ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Acupuncturist

To be a successful Acupuncturist you should...

have strong yet sensitive hands; possess the ability to stand for long periods of time; have compassion and care for others; be dedicated to helping others achieve balance and health; have excellent communication skills; be respectful and non judgemental; be reassuring and confident.

What will my job be like?

Acupuncturists locate specific points on the body (meridians) and stimulate them with very fine needles. Acupuncture is one of the therapies that works with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat headaches, arthritis, anxiety disorders, substance addictions, and a variety of other health problems. A session with a client runs between a half-hour and an hour. After diagnosing the patient and discussing treatment, the practitioner then performs the acupuncture. At the end of the session, the acupuncturist may prescribe herbal therapies for the patient to use at home.

Where could I work?

Acupuncturists may work in naturopathic offices, health spas, and integrative health centers.

Average Annual Salary

$ 84,260 per year

What is the future of this career?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate for acupuncturists is 5%, or as fast as average.

Type of Education/Training

An acupuncturist must be either a medical doctor or a licensed acupuncturist to practice in most states. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) accredits schools of acupuncture. An acupuncturist can receive a Master of Science in Acupuncture.

Where could I get the education/training?

  • University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute

Licensing/Certification

Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Sixty semester hours approved post secondary education; approved acupuncture program; all portions of the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) written examination; Clean Needle Technique Course is administered by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM).

More Information

National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM)
1199 N Fairfax St suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314
https://www.ncbahm.org/