How Do I Become An Acupuncturist?
by Willette Francis
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners treat patients' ailments through nontraditional medicine. With the right education and training in this field, open-minded thinkers who want to help and heal people can fulfill their dreams as a medical professional. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine workers combine science and natural healing techniques to ensure optimal health and well being.
How do I become an acupuncturist?
Educational requirements and training vary between colleges but those who practice acupuncture hold a bachelor's or associate degree. They may also complete the equivalent of 60 semester units from an accredited college of university for admission to an acupuncture/Oriental medicine program.
Most accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs require three years of study for acupuncture and four years for the combination of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Oriental medicine programs may include the study of Chinese herbology.
Nationwide, more than 50 colleges offer graduate training in acupuncture and Oriental medicine at the master's degree level and some schools offer training at the doctorate level. Once education and training are complete, graduates from accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools are eligible to take the national certification exam. This exam is offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Certification by this organization is a requirement for licensure in many states that license acupuncture and Oriental medicine professionals.
What will I learn in acupuncture school?
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs may consists of courses such as surface anatomy, fundamental theory of Oriental medicine, introduction to Chinese herbal medicine, introduction to physical arts, anatomy and physiology, chemistry for the health sciences, biochemistry, OM diagnostics methods, OM pattern ID, channels and points, Asian bodywork, neurology, pathophysiology, western nutrition, acupuncture techniques I, acupuncture points review, introduction to clinic, patient assessment, health psychology, and other numerous courses to prepare you for a career in acupuncture/Oriental medicine.
The herbology component acquaints students with a wealth of knowledge about herbs and their effect on the body. They also learn the code of ethics to practicing their craft similar to the code of ethics that medical professionals adhere to.
Doctorate programs can be 24 months, consisting of a series of modules. Students learn advanced didactic and clinical material. In between classes, students will complete homework assignments, clinical studies, elective courses, and research projects. Doctorate courses may include advanced acupuncture and Oriental medicine, biomedical perspectives, clinical internships, clinical theaters, clinical tutorials, clinical case presentations and analyses, clinical seminars, advanced acupuncture and Oriental medicine, biomedical perspective, clinical selectives, clinical collaboration, directed study, and professional development. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced clinical and specialty skills as well as the integration of biomedical knowledge, clinical research, and leadership.
Depending on what college you decide to attend, you may have the option of taking the program full-time or part-time.
How do I become an acupuncturist?
Educational requirements and training vary between colleges but those who practice acupuncture hold a bachelor's or associate degree. They may also complete the equivalent of 60 semester units from an accredited college of university for admission to an acupuncture/Oriental medicine program.
Most accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs require three years of study for acupuncture and four years for the combination of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Oriental medicine programs may include the study of Chinese herbology.
Nationwide, more than 50 colleges offer graduate training in acupuncture and Oriental medicine at the master's degree level and some schools offer training at the doctorate level. Once education and training are complete, graduates from accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools are eligible to take the national certification exam. This exam is offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Certification by this organization is a requirement for licensure in many states that license acupuncture and Oriental medicine professionals.
What will I learn in acupuncture school?
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs may consists of courses such as surface anatomy, fundamental theory of Oriental medicine, introduction to Chinese herbal medicine, introduction to physical arts, anatomy and physiology, chemistry for the health sciences, biochemistry, OM diagnostics methods, OM pattern ID, channels and points, Asian bodywork, neurology, pathophysiology, western nutrition, acupuncture techniques I, acupuncture points review, introduction to clinic, patient assessment, health psychology, and other numerous courses to prepare you for a career in acupuncture/Oriental medicine.
The herbology component acquaints students with a wealth of knowledge about herbs and their effect on the body. They also learn the code of ethics to practicing their craft similar to the code of ethics that medical professionals adhere to.
Doctorate programs can be 24 months, consisting of a series of modules. Students learn advanced didactic and clinical material. In between classes, students will complete homework assignments, clinical studies, elective courses, and research projects. Doctorate courses may include advanced acupuncture and Oriental medicine, biomedical perspectives, clinical internships, clinical theaters, clinical tutorials, clinical case presentations and analyses, clinical seminars, advanced acupuncture and Oriental medicine, biomedical perspective, clinical selectives, clinical collaboration, directed study, and professional development. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced clinical and specialty skills as well as the integration of biomedical knowledge, clinical research, and leadership.
Depending on what college you decide to attend, you may have the option of taking the program full-time or part-time.
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