Acupuncture is the basic TCVM course which includes 3 training programs: 1) Small Animal Acupuncture; 2) Equine Acupuncture; 3) Mixed Practice Acupuncture. After having finished the basic acupuncture course, students can further pursue the advanced training courses. The goal of this education is to enable the veterinarian be able to make a sound TCVM diagnosis, integrate advanced TCVM theory to identify which herbal medicines are needed to correct the imbalances and how application of acupuncture will facilitate the healing process in animals.

Surveys indicate that about 30% of veterinarians use acupuncture and other TCVM modalities. The ability of western-trained veterinarians to learn TCVM is very difficult because the approach to medicine and disease is foreign to the western mind. Formal training is necessary to help veterinarians bridge this gap. Training that logically explains the eastern concepts and provides clinical assessment of patients is crucial to help western-trained veterinarians learn this ancient art of medicine.

The Chi Institute was founded with the understanding that it is not usually practical for most veterinarians to study TCVM intensively over a long period. A main goal of the Chi Institute is to offer a realistic way for interested veterinarians to gain TCVM knowledge and invaluable hands-on experience.

Programs at the Chi Institute are limited to licensed veterinarians only with class size limited to allow for more individualized instruction. Course schedules take into consideration the fact that students are working professionals and are presented on a rotating basis throughout the year. Three basic acupuncture classes are held in four sessions spread over a period of several months, with sessions scheduled for a period of four days (Thursday - Sunday). An extra day is added to the final session to accommodate the final exam. Upon meeting all requirements, students are certified as a Veterinary Acupuncturist by both the Chi Institute and the China National Society of TCVM.

A recurring cycle of five TCVM Clinical Approach / Chinese Herbology seminars is conducted each year. In this way, graduates are provided with a greater opportunity to schedule the continued study of TCVM. The student may select any module without regard to sequence. The only pre-requisite is the completion of one of the basic Veterinary Acupuncture programs. Upon successful completion of five modules (followed by five take-home open book exams) and presentation of 3 case reports, students will be awarded a certificate of TCVM Practitioner and Herbologist by the Chi Institute and the China National Society of TCVM.