Small Animal Acupuncture is a 150-hour continuing education program approved by American Association of Veterinary State Boards Registry of Approved Continuing Education (AAVSB RACE) that certifies students in veterinary acupuncture with an emphasis on small animals. The program begins with an overview of fundamental aspects of Chinese Medicine, including Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory, which serve as a foundation for case diagnoses and treatment presented later in the class. A variety of acupuncture techniques are taught, including electro-acupuncture and moxibustion, in addition to conventional "dry" needling. Students will learn acupuncture points on small animals only, and primarily dogs are used for practice in the wet labs.
The program is presented in five sessions (three online and two on-site) over a period of six months. Online sessions are composed of lectures that students can stream at their own convenience. Afternoon wet-labs of on-site sessions give students the opportunity to learn acupuncture points on live animals in small lab groups of five to six students per instructor. A spring class and a fall class are held each year. Small Animal Acupuncture is offered to licensed veterinarians and veterinary school students only.