shen, Body Fluids and Blood. The unique TCVM diagnosis including tongue and pulse, Eight Extraordinary Channels and etiology and pathology are also discussed. The course provides tools and techniques on how to make a sound TCM diagnosis.
(Prerequisite or corequisite: MTM4710)
MTM4712: Veterinary Acupuncture Level 3
3.5 credit hours
This course reviews not only the advanced acupuncture techniques including electro-acupuncture and moxibustion, but also how to approach internal medical diseases using the traditional Chinese medical modality. The material in the class introduces case examples showing how to put everything together in order to diagnose and treat liver and renal diseases, behavior and skin problems, as well as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Students learn a systematic approach to the principles and practices of TCVM. Emphasis is placed on clinical application in all aspects of Five Element disorders and reproductive and endocrine diseases. Students are taught management of real-world clinical cases, tools and methods of how to promote TCVM and integrate it into daily practice.
(Prerequisite or corequisite: MTM4710, MTM4711)
Internship
1 required course
The clinical internship requirement helps allow you to practice what you've learned in the real world with trained acupuncture clinicians.
MTM4760: TCVM Clerkship (45-hour internship)
1 credit hours
Students gain practical knowledge in real-world application through this 45- hour internship. Students may choose any certified veterinary acupuncturist to shadow for 45 documented hours. CVAs can be found by consulting the Chi University practitioner directory. Students may choose any willing faculty member to complete their hours with.
(Prerequisite or corequisite: MTM4710, MTM4711, and MTM4712)
Tuition and Fees
Total Tuition and Fees: $7855 (based on 2024 tuition/fee rates)
Textbook and Supplies: $500
Tuition is paid at the beginning of each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall) on a per-course basis.
Application Process
Eligibility
Veterinarians and current veterinary students, who have completed at least a minimum of 10 credit hours at a college of veterinary medicine, are eligible to apply to the program.
Prepare Documents
All applicants must provide the following:
- Copy of your driver's license or passport
- The completed application form
Veterinarian applicants must provide:
- Official transcripts of your earned Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent
Veterinary student applicants must provide:
- Official transcripts of your earned bachelor's degree
- Official transcripts from your current veterinary school
- Copy of your current veterinary school identification
International Applicants
International Applicants (where English is not a primary language)* must provide:
- A minimum total score of 60 on the paper-delivered Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 71 on the Internet Based Test (iBT)(home edition also accepted); 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS); 50 on the Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report; 100 on the Duolingo English Test; or 55 on the 4-skill Michigan English Test (MET), or 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE), or 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE).
- Translated transcripts and evaluation by a NACES recognized organization
*Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution where the primary language for learning was English or are citizens of an English-speaking country are exempt
Send Application
Applicants must submit their documents as well as the $120 application and registration fee. They may submit their application and payment through:
- The application portal (click "Apply" below)
- Email at admission@chiu.edu
- Mail to the Chi Main Campus, 9650 W Hwy 318, Reddick FL, 32686
Comprehensive Review
Chi University reviews the submitted admission documents to determine whether collectively if enrolled, applicants are a good fit for the master’s degree program and align with their academic goals. Following a comprehensive review, applicants are notified whether they are accepted into the degree program.
DEAC Disclosures
The Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture (gCVA) is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Chi University is also an institutional participant in the SARA initiative, and approved by the Florida State Approving Agency for Veteran Education and Training.
View DEAC Student Achievement Disclosures
Florida Commission for Independent Education
The Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture (gCVA) is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Additional information regarding Chi University may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, toll-free telephone number (888) 224-6684.
Veterinary Acupuncture Licensure
In the state of Florida, only licensed veterinarians can perform acupuncture on animals. The Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture (gCVA) does not qualify a graduate of the program to perform veterinary acupuncture without the appropriate licensure to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in Florida.