The Chi Institute of Veterinary Acupuncture

What The Chi Institute of Veterinary Acupuncture does

Chi University (formerly The Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) is a private higher education institution founded in 1998 by Dr. Huisheng Xie and headquartered in Reddick, Florida. The institution trains licensed veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary technicians, faculty/residents, and international veterinarians in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and integrative veterinary medicine. Its portfolio includes graduate degree programs (MS-TCVM, MSIVM-Canine, MSIVM-Equine, DIVM), RACE-approved certification tracks (CVA, CVCH, CVTP, CVFT, CCRV, CVMMP, CERPV, CVBMA, CMMTV, plus technician-level variants), and a deep catalog of continuing education courses spanning acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, Tui-na, medical manipulation, rehabilitation, oncology, pain management, neurology, ophthalmology, and ultrasound.

The educational platform is built on a hybrid delivery architecture: a CYPHER Learning LMS-based online portal for streaming lectures, assessments, and case consultations, combined with mandatory on-site wet labs at the main Florida campus, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Chi Canada (Essex, Ontario), and partner institutions in China, Taiwan, and South Korea. The proprietary TCVM curriculum, developed by Dr. Xie over 40+ years and codified in 26+ textbooks, is supplemented by a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio, free lifetime faculty case consultations for alumni, and a Chi Vet Finder directory that channels referrals back to graduates.

Chi University monetizes through per-credit-hour graduate tuition at $385/credit hour plus lab fees, one-time CE course fees ranging from $400 to $3,245, optional certification fees of $150–$350, and certification-track program tuition of up to $7,890. Go-to-market is event-driven via rolling open enrollment for CE courses and structured admissions for graduate programs, augmented by a community-led motion through an alumni network of 9,000+ trained veterinarians. The institution is privately held, founder-led, and operates without disclosed institutional or venture funding.

Name

The Chi Institute of Veterinary Acupuncture

Legal name

Chi University

Website

https://tcvm.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Chi University is a private veterinary education institution, founded in 1998 in Reddick, Florida, that trains veterinarians worldwide in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and integrative veterinary medicine through graduate degrees, RACE-approved certifications, and continuing education across 32 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veterinary Continuing Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Veterinary Services (54194), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterinary Medicine Universities (EDAHAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Healthcare & Clinical Professional Development (CME/CE) (EDAGANAJ), Online Healthcare & Nursing Universities (Allied Health, RN-to-BSN, etc.) (EDAHALAF)

Keywords

• Veterinary continuing education
• Veterinary acupuncture training
• TCVM certification programs
• Integrative veterinary medicine
• Graduate veterinary degrees

Headquarters

HQ city

Reddick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Graduate Program Tuition: Graduate degree programs (MS-TCVM, MSIVM, DIVM) charged at $385 per credit hour plus lab fees. Programs require multiple semesters of study with tuition due before each session.
2. Continuing Education Course Fees: Individual CE courses ranging from $400 to $3,245 with non-refundable deposits ($100-$500) required upon enrollment. Courses are priced as one-time purchases with varying credit hour values (13-131 CE hours).
3. Certification Fees: Optional TCVM certifications available: CVA ($350), CVCH ($250), CVTP ($150), CVFT ($150), CTPEP ($150), CCRV ($350), CVMMP ($350), CERPV ($350). Exam retakes cost $100-$150.
4. Course Extensions: Online course access extensions available for purchase: 1-month ($75), 2-month ($120), 3-month ($150). Limited to courses ended within previous 12 months.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Chi University is a private higher education institution that trains veterinarians in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and integrative veterinary medicine through graduate degree programs (MS-TCVM, MSIVM, DIVM), RACE-approved continuing education courses, and professional certification tracks (CVA, CVCH, CVFT, CVTP, CVMMP, CCRV, CERPV). Programs are delivered via a hybrid model combining online distance learning through a CYPHER Learning LMS with mandatory on-site wet labs at the main Reddick, Florida campus and partner sites in 32 countries. The institution has trained over 9,000 veterinarians and awarded 5,000+ certifications since 1998.

