Admission Procedure

November 2025 – May 2026 Cohort (300-hour course) &

November 2025 – March 2026 Cohort (220-hour course):

Admissions Qualifications

Participation in the Medical Acupuncture for Physicians course is open to physicians (MDs and DOs) licensed to practice in their state or province of work.

DDS/DMDs may apply with verification that acupuncture is included in the scope of practice of their state license.

Clinically experienced mid-level providers (NPs, PAs) may be considered as applicants with verification that acupuncture is included in the scope of practice of their state license; working in collaboration with physician acupuncturists is encouraged, and in some states required.

Steps To Enroll

 Acceptance into the HMI acupuncture training program is not automatic upon application. It is based upon professional training and current practice environment, intended use of this specialty, clinical medical experience, and timely receipt of the application and required documents.

Step 1: Complete the online application.

Step 2: Complete your application package by submitting all of the following:

  • Resume of formal training, including acupuncture background, if any
  • A thoughtful statement of plans regarding your interest and expected use of acupuncture
  • A copy of your current medical license (photo, PDF, screenshot) – must show expiration date

Please do not send links to online documents. PDFs are preferred.

A letter of recommendation from a course graduate is welcomed but not required.

Step 3: Complete your tuition payment.

  • While tuition is not required to be paid at the time of your initial application, your enrollment is not finalized until HMI has received your tuition payment.

Step 4: Sign-off on three enrollment documents (HMI Policies, Video Use Agreement, Acupuncture Consent Form). These will be sent to you by HMI staff upon receiving your complete application package (Steps 1 & 2).

The HMI program typically fills to capacity with every cohort. Until your enrollment is completed and tuition is paid, your spot can be filled by another applicant. We strongly recommend finalizing your enrollment early to ensure a spot in the class.

Note for current residents/fellows: Residents and fellows should have their program director/advisor complete the Applicant Endorsement document. Please reach out to HMI to receive a copy of this document.  Resident and fellows must serve full-time in this capacity through the conclusion of the course AND pay tuition out-of-pocket in order to be eligible for discounted tuition. If a clinic, hospital, or other organization is paying for the course, the full amount of tuition will be charged.

Deadlines

Course enrollment is filled on a rolling basis. Please apply early in order to receive the preparatory reading and video material well in advance of the first module. Each course will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first-served basis.

Early Bird rates are available through August 12, 2025.

Course tuition increases six weeks before the start of the course (September 23, 2025).

Payment Methods

  • ​Credit card payments can be made by calling 510-649-8488 OR online at mkt.com/hmi.
  • A link for ACH payments (e-checks) will be provided after the initial application is received.
  • Physical checks can be mailed; please contact HMI for the correct address.

If requested, payment plans are available. Contact HMI for more details.

Refunds

Helms Medical Institute reserves the right to cancel the course or any of its clinical units, and to change the dates or venue of the units. If you are not accepted into the course, a full refund of the tuition is given. A full refund can be given if the course is canceled, discontinued, or rescheduled prior to commencement. If a course unit is canceled or rescheduled, you must be available to attend an alternate unit. A minimum service charge of $500 is withheld from all other refunds. Requests for refund must be in writing and postmarked by September 23, 2025, after which time tuition is not refundable.

Accommodations

The primary course modules of the Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 class will be held at:

  • Module 1: Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Arizona (just outside of Phoenix)
    • $239 per night + tax + $15 resort fee
  • Modules 2 and 3: Bolger Conference Center in Potomac, Maryland (just outside of Washington D.C.)
    • $189-$209 per night + tax

Applicants are requested to lodge at this hotel where a group rate for guest rooms has been arranged. A conference fee of $89 per day is required of participants who choose to stay elsewhere, make reservations outside of the HMI block, or room with another course participant.

Travel and lodging costs are not included in course tuition. Details of the accommodations are provided upon acceptance.