If you are considering a career in the healing arts, becoming an acupuncturist may be the perfect fit for you. Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice rooted in Chinese medical principles and is a popular, cost-effective form of complementary and alternative medicine. Acupuncture is often used to treat a wide range of both chronic and acute conditions and can offer an effective solution to many health concerns. Becoming an acupuncturist requires dedication and commitment to the field, but the rewards can be great. In this blog post, we will explore the knowledge and qualifications you need to become an acupuncturist, explore the requirements for certification and licensure, and discuss the cost of launching your own practice. With the right resources, you will be able to make an informed decision to pursue acupuncture as a career path that could be financially and personally rewarding.
What does an acupuncturist do?
An acupuncturist closely collaborates with patients to comprehend their symptoms and identify any illnesses, injuries, or other conditions they may be experiencing. The acupuncturist then creates an acupuncture regimen based on the needs, preferences, and medical background of the patient. and acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupuncture acupunctur To ensure they take the necessary precautions to keep patients safe and comfortable, they meticulously gather and review patients’ medical histories.
Common job duties of an acupuncturist include:
What is an acupuncturist?
Acupuncturists are medical professionals who use acupuncture needles to treat patients’ various physical and psychological conditions. Acupuncture is a holistic medical procedure that is based on traditional Chinese medicine. An acupuncturist places sterile, tiny needles in the body’s skin at specific locations. This procedure lessens or eliminates pain in a few patient body parts. Acupuncture is another treatment option for some patients to reduce stress or tension.
How long does it take to become an acupuncturist?
You must complete the necessary education requirements to become an acupuncturist, which can vary depending on the type of program you choose. Prior to earning your master’s degree, you must first complete your bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years. The program you choose will determine how long it takes for you to graduate. A three-year Master of Acupuncture program, a four-year Master of Oriental Medicine program, or a four-year Master of Acupuncture program are typically your options.
After completing your master’s degree and two more years of school, you can earn a doctor of acupuncture degree if you’d like to continue your education and receive more advanced training. Without a doctorate, becoming an acupuncturist should take about seven to eight years. Approximately nine to ten years are required to become an acupuncture doctor.
How you can become an acupuncturist
Acupuncturists need to possess a wide range of abilities in order to provide patients with cutting-edge treatments. Follow these steps to become an acupuncturist:
1. Earn your bachelors degree
You must first complete your bachelor’s degree in a related field in order to enroll in an accredited acupuncturist program. Some acupuncture schools demand that you finish at least two years of coursework toward a bachelor’s degree. Many programs demand that you obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field that is relevant.
Generally speaking, you can earn a degree in any subject, but if you want to learn more about medicine and the human body for your masters program, a degree in biology or anatomy can help.
2. Enroll in an accredited program
You can apply to a program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine once you have completed your undergraduate studies. This course provides a thorough examination of acupuncture and other therapeutic modalities for treating a range of ailments, injuries, and serious medical conditions.
This program offers classes in diagnosis and treatment methods, biomedical clinical sciences, oriental herbal studies, and integrated acupuncture and herbal clinical training. You can pursue your license to legally practice medicine in your state and receive your master’s degree after successfully completing the program.
3. Receive your license
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine issues licenses that must be obtained in order to legally practice in many states. Find out if you need a license to legally practice in your state by researching the requirements there. Employers may include this certification as a requirement in their job description even if your state doesn’t require one.
You must complete your master’s degree in an accredited program in order to become certified. After that, you must enroll in a course on clean needle technique, which instructs you on how to prepare and use needles for a variety of acupuncture treatments. After that, you must pass a number of tests covering topics like acupuncture, biomedicine, and the principles of oriental medicine. When you pass this exam and fulfill the other requirements, your state will grant you a license to practice acupuncture.
4. Gain on-the-job experience
You can work in an acupuncture medical practice once you have a license to practice in your state. To learn about common techniques to use and how an acupuncture clinic runs, you typically begin by shadowing other acupuncturists. From there, you can start learning new abilities to carry out the job more skillfully and perform acupuncture treatments by yourself.
5. Pursue additional education
You can pursue your Doctor of Acupuncture degree if you’d like to perform more difficult acupuncture tasks. After your master’s degree program, this typically requires two more years to complete. Some advanced practices call for candidates to have a doctorate degree.
It is advantageous to obtain this degree even if the position you are applying for doesn’t require it because it will help you stand out from other applicants on your resume. This degree is also a great idea if you want to start your own business or do advanced research on novel herbal practices or methods.
How to Become an Acupuncturist | step-by-step guide
FAQ
Is becoming an acupuncturist worth it?
High interest—As the use of acupuncture increases, so does the demand for skilled practitioners. Acupuncturists who have obtained their licenses and are skilled will have many opportunities to advance in their careers after graduating from an accredited acupuncture school. Work-life balance—A career in acupuncture offers a high level of work-life balance.
Can I make money as an acupuncturist?
The median annual salary for acupuncturists in America is approximately $52,000, according to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM). However, a salary of over $100,000 is possible depending on factors like geography, specialization, reputation, and marketing.
Is Acupuncture hard to learn?
However, there is a lot to learn and comprehend when studying acupuncture and oriental medicine. No prior medical knowledge is necessary because this will be covered in the course.
