Acupuncturists have been around for thousands of years, with this type of career first originating in ancient China. Today, however, acupuncture is a modern form of Eastern medicine that’s particularly popular in big cities such as New York and LA.
If you’re interested in becoming an acupuncturist yourself, your first step will need to be to get a license in the craft.
Of course, there’s a bit more to it than just that. So, if you’re interested in learning how to become a acupuncturist, keep reading. This guide walks you through the four steps you need to take.
Step One: Get Your Degrees
The first step to becoming an acupuncturist is to get your degree. As of right now, most states and countries require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree. However, there are also some areas that require you to have a master’s or a doctorate degree.
Although some acupuncture programs don’t require you to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a specific field, it can certainly be helpful to have one. For example, you can get a bachelor’s degree in Eastern medicine or in naturopathy.
These types of degrees can help set you up for success in your career and can make learning how to perform acupuncture easier in the long run.
Step Two: Enroll in an Accredited Program
After you complete your university degree, it’s time to enroll in an acupuncture program. This usually takes two years, or a little more than two years, and should be in an institution that offers acupuncture certifications specifically.
Depending on your location, your program may also have to meet certain state or government requirements in order to be considered valid.
Regardless of where you are, you’ll want to make sure that the degree program you choose is Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) accredited. This commission ensures that the program you’re taking is reputable and will count when you go to find a job.
During your coursework, you’ll learn key techniques that will help you be an acupuncturist, including:
- Diagnosis
- Biomedical sciences
- Integrated acupuncture training
- Herbal studies
- Treatment techniques
Step Three: Gain on the Job Experience
Once you’ve completed your certification and have obtained your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, it’s time for you to get started with on-the-job experience. The easiest way to go about this is to look for an acupuncturist position at a local clinic.
You may also need to complete an internship before you’re able to practice. Internships give you a chance to shadow practiced clinicians to get a better idea of how the process works and how you can use your degree practically.
Step Four: Pursue Additional Education
Although you definitely need a bachelor’s degree and often a master’s degree as well, a doctorate is often optional. However, pursuing a doctorate degree in acupuncture or Eastern medicine can be a great choice if you want to deepen your understanding of the trade.
Besides getting a doctorate degree, you can also look into individual coursework and seminars. These types of continuing education programs help you stay up to date on current acupuncture practices and ensure you’re able to provide your patients with the best possible care.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an acupuncturist doesn’t have a ton of additional steps that you need to follow. However, it does require a lot of time and money. That’s because you’ll need a bachelor’s degree on top of your acupuncture certification. In many cases, you’ll also need a master’s degree, adding to the length of time it takes for you to complete your certification.
With all this in mind, becoming an acupuncturist can be a serious investment. However, it can also be highly rewarding if this is something you are passionate about.
Now that you know how to become a acupuncturist, it’s time to think seriously about whether this is the right career choice for you. Weigh your options, and choose a path that makes sense and helps you achieve your goals.