Why Choose AIMC?

If you want to pursue a future in acupuncture and herbal medicine, it’s important to find a school that’s the right fit for you. This profession is about healing and connecting with patients, as well as collaborating with other health professionals to find the best solutions.

At Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College (AIMC), Berkeley, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can learn and grow. We prioritize the well-being of our students, our community, and our planet.

Here are just a few reasons why AIMC could be a great place to begin your career in integrative medicine

Community Partnerships

Our school has a variety of partnerships around the Bay Area that allow us to give back to the community while allowing our students to hone their skills. Many of these partnerships are geared towards serving and caring for low-income communities.

We’ve partnered with organizations like the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, which provides no-cost cancer treatment to low-income women in the Bay Area. We love our community and are always looking for new ways to provide health services to those in need.

Environmental Awareness

In addition to serving our local communities, we also strive to protect the planet as environmental concerns become more relevant than ever. Our school is located near the beautiful Berkeley Hills, allowing students to take outdoor herb walks and learn about the plants that grow naturally in California.

We have an on-campus herb garden that is used for most of the herbal education at AIMC. Growing our own herbs and working with native plants is one small way we can reduce our carbon footprint.

Cultural Sensitivity and Anti-Racism

As a school in a diverse community, we want to help in the fight against racial injustices and discrimination. We also understand that inequality within the healthcare system is just another part of our country’s systemic racism. It’s our goal to make sure that AIMC is a safe and inclusive learning environment for every single student, educator, and staff member.

We are re-examining our culture, curriculum, and practices to ensure that we are educating a generation of thoughtful & knowledgeable practitioners. We are committed to providing diversity and inclusion training for everyone on campus and now offer a Diversity Scholarship for those who are eligible.

Real-World Learning Experiences

Hands-on experience is perhaps the most essential part of our curriculum at AIMC. That’s where the student clinic comes in. As a Clinic Intern Practitioner, you’ll see real patients and provide real treatment plans under the supervision of licensed faculty. Though a majority of appointments in 2020 were virtual and that is likely to continue in this new year, it still provides the same opportunity to connect with patients.

Building rapport with patients during school can be beneficial when you’re ready to enter the workforce. Many AIMC graduates have started their careers with a built-in clientele of patients who they treated during school. Take advantage of the learning environment you’re in and use the student clinic as a place to ask questions, make mistakes, and create relationships.

Mentorship and Guidance

We see mentorship as a key part of the learning experience. Students at AIMC have plenty of opportunities to work one-on-one with experienced faculty members. Our educators are passionate about what they do and want to see every student succeed.

From teaching students in a classroom to supervising clinic appointments, the faculty at AIMC is always available to guide and support. After graduation, a strong mentor/mentee relationship can be a great support network when starting off in your career.

Health and Safety Measures

When the pandemic started at the beginning of 2020, our school quickly adapted to online learning and virtual clinic appointments. By offering online learning and telehealth clinic appointments, students can continue their education and patients can receive the care they need.

Though we cannot predict what things will look like through the rest of 2021, the safety of our students, patients, faculty, and staff remains a top priority. Now that we’ve made in-person appointments available, masks and thorough sanitization are required.

Alumni Relations

As an AIMC graduate, you’re always part of our family. Our alumni association is here to offer continuing support throughout your career. Joining the association is free and offers benefits like discounts on herbs, library privileges, access to exclusive events, teaching opportunities, inclusion in the practice directory, and much more. To learn more about alumni services at AIMC, visit this page.

Continuing Education

We believe it’s always the right time to keep learning. AIMC offers continuing education after graduation and licensure. We offer a variety of certificate programs, CEU courses, classes, seminars, and workshops. These are available for professionals, students, and community members who are interested in learning more about East Asian medicine and acupuncture.

Ready To Learn More?

Join the AIMC family and begin your journey in acupuncture and herbal medicine. If you’re interested in pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in integrative medicine, contact us today to book a tour! We’d love to answer any questions and help you get started on the application process.