Many Paths to Integrative Living
The health, wellness and medical industries are increasingly aligning around the concept that an integrative approach to well-being should encompass the mind, body and spirit. Chinese medicine has embraced this integrative model for thousands of years, further considering environmental factors and offering a comprehensive framework for personalized care.
Whether you pursue care, connection or education, integrative health is for everyone.
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Why AIMC?
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
AIMC Berkeley fosters a collaborative and supportive community, bringing together students from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, including Western medicine, bodywork, theology, corporate management, the arts, and more. Our student body, ranging in age from 25 to 65, represents a rich tapestry of experiences from across the country and around the world.
AIMC is BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friendly, actively promoting sustainability through initiatives like our Climate Club and the use of earth-based medicine—as seen in our on-campus botanical garden. Our engaged student community leads initiatives such as peer tutoring, student-led groups, and an active student council. More than just classmates, our students support one another—sharing meals, organizing study groups, assisting with childcare, and forming lifelong connections. At AIMC, you’re not just attending school—you’re becoming part of a thriving, interconnected community.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
With over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical training, AIMC Berkeley provides one of the most immersive clinical experiences of any acupuncture school in the country. Clinical training begins early in the program, starting in the second trimester with theater observation, and continues throughout the curriculum.
Students gain valuable experience in our integrative medicine clinic, herbal dispensary, and through off-site internships, working with diverse patient populations. AIMC is deeply committed to serving underserved communities, offering low-cost community clinics and partnerships with organizations like the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, which provides care for women with cancer. This comprehensive, real-world training ensures that students graduate with the confidence and skills to make an impact in their field.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
AIMC Berkeley is dedicated to training future leaders in acupuncture and East Asian medicine who can successfully collaborate with healthcare professionals, function as primary care providers, and advance the field through innovative, integrative approaches.
Our curriculum blends traditional medicine with modern applications, offering prestigious off-site internships in hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers. Students gain hands-on experience at UC Berkeley’s Center for High Performance Student-Athletes, West Berkeley Clinic for Lifelong Medical Care, and the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, among others. Integrative medicine is at the core of our program, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the evolving landscape of healthcare.
EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY
AIMC Berkeley’s faculty consists of highly skilled practitioners and educators who bring a diverse range of expertise to the classroom and clinic. Many maintain successful private practices while also mentoring the next generation of acupuncturists.
Our faculty are dedicated to bridging theoretical education with practical application. Didactic instructors guide students through the complexities of East Asian medicine, while clinical supervisors provide hands-on training in diagnosis, treatment methods, and clinical documentation. Their commitment to teaching and mentorship ensures that AIMC graduates are fully prepared to excel in the field.
STUDENT SERVICES
AIMC provides a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, peer tutoring, counseling, disability accommodations, and financial aid guidance.
Beyond academics, AIMC offers engaging events and extracurricular activities, such as Lunch & Learn sessions, professional workshops, social gatherings, and student town halls. These services and events are designed to support students holistically—both academically and personally—throughout their journey at AIMC.
Visit our Current Students page to explore the full range of student services available.
STUDY ABROAD
AIMC Berkeley offers unparalleled opportunities for global learning, with annual study abroad programs in China, Japan, and France. These immersive experiences allow students to train with master practitioners in the places where these healing traditions originated.
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In Japan, students gain hands-on experience in Japanese needling techniques, palpation, moxibustion, and facial acupuncture.
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In China, students explore traditional herbal markets, tour top Chinese medicine universities, and visit botanical gardens specializing in herbal medicine.
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In France, students learn auriculotherapy from Dr. Nogier, a world-renowned expert in the field.
These cultural and educational exchanges enrich students' understanding of integrative medicine, preparing them to practice with a truly global perspective.
Foundational Wisdom Series
Our introductory series of classes on acupuncture and integrative medicine is the perfect way to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine as a non-degree-seeking student. This introductory series is a great way to start and/or advance your journey towards a healthier and more balanced life by learning the fundamentals of acupuncture and the body's energy systems. This series will delve into the principles of Chinese medicine, the use of herbs and dietary therapy, and the rich history of the tradition. Get a taste for what it means to become an acupuncturist & discover practices to support your health and wellbeing. Check out the courses included below!
East Asian Medical Theory
(4 units)
Learn the fundamental concepts of East Asian Medicine in a fun, interactive class.
Qi Gong
(1 unit)
Have an embodied experience of the principles of East Asian Medicine energetics and the concept of Qi through the practice of Qi gong.
Intro to Herbology
(2 units)
Learn the 27 categories of herbs in East Asian Medicine and the basic principles of prescribing herbal formulas.
Chinese Medical Terminology
(2 unit)
An introduction to the Chinese language through terminology, character formation, and the historical context of studying Chinese medicine in translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including nurses, MDs, massage therapists, lawyers, economists, teachers, and therapists. AIMC values a broad range of experiences, as they contribute to a rich and collaborative learning environment.
Not at all! A biomedicine or science background is not required to begin the East Asian & Integrative Medicine graduate program at AIMC Berkeley. Our curriculum provides a strong foundation in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Pathophysiology to support students in developing a well-rounded integrative medicine practice.
For applicants with a Master’s-level education in related fields, there may be opportunities to transfer eligible credits into the program.
Classes are held Monday through Friday, primarily during the day. Full-time students typically spend three to four days per week in classes and clinic.
For each hour in the classroom, students can expect to spend about two hours on homework. Special projects and research papers may require additional time.
(1 credit equals 50 minutes of class time per 15-week term.)Students also have homework assignments for their clinical shifts, which begin in the second term with Theater Observation. In the clinic, students should anticipate one to 1.5 hours of homework per shift.
Yes, many students work while attending AIMC.
For full-time students, we recommend limiting work commitments to about 20 hours per week, especially in the first year, to maintain a healthy work-study balance.Part-time students may be able to maintain a full-time work schedule, depending on their course load. If you live within a 30-to-45-minute commute, we recommend keeping your combined school and work commitments under 50 hours per week. For those with a longer commute, taking a lighter course load may be beneficial.
The program builds a strong foundation for becoming a general practitioner of East Asian Medicine. However, students have the opportunity to gain specialized experience through internships in areas such as orthopedics, prenatal care, and more. These specialized clinical opportunities allow students to develop focused expertise before pursuing a doctoral degree.
Students at AIMC Berkeley gain a comprehensive education in East Asian Medicine, including Acupuncture, Bodywork (Shiatsu & Tuina), Traditional Chinese herbology, Japanese Meridian Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine nutrition, and Qi Gong.
Students also learn a variety of treatment techniques such as traditional, shallow, and contact needling, seven-star needling, cupping therapy, direct and indirect moxibustion, shonishin (pediatric acupuncture), auricular acupuncture, and electro-acupuncture (e-stim), providing them with a well-rounded foundation in integrative and traditional approaches.