Product overview

Chi University (The Chi Institute of Veterinary Acupuncture) is a veterinary education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of continuing education courses and graduate degree programs in integrative veterinary medicine. The core offerings include TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) programs covering acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui-na, as well as IVM (Integrative Veterinary Medicine) programs covering medical manipulation and rehabilitation. The institution provides multiple certification tracks including CVA (Acupuncture), CVCH (Herbal Medicine), CVFT (Food Therapy), CVTP (Tui-na), CCRV (Canine Rehabilitation), CVMMP (Medical Manipulation), and specialty certifications. Programs are delivered through online distance learning, hybrid on-site/online formats, and international locations across 32 countries. The institution also offers graduate degree programs (MS-TCVM, MSIVM-Canine, MSIVM-Equine, DIVM), maintains a Chi Bookstore for supplies, operates a Vet Finder directory for alumni, and provides scholarship programs for veterinary students and faculty.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TCVM Continuing Education Program Comprehensive RACE-approved continuing education program covering Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine modalities (acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, Tui-na) for licensed veterinary professionals seeking CE hours and clinical competency in TCVM.
• Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM) Continuing Education Program RACE-approved continuing education focused on musculoskeletal therapies including medical manipulation and rehabilitation to help veterinary practitioners align patients' systems back into balance using integrative approaches.
• Graduate Degree Programs (MS-TCVM, MSIVM, DIVM) Master's degree programs in integrative veterinary medicine including MS-TCVM, MSIVM-Canine, MSIVM-Equine, and DIVM, offered at $385 per credit hour plus applicable lab fees across multiple semesters of study.
• Canine Rehabilitation Certification (CCRV) Intensive 126-hour RACE-accredited certification program ($7,890 total) teaching veterinarians to diagnose and implement comprehensive rehabilitation plans for canine patients, including 4 modules over 7 months with online and on-site components at Reddick, FL or partner locations.
• Veterinary Acupuncture Certification (CVA) Certification program ($350 exam fee) for licensed veterinarians in veterinary acupuncture techniques and point location; foundational TCVM credential.
• TCVM Herbal Medicine Certification (CVCH) Certification program ($250 exam fee) in TCVM herbal medicine for veterinary practitioners, covering Chinese herbal formulations and clinical applications.
• Food Therapy Certification (CVFT) Certification ($150 exam fee) in TCVM food therapy techniques for veterinary practitioners, covering dietary prescriptions and nutritional medicine.
• Tui-na Certification (CVTP) Certification program ($150 exam fee) in TCVM Tui-na massage therapy techniques for veterinary practitioners.
• Medical Manipulation Certification (CVMMP) Certification program ($350 exam fee) in veterinary medical manipulation techniques, including chiropractic-style modalities.
• Equine Rehabilitation and Performance Medicine Certification (CERPV) Certification program ($350 exam fee) for equine rehabilitation and performance veterinary medicine, addressing sports medicine and rehabilitation for equine patients.
• TCVM Palliative and End-of-Life Care Certification (CTPEP) Certification ($150 exam fee) in TCVM palliative and end-of-life care for veterinary practitioners, addressing hospice and quality-of-life modalities.
• Balance Method Acupuncture Certification (CVBMA) Advanced acupuncture certification focusing on Balance Method techniques for veterinary practitioners.
• Myofascial and Manual Therapy Certification (CMMTV) Certification program for veterinarians in myofascial and manual therapy techniques within integrative veterinary medicine.
• Canine Acupuncture Deep Dive 14 RACE-approved CE hour online course ($895) providing in-depth review and analysis of 127 transpositional and 28 classical canine acupuncture points and their indications.
• Canine Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and US-Guided Injections Bootcamp Immersive 2.5-day hybrid bootcamp ($3,245; 24 RACE-approved CE hours) building expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound for accurate diagnosis and ultrasound-guided interventional procedures in canine patients.
• Integrative Approach to Veterinary Oncology Specialty course ($950; 22.5 RACE-approved CE hours) teaching evidence-informed approach to integrative veterinary oncology combining conventional and TCVM methods.
• Integrative Pain Management Specialty course (Small Animal $1,045 / Equine $795; up to 33 RACE-approved CE hours) covering contemporary concepts of veterinary pain management including neurobiology, neuropharmacology, and integrative treatment modalities.
• Advanced TCVM Approach to Neurological Disorders Specialty course ($1,285 for both Small Animal and Equine tracks; up to 28 RACE-approved CE hours) covering TCVM pattern diagnosis and treatment for neurological conditions in small animals and horses.
• Integrative Feline Medicine Specialty course utilizing the 5 branches of TCVM in the clinical approach to common feline disease issues including cardiomyopathy, asthma, behavioral issues, and renal disease.
• Integrative Approach to Behavioral Issues Specialty course ($675; 15 RACE-approved CE hours) on TCVM approach to behavioral disorders in dogs, cats, and birds integrated with science-based behavior analysis.
• Integrative Approach to Emergencies Specialty course ($1,100; 30 RACE-approved CE hours) covering Western and TCVM approaches to common emergency medical conditions in various animal species.
• TCVM for Veterinary Technicians Technician course ($775; 27 RACE-approved CE hours) teaching veterinary technicians to support and promote TCVM services including food therapy and Tui-na techniques; requires letter of recommendation from a TCVM veterinarian.
• Overview on Integrative Veterinary Medicine Foundational introductory course ($400) covering fundamental principles and indications of integrative veterinary medical modalities including acupuncture, botanical medicine, and rehabilitation.
• Advanced Integrative Approach to Small Animal Neurology Specialty course (20 RACE-approved CE hours) covering integrative diagnosis and treatment of small animal neurologic disorders combining conventional and TCVM approaches.
• Integrative Approach to Chronic Eye Disorders in Small Animals Specialty course (up to 40 RACE-approved CE hours; 25 conventional, 15 TCVM) covering integrative veterinary ophthalmology for small animals including uveitis, ulcers, corneal disease, glaucoma, and cataracts.
• Integrative Approach to Chronic Eye Disorders in Equine Specialty course (up to 32 RACE-approved CE hours; 22 conventional, 10 TCVM) covering integrative veterinary ophthalmology for horses.
• Optional Onsite Acupoint Review Hands-on in-person review session ($1,500) for current and previous CVA students to practice locating acupuncture points on live animals with instructor guidance at Chi Main Campus, Reddick, FL.
• Canine Rehab Technician Certification (CCRVT) Certification for veterinary technicians in canine rehabilitation, supporting rehabilitation services in veterinary practice.
• Canine Tui-na Technician Certification (CCTVT) Certification for veterinary technicians in canine Tui-na therapy techniques.
• Food Therapy Technician Certification (CFTVT) Certification for veterinary technicians in TCVM food therapy techniques.
• Companion Animal Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Vet Techs Certification (CCAPEVT) Certification for veterinary technicians in companion animal palliative and end-of-life care.
• Chi Animal Hospital Veterinary clinical service providing integrative veterinary medicine services to animal patients; serves as the teaching hospital for Chi University's hands-on training.
• Chi Vet Finder Directory Directory service connecting pet owners with integrative veterinarians who have completed Chi University's curriculum.
• Chi Bookstore Online storefront selling textbooks for Chi University classes and acupuncture supplies including needles for veterinary practitioners.
• Chi Global - International CE Courses On-site continuing education courses offered across 32 countries and regions on 6 continents, extending Chi University's TCVM and IVM training to international veterinary professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5000+ certifications awarded to veterinary professionals
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UC Davis School of Veterinary MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine serves as a partner location for Canine Rehabilitation Certification Track sessions. The institution hosts hands-on training components for Chi University's CCRV program, allowing students to complete practical requirements at the California campus.
• Chi Canada - Essex, OntariocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChi Canada, directed by Dr. Janice Huntingford, offers Chi University's Veterinary Acupuncture and Canine Rehabilitation Certificate programs in Essex, Ontario, Canada. This partnership extends Chi's reach into the Canadian market.
• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChi University partners with AHVMA to provide resources to holistic veterinarians. The partnership includes membership form distribution and professional networking opportunities for alumni.
• World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (WATCVM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChi University partners with WATCVM to provide members access to the latest TCVM research and support the mission to advance TCVM globally.
• International Partner Institutions (China, Taiwan, South Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChi University partners with veterinary institutions in China, Taiwan, and South Korea to offer Canine Rehabilitation Certification Track sessions, extending the program to Asian markets.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Vetstream: Vetstream provides digital reference content and continuing education for the veterinary profession, including species-specific clinical resources. It is comparable to Chi as a digital CE/reference provider for veterinarians, though it does not offer hands-on wet labs or formal certifications.
• Improve International: Improve International is a veterinary postgraduate training provider offering modular certificate programs across Europe and beyond. It overlaps with Chi's graduate certificate positioning and targets a similar audience of practicing vets seeking accredited post-nominal credentials.

