CCAHM Launches Strategic Plan to Elevate Professional Identity and Educational Excellence in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Centennial, CO – December 22, 2025
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) has adopted its 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, as member institutions align to implement a shared vision for the future of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (AHM) education. The plan advances the educational excellence already established at accredited member institutions and creates new opportunities for internal and external collaboration to amplify the profession's voice in modern healthcare.
The three-year plan outlines nine strategic initiatives built around two core pillars: Promote & Unify the Profession and Strengthen & Equip the Practitioners. Initial work will focus on four key priorities to benefit the member schools and the profession: enhancing the field's public identity, advancing competency-based education, creating a collaborative consortium model for certain educational topics, and elevating the role of legislative and regulatory engagement.
"This plan is about harnessing the collective expertise of our member schools," said Thomas Kouo, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl.OM, President of CCAHM. "Our colleges are already doing outstanding work. This gives us a way to align our efforts, amplify our voice, and support each other even more effectively as we navigate the evolving landscapes of higher education and healthcare. The 2026–2028 Strategic Plan builds on the strong foundation CCAHM and its member institutions have established."
CCAHM developed the plan in stages, with the final development taking place during and between the 2025 Spring and Fall Conferences, incorporating input from the member institutions, Executive Committee, Standing Committees, along with consideration of CCAHM’s strategic partners.
The plan also identifies four foundational elements to support implementation: deepening member value and engagement, strengthening and protecting the Clean Needle Technique® (CNT®) program, improving technology infrastructure, and ongoing commitment to the AHM Coalition. The AHM coalition is a collaboration of national organizations in education, certification, accreditation, advocacy, and industry.
"CCAHM and its member schools are deeply committed to educational excellence," said Kristin Richeimer, CAE, Executive Director of CCAHM. "This plan reflects the strength and collaboration our colleges bring to AHM education. By coordinating around shared initiatives, we can support one another and enhance the field's reputation and recognition."
While implementation has already begun on many initiatives contained within the plan, the majority of work begins in January 2026, with progress tracked through milestones, member engagement, and annual reviews of the plan. Faculty and administrators at CCAHM Member institutions are encouraged to continue to provide feedback and to volunteer to contribute to the identified strategic priorities.
View more details about the CCAHM Strategic Plan
About CCAHM
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) represents accredited colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine across the United States, working to advance educational standards and support professional development in the field. CCAHM develops and administers the Clean Needle Technique® (CNT®) course, exam, and manual, which set the national standard for safe needle practices and are required for student licensure and professional certification.
Website: https://www.ccahm.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kristin Richeimer, CAE
Executive Director, CCAHM
kricheimer@ccahm.org