Are you interested in a career as an acupuncturist? If so, you’ll want to read this blog post first. Here we will discuss everything you need to know about becoming an acupuncturist, including what an acupuncturist is and how they help people.
We’ll also cover the requirements for certification and education programs and the pros and cons of pursuing this career path. Finally, we’ll give you a snapshot of the time it typically takes to become an acupuncturist. So if acupuncture interests you, be sure to read on!
What is an acupuncturist?
Acupuncturists are medical professionals who use acupuncture to treat various health conditions. They must have a college degree in an acupuncture-related field, and many choose to earn a Master’s degree to gain even more specialization and knowledge. The average salary for an acupuncturist is $50,000 per year.
Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and is based on the principle that Qi (vital energy) flows through channels called meridians in the body. Acupuncture points along these meridians can be used to restore balance and improve disease symptoms. There are over 1,800 official Chinese acupuncture points located on 12 major pathways throughout the body.
How can an acupuncturist help you?
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that uses thin needles to stimulate specific points in the body to improve health. Acupuncturists can help with many health problems, including reducing pain, boosting energy levels, improving sleep habits, and treating depression.
A degree in acupuncturist education is required to be a successful acupuncturist. Unlike other healthcare professionals who typically need only postsecondary training or certification, an acupuncturist must have special training to perform acupuncture. This specialized training takes years and often includes classes on anatomy, physiology, Zhineng Qigong (the ancient art of self-healing), pharmacology, and clinical practice.
There are many different types of acupuncturist degrees available, so whether you’re interested in practicing traditional acupuncture or using more modern treatments such as electroacupuncture (electric stimulation) or ultrasound therapy, there’s likely an option that meets your educational needs and goals. If you want to become an acupuncture healer, start by researching which type of degree will best suit your career goals and then investigate various schools across the country.
What are the requirements to become an acupuncturist?
To become an acupuncturist, you may need a background in acupuncture and another health profession. You will also need to complete an undergraduate degree or higher in acupuncture and a graduate degree in acupuncture if you wish to pursue Board Certification.
There are many Board Certification options available for acupuncturists, including the National College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCAOM), the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAAAM), and the California School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (CS AMA). You must pass an examination covering theory and practice to be board certified.
Acupuncturists typically work with patients with headaches, back pain, stress relief, sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues, and more. According to Payscale, the average wage for acupuncturists was $49k in 2016. With so many requirements necessary for this career path—an undergraduate degree or higher in acupuncture is required along with a graduate degree if one wishes to pursue certification—it’s worth considering whether becoming an acupuncturist is right for you.
Benefits of becoming an acupuncturist
Becoming an acupuncturist is a lucrative career choice with many benefits. Here are five of the most important:
- Acupuncturists have a high earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2018, the median annual wage for acupuncturists was $68,590. This is much higher than the national average wage of $52,920 and significantly exceeds the earnings of other healthcare professionals like physicians and dentists.
- Acupuncturists have flexible working hours. They can work in various settings, including solo practice or partnership with another practitioner. This flexibility allows them to balance their work life with their personal life and family commitments without feeling rushed or stressed out about scheduling conflicts.
- Acupuncturists can work in a variety of countries. In addition to having access to many job opportunities within the United States, acupuncturists also have opportunities overseas due to their global nature.
- Acupuncture can be practiced anywhere with access to an electrical outlet and someone who speaks English.
- Traveling is another great benefit for those interested in becoming an acupuncturist because it gives you unique perspectives on how different types of acupuncture treatments impact different parts of the body from all over the world
Disadvantages of becoming an acupuncturist
If you’re interested in a career as an acupuncturist, it’s important to be aware of the disadvantages associated with this field. Here are five of the most common:
- Limited work hours. Acupuncturists typically work standard 9-to-5 business hours, which can be difficult if you want to balance your career with other commitments.
- Boredom and long days. Acupuncturists may feel bored or stretched thin due to their long days working on treatments.
- High-income potential but low work-life balance. Many acupuncturists enjoy high incomes because of the high demand for their services, but they often struggle to maintain a balanced life due to limited hours and little personal time.
- Low skillset required for the field. While there is ample opportunity for growth in this profession, many newcomers need more formal training and must learn on the job.
- Lack of autonomy. As an employee in this profession, you may need more control over your career path and experience.
How long does it take to become an acupuncturist?
Becoming an acupuncturist is a long and arduous process that takes many years to complete. Numerous accredited programs are available, but the minimum requirements for becoming an acupuncturist include a bachelor’s degree in acupuncture or another complementary health discipline. It can take several years to complete an accredited program, so choosing one that best suits your career goals and interests is important. There are numerous licensure and certification options available, so make sure you research each option carefully before making a decision.
Conclusion
We hope you found this blog post helpful in exploring the path to a successful career as an acupuncturist. While there are many requirements and responsibilities involved in this profession, it offers immense rewards for those willing to invest the time and resources into learning what is required. If you have any questions or want to discuss your career goals further, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
