Acupuncture is a crucial component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a medical tradition that dates back thousands of years in the East and has recently gained popularity in many Western countries. Hair-thin needles are inserted into the patient along major meridians and power points during an acupuncture treatment to stimulate the body, release blocked energy, and relieve tension and stress. Many people seek out acupuncture treatments from a licensed acupuncturist in their area. The path to becoming a licensed acupuncturist is long and winding, but it’s well worth it; expect to spend at least two years in training before you can start treating patients as a licensed acupuncturist.
Acupuncture is rarely taught as a stand-alone course. It’s usually part of a TCM program, or a holistic health program offered by a school that specializes in complementary and alternative medicine. Taking TCM coursework while studying to become a licensed acupuncturist is advantageous because you will gain a better understanding of the underlying concepts of acupuncture and will be able to provide herbal treatments, massage, and other TCM treatments in addition to acupuncture.
The first step in becoming a licensed acupuncturist is to learn about the different licensing requirements in your area. Some regions require completion of a three-year program followed by an examination, while others require hourly training. In most areas, sharps handling, dealing with bloodborne pathogens, and medical ethics training are also required. Investigate schools once you’ve determined the requirements for licensure. Attend one that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), which inspects schools on a regular basis. ACAOM certified schools can provide students with federal financial aid as well as higher program quality, and they are well worth the investment.
The majority of TCM schools require students to have a bachelor’s degree, which can be in any field. Before beginning your TCM training, you should have completed 90 units of coursework from an accredited institution and be prepared to take basic anatomy, physiology, biology, psychology, and ethics courses. You can take examinations offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at the end of your program to become a licensed acupuncturist in your area.
You can open a practice once you’ve completed the regional requirements for becoming a licensed acupuncturist. Some acupuncturists work independently, while others work in a clinic with a large client base; in either case, you should plan on continuing your education so that you can constantly improve and refine your treatment. Your pay as a licensed acupuncturist will vary depending on the area where you practice and the services you provide, with urban areas generally paying more.