Acupuncturists use traditional Chinese medicines to treat ailments. They insert tiny needles into the patient's body or vessels to relieve tension, release energy, and stimulate the body. Acupuncturists can help patients who experience symptoms such as arthritis, headaches, asthma, lethargy, stress, wrist pain, missed periods, or cravings for something. Each country has different requirements to get a license to become an acupuncturist, but the general requirements are a bachelor's degree, pass an acupuncture course, and have a special certificate. If you want to become an acupuncturist, follow the steps below.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Meeting the Requirements
Step 1. Make sure you have the skills to become an acupuncturist
This demanding job is not for everyone. If you want to become an acupuncturist, there are several personal qualities and good communication skills for you to be successful. If you would like to know what it takes to become an acupuncturist, please see if you have the required qualities:
- Good hand and eye coordination
- Calm hands
- Good communication skills
- Love to work with people
Step 2. Meet the educational requirements
Many courses in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine require participants to have a bachelor's degree. A degree from any major can be used, but a degree from a major in physiology, anatomy, biology, and psychology can help aspiring acupuncturists have a successful career. A bachelor's degree from a major related to health care or alternative medicine can also be very helpful for a career as an acupuncturist.
- Even though having a bachelor's degree is recommended, there are some acupuncture courses that require students to graduate from two years of education as a baccalaureate, or its equivalent, such as a D3 in a major related to a medical profession such as nursing.
- Each country has different requirements, so take a look at the requirements in your country.
Step 3. The language spoken in your country
If you work in America, then you must be able to communicate in English to work as an acupuncturist. You don't have to sound like William Faulkner, but you do have to understand how to communicate with your patients.
In acupuncture, it is very important to know what to say to your patient and to understand when the patient is experiencing anxiety or discomfort
Step 4. Make sure the practice of acupuncture is legal in the state where you want to practice
This is because not all of them legalize acupuncture – currently, there are 8 states that prohibit acupuncture. Wherever you want to practice acupuncture, make sure you read the requirements in each country.
- For example, if you do have to live in Delaware, you'll know that acupuncturists have no legal protection other than being able to practice with a supervising physician. So, maybe this profession is not the best choice for you..
- No matter where you get your bachelor's or two-year college degree, if you have to go to an acupuncture school to get a license, then you should.
Part 2 of 3: Getting a License
Step 1. Find out the acupuncture licensing requirements in the state where you will practice
This is because there are differences in licensing requirements in each state. Some states require you to have a medical degree, and others only require you to undertake supervised training for a few hours. These terms will dictate your steps to becoming an acupuncturist in your state. Generally, however, you must enroll in an accredited acupuncture college.
If you are a doctor and want to open an acupuncture practice, come to the Acupuncture Medical Council of America. The board can review and explain the conditions for doctors who want to open acupuncture practice
Step 2. Graduate from an accredited acupuncture college
There are about 50 such colleges in the United States, which are certified in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (AOM), or commonly known as TCM. The lessons you will get are about acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lessons about the body. However, each college will place a different emphasis on each subject. Most colleges take 3-4 years to graduate, and you will earn a bachelor's degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine.
Make sure you enroll in a postgraduate college approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). This national certification commission for ACAOM requires your training program to be ACAOM accredited in order for you to be licensed. To view accredited colleges, visit the following ACAOM website
Step 3. Pass the National Commission Certification exam for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
This exam is required for licensure in many countries. If you pass this exam, you will be awarded a board certificate and you will be recognized as a Licensed Acupuncturist. This exam is considered a certification requirement for countries that legalize the practice of acupuncture and oriental medicine.
There are exceptions in California. If you wish to practice acupuncture in California, you must pass a specific board certification exam in that state and you must meet all requirements set by the state government
Part 3 of 3: Success in Your Career
Step 1. Find a job as an acupuncturist
Many novice acupuncturists work in experienced acupuncturists in order to gain good experience and build relationships. There are also many beginners who immediately open a private practice. Jobs as an acupuncturist are easier to find in metropolitan cities than in small towns. Be patient. Maybe you should intern first to gain more experience so you can be more sought after.
Step 2. Develop good relationships with your clients
It is not easy to make a living as an acupuncturist, and if you want to stay in this business, then you must remember that clients are everything to you. You have to be polite. Get to know them and remember what they told you on previous visits. You should be friendly and easy to contact, and make sure they are comfortable so they will come to your practice next time.
- After each visit, make sure your client immediately places an order for the next visit. This will keep them coming.
- Call your clients one day before their appointment. This will reduce the chances of them not coming and also show that you care about them.
- You can also ask for references from your clients. Ask them if they have any friends who might be interested in your practice. This is a great way to get additional clients.
Step 3. Continue your studies
If you want to be successful, you can't stop just by having a license to become an acupuncturist. Take evening classes in college or take a master's degree in a related major, such as: Acupuncture Practice Management, Marketing, or Principles of Business Success. Many practicing acupuncturists have the problem of focusing only on healing principles and techniques, and not thinking about how to do business. If you want to help your clients, then you must have the ability to keep your business going.
Attending an educational course can provide valuable experience, even if it is not business-related. Similar to the field of medicine, acupuncture treatment is also always evolving. Keep learning new strategies, developing your techniques, and constantly updating your skills
Step 4. Consider starting your own business
As you begin to experience and understand the business side of acupuncture and have a large number of clients, you should consider starting your own acupuncture business. With the knowledge you have, you can become an entrepreneur and can get your clients to come to your new practice. The more connections in the acupuncture field, the better.