Broad incumbents

• Viticus Group (formerly WVC - Western Veterinary Conference): Viticus Group runs the long-running Western Veterinary Conference and provides in-person and online CE to practicing veterinarians. It competes in the same RACE-approved CE market as Chi, particularly for high-end specialty course hours, but does not specialize in TCVM or integrative medicine.
• North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) / VetFolio: NAVC is a large, established veterinary continuing education provider operating VMX (one of the largest US vet conferences) and VetFolio, an online CE platform. It competes for the same RACE-approved CE hours that veterinarians need for license renewal, though it is a broad incumbent rather than a TCVM specialist.
• Veterinary Information Network (VIN): VIN is a subscription-based online community and CE platform serving veterinarians with courses, case discussions, and reference materials. It competes with Chi for online CE share among licensed veterinarians, though its delivery is digital-only and lacks the wet-lab and hands-on rehabilitation components that define Chi.

Others

• World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (WATCVM): WATCVM is the international professional association advancing TCVM practice and research. Like AHVMA, WATCVM is a Chi partner that channels research and membership referrals to Chi's programs, functioning as a category-defining ecosystem participant rather than a commercial education competitor.
• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA): AHVMA is the leading US professional association for holistic and integrative veterinarians. Chi is a partner of AHVMA, and AHVMA membership and referrals directly feed Chi's enrollment pipeline, making it an ecosystem enabler rather than a direct competitor.

Direct peers

• International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS): IVAS is the most direct peer to Chi, offering veterinary acupuncture certification and continuing education globally. Both organizations compete for the same veterinarian audience seeking acupuncture credentials and represent the two principal pathways to certified veterinary acupuncturist status in North America.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-chi-institute-of-veterinary-acupuncture

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Chi Institute of Veterinary Acupuncture