Frequently Asked Questions

Veterinary students may take:

• Small Animal Level 1 after completing their first year of veterinary school
• Small Animal Level 2 after their second year
• Small Animal Level 3 after their third year

OR

• Equine Level 1 after completing their sophomore year
• Equine Level 2 after completing their junior year

Veterinary candidates will receive certification upon graduating and obtaining their veterinary license.

View the student information flyer.

Yes. The EBVA Small Animal Certification Course should be completed within four years.

What if I need more time to complete the course?

We understand that life can bring unexpected challenges. While we encourage students to follow the session schedule for continuity, we offer case-by-case extensions when needed.

Extensions beyond four years may incur additional fees.

Graduates from other acupuncture programs who wish to earn the EBVA Basic Certification (cEBVA) in either equine or small animal must complete all online coursework and attend at least one in-person session:

• Equine track: Attend Level Two
• Small Animal track: Attend Level Two or Level Three

To obtain the EBVA Basic Certification (cEBVA), graduates from other programs must:

1. Complete Level One online
2. Complete one additional Level online
3. Fully participate in either Level Two (Equine) or Level Three (Small Animal), including both online and in-person components

Certified acupuncture practitioners may also take online lectures beginning with Level One for CE credit without attending full sessions, unless pursuing certification.

Participants can enroll in online classes but to receive a certification, students must attend the in-person portion.

Our in person sessions are designed for small, highly interactive groups, ensuring a personalized learning experience. To maintain quality instruction, we limit class sizes to a maximum ratio of one instructor per 3 to 4 students. This allows for individualized guidance, hands-on practice, and in-depth discussions throughout the course.

See the complete list of in-person courses.

Yes! Small Animal Sessions are currently offered in Massachusetts and Colorado. Students may attend sessions at either location.  Future Sessions are planned for the Big Island of Hawaii.

Equine Sessions are currently scheduled in Massachusetts, with dates on the Big Island of Hawaii soon to be announced.

For small animal-only certification (cEBVAsa):

This is a 132-hour commitment that takes place over three levels. Each level has 20-24 hours of online content followed by a three-day in-person training. The online content will all be offered through Tufts University, but the in-person content can be completed in one of three locations: Tufts, Colorado or Hawaii.

• 132 total hours of education:
  • 20 hours of online material per session
  • 24 hours of in-person laboratory and evaluation per session
• Three case report presentations between sessions

See the Small Animal curriculum.

For equine-only certification (cEBVAeq):

This is an 90-hour commitment that takes place in two levels. Level One requires 20 hours online preparation and a three-day in person training (offered at Tuft's and Hawaii). Level Two requires a 24-28 hour online preparation and a two-day in person training. Level Two is only be offered at Tuft's.

• 90 total hours of education:
  • Level One:
    • 25 hours of online material
    • 24 hours of in-person laboratory and evaluation (3 days)
  • Level Two:
    • 25 hours of online material
    • 18 hours of in-person laboratory and evaluation (2 days)

Between in-person sessions, students must treat cases and submit three sets of case reports and presentations.

See the Equine curriculum.

EBVA's Cancellation Policy

We understand that schedules and commitments can change, and while we’re disappointed that you won’t be able to complete your Evidence-Based Veterinary Acupuncture (EBVA) Course at this time, we have the following policy in place to guide you through your options.

For Certification Courses:

• If you need to change your attendance date or location after registering, a $100.00 administration fee will apply.
• If you have not accessed the online learning portal and are unable to reschedule for a future class, a 15% administration fee will be deducted from your refund. The remaining balance will be refunded, and access to the online portal will be removed.
• If you have accessed the online learning portal, you will receive a $1,100.00 refund. Access to the online learning portal will remain available for the level purchased.

For Online Course-Only Registrations:

• If you have not accessed the online learning portal, a 15% administration fee will be deducted from your refund. The remaining balance will be refunded, and access to the portal will be removed.
• If you have accessed the online learning portal, no refunds will be issued.

We appreciate your understanding and hope to welcome you to a future course!

That’s fantastic—we love eager learners!

Graduates of EBVA are eligible for future elective courses in specialized areas, including:

• Exotic Animals
• Aviary Medicine
• Zoo Animal Acupuncture

Small Animal Graduates who choose to pursue the Acu-Equus Certification Course or Acu-Equus Graduates who wish to pursue the Small Animal Certification receive a 15% discount.

Participants must complete at least 100 hours of RACE-approved acupuncture continuing education every 10 years to maintain certification.

All graduates of certified acupuncture programs may access online lectures, beginning with Level One, for continuing education (CE) credits without attending full sessions unless they are pursuing formal certification.

Upon achieving certification, graduates will be eligible to participate in elective courses. Graduates choosing to enroll in their second species (Acu-Equus certification or EBVAsa) will receive a 15% discount. Upon completion of both courses graduates will be awarded the non-restricted (cEBVA).

If graduates from other programs wish to obtain the EBVA Basic Certification (cEBVA) in either equine or small animal, they will need to complete all online sessions, and attend one in-person session.