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Prospective Students

Integrative health brings together mind, body, spirit, and environment for personalized care—a model long embraced by Chinese medicine and now gaining global momentum.

침

East Asian Medical Theory 

(4 units)

Learn the fundamental concepts of East Asian Medicine in a fun, interactive class.

약초

Intro to Herbology 

(2 units)

Learn the 27 categories of herbs in East Asian Medicine and the basic principles of prescribing herbal formulas.

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Qi Gong 

(1 units)

Have an embodied experience of the principles of East Asian Medicine energetics and the concept of Qi through the practice of Qi gong.

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Chinese Medical Terminology 

(2 units)

An introduction to the Chinese language through terminology, character formation, and the historical context of studying Chinese medicine in translation.

  • 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.

    • In Japan, students gain hands-on experience in Japanese needling techniques, palpation, moxibustion, and facial acupuncture.

    • In China, students explore traditional herbal markets, tour top Chinese medicine universities, and visit botanical gardens specializing in herbal medicine.

    • 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.

  • Why Are You Asking About My ___ When I Came In for ____?
    If you're seeking treatment for eczema, you might be surprised when we ask about your digestion, sleep, or menstrual cycle. That’s because East Asian Medicine treats the whole person—not just the condition. There’s a saying in this medicine: “One disease, many treatments. Many diseases, one treatment.” We’ll always ask detailed questions about your primary concern, but we’ll also explore other aspects of your health to create a diagnosis and treatment plan that’s truly personalized to you. This holistic approach allows us to get to the root of imbalances and support your overall well-being.
  • Who are the Clinic Intern Practitioners?
    AIMC’s Clinic Intern Practitioners are compassionate, professional students in the final stages of their clinical training. They bring a wide range of life experiences—ranging in age from their twenties to sixties—and come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds. If you’d like to learn more about individual interns and their clinical interests, you can view their bios on our booking platform, Jane.
  • How Often Should I Get Treatment, and When Will I See Results?
    Your practitioner will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, including recommended frequency and goals. In general, acute conditions tend to respond more quickly, while chronic or long-standing conditions may require more time and consistency to see lasting improvement. Many patients notice some benefit within 1–2 sessions, while most experience noticeable results within 4–6 treatments. Like exercise or physical therapy, consistent treatment leads to better outcomes. A typical treatment plan may involve weekly acupuncture for 4–8 weeks, followed by less frequent maintenance visits as symptoms improve. Herbal prescriptions are usually provided in 1–2 week batches, with regular check-ins to evaluate and adjust your custom formula. Some formulas are for short-term use, while others may be designed for ongoing support and prescribed monthly. Regular follow-ups help ensure your treatment stays aligned with your body’s changing needs.
  • How Do I Know If My Prescription Is Ready for Pick-Up?
    Once your prescription is ready, our Front Desk team will email you using the address on file in our Jane system. Most prescriptions are prepared within 24 hours, but please wait for confirmation before coming to campus to pick it up. This helps us ensure your order is complete and ready for a smooth pickup experience.
  • How Do I Choose My First Appointment or Practitioner? Do I Need to See the Same Person Every Time?
    All of our supervisors and interns are well-trained in integrative and East Asian Medicine and are fully equipped to address your health concerns. To find a practitioner who feels like the right fit, you’re welcome to browse supervisor specialties and intern bios on our booking platform, Jane. Some patients prefer to continue care with the same intern, while others enjoy receiving treatment from a variety of interns and supervisors. Because we use a shared Electronic Health Record system, your information is accessible across our clinical team—ensuring seamless, coordinated care no matter who you see.
  • How Can I Contact My Practitioner(s)?
    You’re welcome to email your Intern or Supervisor using their AIMC email address. In most cases, the format is: first initial + last name @aimc.edu (For example, Jane Doe would be jdoe@aimc.edu.) If you're unsure or need assistance, you can also contact our Front Desk team at frontdesk@aimc.edu. Please Note: Email is not a secure form of communication. We recommend avoiding personal details such as your date of birth or sensitive medical information in your messages. If you need to discuss health-related concerns, it’s best to speak directly with your practitioner during your next visit.
  • What Can East Asian Medicine Treat?
    Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other modalities within East Asian Medicine offer powerful support for the body’s nervous, musculoskeletal, and internal organ systems. This holistic approach makes East Asian Medicine effective for a wide range of health concerns. Common conditions treated include: Acute and chronic pain Stress, anxiety, and insomnia Colds, flus, and immune support Repetitive strain and sports injuries Digestive issues Reproductive health and fertility Autoimmune conditions Side effects of cancer treatment Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis Anti-aging and facial rejuvenation East Asian Medicine addresses not only symptoms but the root imbalances behind them, supporting long-term health and well-being.
  • What should I expect during my appointment?
    Your visit will last between 1 to 2 hours. On your first visit, a Clinic Intern Practitioner will conduct a thorough health history and assess your primary concerns using East Asian diagnostic methods, such as tongue and pulse evaluation. After consulting with a licensed Supervisor, your Intern will share a personalized treatment plan with you. You’ll then be invited to the treatment table. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing—a gown will be provided if needed. The practitioner will clean and palpate acupuncture points before inserting fine, sterile, single-use needles. Additional techniques may be used based on your needs, including acupressure, tui na or shiatsu massage, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, or electro-stimulation. After treatment, most patients feel relaxed, uplifted, or balanced. You may notice mild soreness or temporary marks from cupping or gua sha, which typically fade within one to two weeks. Drinking water and getting rest are recommended. If you have questions after your visit, feel free to reach out to your Intern or Supervisor for support.
  • I Forgot My Username or Password—How Can I Log In to Jane?
    No problem! You can retrieve your username and reset your password by visiting: aimc.janeapp.com/reset_password Follow the prompts, and you’ll be back into your account in no time. If you need further help, feel free to contact the Front Desk.
  • Where Can I Find the “Document” That Was Shared With Me?
    If you received an email about a shared document from your practitioner, it’s most likely your Treatment Follow-Up. To view it: Go to aimc.janeapp.com Click “Sign In” at the top of the page Once signed in, click “My Account” Navigate to the “Documents” tab to view your file If you have any trouble accessing it, feel free to contact the front desk for help.
  • Special Circumstances
    If a student has special circumstances or a change in circumstances not already reflected on the FAFSA (such as loss of employment, retirement, or loss of untaxed income) he or she can ask the college to review the changed circumstances by submitting the college’s Policy Appeal Form defining the situation and providing actual figures. In addition, a student may request to have his or her Cost of Attendance adjusted due to special or unusual circumstances. Examples include medical or dental or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance, unusually high child care costs, etc. The appropriate documentation of the unusual circumstances and/or expense must be attached to the college’s Policy Appeals Form and submitted to the financial aid office for review and final submission to the Appeals Committee. The student will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision.
  • Exit Counseling
    Financial Aid students are required to complete the Exit Counseling when graduating for each term that enrollment drops below 6 units. Complete Exit Counseling here.
  • How to Apply for Financial Aid
    Submit FAFSA & AIMC Financial Aid Application forms as soon as possible and by one week prior to the start of the trimester for timely processing. Loan processing will be initiated one week after the start of term, once attendance has been confirmed. Assuming all documents are in place, funds will be disbursed from the Department of Education 6-8 weeks after the start of the term. If you would like to receive financial aid, please follow the checklist below: Start by downloading the Financial Aid Checklist & use it to track the steps outlined below. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov. Our school federal code is 03327400. Complete Entrance Counseling, a Master Promissory Note (MPN), and the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment for Graduate/ Professional Students at studentaid.gov. Complete the AIMC Application for Financial Aid. Fill out the AIMC Loan Request Form. Please contact our Director of Financial Aid at FAofficer@aimc.edu with any questions.
  • Types of Loans
    The Federal Direct Loan Program, available at a fixed rate, constitutes the primary source of funding for financial aid at AIMC Berkeley. Detailed financial aid information on the various federal financial programs, as well as free information on preparing for and funding education beyond high school, is available from the US Department of Education (USDE) at www.studentaid.ed.gov. Graduate students may be eligible for two different financial aid programs (1) Direct Unsubsidized Loans and/or (2) Graduate PLUS loans. (1) Direct Unsubsidized Loans Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate or professional degree students. You are not required to show financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Students who are admitted to AIMC Berkeley as graduate students, i.e., possess a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of three years of undergraduate study (90 semester units), are eligible to borrow graduate-level Direct Unsubsidized (“Stafford”) Loans. For each academic year, a student may borrow a combined total of $20,500 from unsubsidized loan