Acupuncture Jobs

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves the use of needles being applied to certain areas of the body called “acupuncture points”. Once applied to the required acupuncture points, blocked energy is restored, freeing the body’s entire energy field and rebalancing it. It is also used to relief pain by stimulating the muscles, nerves and connective tissue, which increases blood flow and the body’s natural painkillers.

Acupuncture: An Anatomical Approach

Practitioners of acupuncture examine patients and determine a diagnosis. This information is then used to determine where the acupuncture points to be treated are located for the insertion and manipulation of the Acupuncture Needles. They also may prescribe herbal remedies for patients and perform acupressure, which involves massaging certain acupuncture points. They will also teach patients about lifestyle changes that may be needed and advise them on aftercare. When considering an education in the field of acupuncture, individuals should have excellent communication skills and be understanding and sensitive to others.

Becoming a Certified Acupuncturist requires a high school education and completion of acupuncture courses offered at a college or acupuncture school. Many acupuncture schools require students to have a bachelor’s degree and complete a pre-admission interview. Acupuncture courses normally include science courses such as biology, anatomy, chemistry and physiology. The student of acupuncture will learn the philosophy and science of acupuncture to become a certified healer in this field.

Other acupuncture courses may include a complete study of herbal medicine as well as acupuncture training that includes needling techniques. These include warm needling, spooning, moxibustion as well as electrical stimulation. During the third year of schooling, the student will participate in clinical apprenticeship to learn practical applications using and applying the knowledge that has been acquired during acupuncture school. Depending on the degree, acupuncture training can take three to four years to complete. Some acupuncture schools offer Master Degrees in Acupuncture as well as Master of Science in Acupuncture. Others may offer Master of Oriental Medicine Degrees.

Acupuncture courses are offered at many schools during the evening hours as well as weekends to accommodate working adults. Average costs for a complete education is $45,000 for a four-year degree program. Upon completion of the acupuncture courses and training, students will need to sit for the National Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam, which offers the certification with successful exam scores. Licensed practicing acupuncturists are usually self-employed and can expect to earn between 30,000 to $50,000 per year.