Acupuncture originated in China and has been used for thousands of years to treat certain medical conditions. Applying Asian medical traditions, acupuncture involves the use of sterilized needles that are inserted into specified acupuncture points. This process releases a hormone, which then creates a healing reaction in the body.
In modern society, acupuncture still holds an important position in the field of alternative medicine as more people recognize its potency to treat and relieve many different health problems. In fact, according to recent statistics, millions of Americans visit acupuncture centers. Because of the people’s high regard for acupuncture, it is supposed that this form of alternative medicine will continue to grow and improve, thus needing a lot of health workers. So if you desire to enter this holistic healing field, here are the things you should know about acupuncture careers.
- Job Description: If you want to be in the field of acupuncture, you must have a solid understanding of what acupuncture is all about. Acupuncture is anchored on the philosophy of balancing the life energy called Qi. Qi flows through pathways (meridian) in the body, and when it is unbalanced or is blocked in the pathways, body ailments result. Acupuncture treats these ailments by balancing Qi through needle insertion. Currently, acupuncture is used to address dermatological, neurological, psychological and orthopedic problems. It is also used as a pain management therapy and an auxiliary treatment for people undergoing diet management. Interestingly, acupuncture is not only for humans. Veterinarians are also receiving training in acupuncture to help their patients as well.
- Education: As is the case with any other health care professional, educational training is required for acupuncturists. In fact, 43 states mandate that aspiring acupuncture professionals undergo years of education in an acupuncture school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). School programs, which are normally master’s degree-level, last for three to four years. While entrance requirements vary, most acupuncture programs require at least an Associate’s degree is earned prior to admission to the program. A bachelor’s degree is becoming the standard for admission to the program. While not mandated, usually a degree in the sciences with a fair amount of anatomy and physiology is helpful.
The acupuncture coursework is focused on subjects like needle manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, pressure points and meridian pathways. It is possible to take an additional year of education to study Chinese herbology. This additional education will allow the practitioner to prescribe Chinese herb treatments in addition to the acupuncture for relief of symptoms. Clinical and practical trainings are part of the curriculum. Make sure you understand the practice requirements in your state to be sure you are getting the appropriate education to practice after graduation. This is a critical step, so do your home work prior to enrolling.
The nomenclature for titles after the degree is obtained is not standardized, so your title is dependant upon your state and degree program. Currently Licensed Acupuncturist is the most common title. Some states limit the title of Acupuncturist to physicians that have undergone acupuncture training in addition to graduating from medical school. Acupuncture assistant is the title granted to all other licensed acupuncture practitioners. - Certification: If you have graduated from an ACAOM accredited school, you will be eligible to take the certification exam of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). When you pass the exam, you will be entitled to use the Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.) title. National certification is required by most states in order to work acupuncture jobs. Those who also incorporated Chinese herbology in their education can take the certification exam that covers both herbology and acupuncture. That certification is the Diplomat of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. O.M.)
- Continuing Education: NCCAOM certification is only good for four years. To remain certified, you need to complete continuing education units. These are also necessary to keep yourself updated. Presently, there are many schools offering continuing education units. In fact, there are even online schools for this purpose, although the scope of learning acupuncture therapy in such schools may be limited due to the absence of physical interaction.
- Licensure: There are states in the country that require acupuncturists to secure a license before becoming legally qualified to practice. Requirements for becoming a licensed acupuncturist are state-specific, but all of them include a NCCAOM certification.
- Salary: According to reports, acupuncturists earn an annual income of $22,000 to $99,300. This huge range has to do with several issues. First, not all states require licensure and that can lead to a lower salary. Another issue has to do with how you run your practice. There is very little regulation beyond licensure, so most practices are not encumbered by the extra expense that Western medicine deals with. Certain areas of the country are more in tune with alternative medicine practices so it is easier to attract patients.
- Job Growth: It is difficult to find reliable figures on job growth potential in this field. Certain states are seeing a large demand for acupuncturists, while in other states growth is fairly level. You may need to relocate to find the optimal job. Overall, it looks like there is good job growth potential.
Acupuncture is an exciting career choice. You will get to set up your own practice and work with patients to offer them a complementary and alternative approach to healing. This fascinating field offers a new approach to one of the oldest medicines available to mankind.