programs. As of July 1, 2018 the Federal Unsubsidize Loan interest will increase from 6% to 6.595% and the Grad-Plus will increase from 7% to 7.595% This has been approved by the congress office. Origination fee is still pending. Any students requesting for federal loans as of July 1, 2018 will be subject to the new rate. (2) Graduate PLUS loans (“Gradplus”) Students needing additional assistance may consider the federal Graduate PLUS loan. This loan is based on your personal financial credit history. This loan has a 4% origination fee and a higher interest rate of 7.9%. Please contact the financial aid office for further details on the eligibility requirements for this program. Reimbursement to Veterans and Eligible Persons. For information or for resolution of specific payment queries, veterans should contact the Department of Veteran’s Affairs nationwide toll-free number at 1-888-442-4551. To maintain your financial aid status once your application is approved, you need to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  • Academic Year & Disbursement Timing
    ACADEMIC YEAR An academic year for financial aid purposes is two trimesters. Annual loan and grant awards are paid in two trimesters. For example, a student who begins AIMC Berkeley in the Fall trimester receives eligibility for annual loan and grant maximums for the first and second trimesters, (first academic year). Eligibility is renewed for the third and fourth trimesters, (second academic year.) Students may potentially borrow for five two-trimester academic years while completing the program (on the 10-trimester schedule), or longer, depending on available aid. ​ DISBURSEMENT TIMING Your Federal Direct Loans will be disbursed in the Terms/Year you indicated in the AIMC Loan Request Form. Your loans may be disbursed around the 4th week after the Add/Drop period, provided attendance has been confirmed. Please budget accordingly. To calculate the amount of funds you will have available for books and living expenses, first determine your tuition charge based on your unit load. Please contact our Financial Aid office with any questions. We can be reached at FAofficer@aimc.edu or 951-232-6299.
  • Limits & Additional Borrowing
    The current limit of the Unsubsidized Loan is $20,500 for two trimesters at AIMC. If you wish to pursue additional borrowing with the federal credit based Graduate PLUS Loan, please complete the online application & required documentation at https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/grad/landing prior to requesting Grad PLUS Loans at AIMC. For details including eligibility, please visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/grad.
  • Can I specialize while I am in the program, or do I have to wait until I pursue a doctorate degree?
    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.
  • I don’t have a medical or science background. Is that a problem?
    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.
  • What aspects of East Asian Medicine will I learn? What treatment techniques will be covered?
    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.
  • What kind of academic and work background is best suited for this program?
    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.
  • Can I work while attending AIMC?
    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.
  • How much time will I need to spend in the classroom? How much homework can I expect?
    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.
  • Which of my classes will transfer?
    Not all programs have the same requirements. Part of this is due to states varying in requirements for licensure, but part is due to freedom among schools to make programs their own. Some schools may have a robust requirement for mind body curriculum, such as taiji and qigong. Other schools may require more in biomedicine, such as schools who are accredited for the California Acupuncture Board (CAB). Every student is unique, and we will do our best to make sure that your transfer process is conducive to the best possible educational experience and set you up for success for your board exams and life after acupuncture school.
  • What are some other important transfer credit policies?
    Students may only transfer up to 50% of the credits for the program to which they are applying. (In the case of school closure, there may be a waiver in place to allow more.) For students who took a course with less contact hours than the required course for AIMC, they will be eligible for a contest exam if the hours completed are at least 50% of the requirement for the individual course. Decisions can only be finalized based on formal transcripts.
  • What happens when you have less hours in a particular subject area than what is required by AIMC?
    If you have at least 50% of the total hours required for that area, you will be eligible for a contest exam. If you have less than 50%, you will be required to take courses to make up the difference. What happens if you have more credits than you need in a particular subject area? Sometimes courses serve two different purposes, and they may be able to count somewhere else. However, once a program requirement is met, it is met. There is no way to count credits toward a different area of study with different learning outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 and discover practices to support your health and wellbeing. Check out the courses included below!

Whether you pursue care, connection or education, integrative health is for everyone.

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