AFCI offers medical acupuncture education programs which effectively incorporate both anatomical and classical acupuncture approaches. The AFCI Education program consists of two levels of continuing education seminars open exclusively to AFCI members (with the exception of Part 1, Level I which is open to non-members).
Physicians, dentists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, TCM doctors, TCM practitioners, baccalaureate level registered nurses and naturopathic doctors are eligible to become members. Or ‘click here’ to see who is eligible to be a member and link to this section in the website.
The two levels of training include nine courses, which may be completed over a period of one to three years.
The AFCI Curriculum Courses
The Level 1 Part 1 course is open to non-members of AFCI. To continue with courses beyond this level, one must be a current AFCI member. Click here for membership information.
| Level I |
Part 1 |
Anatomical |
30 Credit Hours |
| Level I |
Part 2A |
Anatomical |
30 Credit Hours |
| Level I |
Part 3A |
Anatomical |
30 Credit Hours |
Following successful completion of the above three courses, one is eligible to take the AFCI Written Examination. Upon successful completion of the Written Examination, one is eligible to take the Practical Examination. Click here for details regarding exams. The CAFCI Designation is awarded on successful completion of both written and practical examinations.
| Level II |
Part 2B |
Advanced Acupuncture for Neurological Conditions |
30 Credit Hours |
| Level II |
Part 3B |
Advanced Acupuncture for Neurological Conditions |
30 Credit Hours |
| Level II |
Classical A - BTAOM |
Basics of Traditional Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine |
30 Credit Hours |
| Level II |
Classical C&D - JLEP |
Jing Luo Energetics for Pain |
45 Credit Hours |
| Level II |
Classical B - PTZFO |
Pathology and Treatment of Zang-Fu Organs |
30 Credit Hours |
| Level II |
Classical E - BSFD |
Bi Syndromes and Febrile Diseases |
30 Credit Hours |
Important Note: The Classical Courses must be taken in the sequence listed in the above table. Click here for a description of the Level I and Level II courses.
COURSE FORMAT
The AFCI curriculum has been carefully designed incorporating distance learning and “hands on” practical in-class sessions.
Distance Learning:
The distance education package includes comprehensive video lectures accompanied by a detailed course manual. Video lectures which are available in either DVD or VHS format, are viewed by the students in the four weeks ahead of the course. Course notes are provided in CD-ROM format including full-color diagrams, photographs and detailed notes. The notes are easy to navigate, and include self-assessment questions, acknowledgment of competency levels, and the ability for the student to add his or her own notes.
The home study materials must be reviewed prior to attending the in-class sessions.
In-Class Practical Sessions:
In-class sessions take two basic forms: Case Presentations and Practical Small Group Workshops.
AFCI’s experienced Clinical Lecturers present the practical use of acupuncture in the Case Presentations. In these sessions, you will see how actual cases are assessed and treated using acupuncture and related techniques. Cases will be both written and actual patients. Course participants have the opportunity of bringing in their own patients for these sessions, to see the “real world” application of acupuncture in practice!
In the Practical Small Group Workshops, students work in groups of no more than 8 students per Facilitator to learn acupuncture point location, precise needling techniques and safety precautions. Facilitators spend time with each student ensuring that they are proficient with acupuncture point location, and the anatomy of the region being needled. All needles and supplies are provided at the course. Students locate and needle acupoints on each other with single-use sterile disposable needles.
Advantages of the AFCI Education Program for Regulated Health Professionals
- Unique AFCI Anatomical Approach easily integrated into Western Practices
- Modular Course Design accommodates various Professional Scopes of Practice
- Study Credits are available for Continuing Education Requirements (Click here for more info)
- Exceeds WHO/WFAS Standard of 220 Hours' Acupuncture Study for Physicians
- AFCI Certification (CAFCI) Recognized By Many Provincial Regulatory Bodies
- Combined In-Class Sessions and distance education component reduces time off work and travel expenses