Foundations of Veterinary Acupuncture

Course Description

This course is the first of two modules for the Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist (CVAT) certification.

This hybrid course consists of watching pre-course videos that build the foundational knowledge of veterinary acupuncture from the neuroanatomical and traditional perspectives. Followed by a four (4) day, in-person, hands-on learning session with various canine patients to learn from.

Foundations of Veterinary Acupuncture will teach the anatomy of the major points, including neurological, musculoskeletal, fascial, and lymphatic structures associated with each. Comprehensive patient evaluation will be discussed and practiced in depth, including orthopedic, neurological, and myofascial examination. Needling techniques and electrical stimulation learning will allow therapists to immediately start treating patients and build their skill base as they progress to Module 2.

Students will feel confident in their assessment and know how to build a successful and efficacious treatment plan for their patients.

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Course Eligibility:

Licensed veterinarians

Students (veterinary):

• Completed the first year of their professional program

Licensed veterinarians who completed acupuncture certification at a different institute:

• Not required to attend the in-person days of Module 1
• Required to watch the pre-course material from Module 1 if you wish to take Practical Applications of Veterinary Acupuncture (Module 2)
  • This helps lay the foundation of neuroanatomy-based acupuncture
  • Email us at [email protected] if interested

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Course Curriculum:

This course provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to veterinary acupuncture, combining neurophysiological and traditional concepts with practical clinical skills.

• Foundations of Neurophysiological & Traditional Acupuncture
  Gain an understanding of neuro-physiologically based acupuncture and an introduction to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Acupuncture. Learn how acupuncture influences pain modulation and neurological function.
• Acupuncture Point Location & Application
  Practice finding regionally applied points and point location on live dogs. Learn to formulate local, segmental, and distal point combinations for various clinical goals.
• Anatomy & Palpation Skills
  Review soft tissue and bony anatomy and develop your ability to palpate different tissue types, including muscle, fascia, and joints, with emphasis on feel and function
• Myofascial Function & Dysfunction
  Explore the role of myofascial tissues in health and dysfunction. Learn how to evaluate and treat myofascial conditions using acupuncture techniques.
• Comprehensive Patient Evaluation
  Develop your examination skills across orthopedic, neurologic, and myofascial systems to guide accurate acupuncture treatment planning.
• Electroacupuncture & Treatment Planning
  Learn how to incorporate electrical stimulation into acupuncture treatments. Create individualized treatment plans based on your clinical findings and goals.
• Clinical Integration & Practice Success
  Gain practical tips for integrating acupuncture into your current practice or launching a new service. Build confidence in patient handling and delivering successful, stress-free appointments.

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Course Instructors:

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Course Information:

Online Pre-Course: Approximately 18+ hours online via Thinkific (Student will gain access 60 days before course)

In-Person: 4 days at CRI in Springfield, MO

In-Person Daily Hours:

• Days 1-3: 8:00am-6:00pm Central Time, USA
• Day 4: 8:00am-3:00pm Central Time, USA
• The last day of class ends early to allow students the opportunity to return home that evening. Do not make airline reservations that require you to depart class before 3:00 P.M.

Examination: No examination with Module 1

RACE Pending: 51+ credit hours by the AAVSB

• All videos must be viewed to receive full CE credit for this course portion.

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Course Price and Location:

Course Fee: $3,950 - Springfield, Missouri

• A 50% non-fundable deposit is required to secure your seat
• The remaining 50% is due 90 days prior to the course start date
• Payment plans are available upon request. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

Course Location: 2137 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield, MO 65809 USA

Travel Information: Click here to learn more about traveling to Springfield, MO.

Please Note: We recommend that students register for all their core certification courses as soon as they know their schedules. Courses must be taken in a specified order. You do not have to complete Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation before registering for your other certification modules.

For more information, please see our CVAT page.

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2025 Class Dates:

September 25-28, 2025

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