High School

If you are interested in a career in acupuncture, take courses that will give you an understanding of the human body. Courses in biology, physiology, and psychology will help you gain an understanding of the body and insight into the mind. Good communication skills are important in all professions, so take English, speech, drama, and debate classes to improve your communication skills.

You will likely be self-employed if you become an acupuncturist, so math, business, and computer courses will also be helpful. A well-rounded education will help prepare you for any career you choose.

Postsecondary Training

Nearly 60 schools in the United States are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). All of these programs offer masters degrees or masters level courses. According to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a masters degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine is the entry-level standard for professional practice in the United States. To be admitted into a masters level program, virtually every school requires at least two years of undergraduate study. Others require a bachelors degree in a related field, such as science, nursing, or premed. Most acupuncture programs provide a thorough education in Western sciences, acupuncture techniques, and all aspects of traditional Oriental medical systems. See ACAOMs Web site (http://www.acaom.org) for the programs names, addresses, and descriptions.

Choosing an acupuncture school can be complex. One important decision is where you might like to live and practice. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, so it is important to be sure the school you choose will prepare you to practice in the state where you wish to live. In some states, only physicians can be licensed to practice acupuncture. In other states, there are no requirements for practicing acupuncture.

Another consideration when choosing a school is the tradition of acupuncture you want to study. There are several different types of acupuncture. You will need to find a school that offers the type that interests you. If you need financial assistance, choosing a college that ACAOM accredits is important. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes these schools, and students may be eligible for federal student loans.

Other Education or Training

The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers continuing education opportunities at its annual conference. Contact the association for more information.

Certification or Licensing

For acupuncture, certification indicates that an individual meets the standards established by a nationally recognized commission. Licensing is a requirement established by a states governmental body that grants individuals the right to practice within that state. Licensing requirements vary widely around the country and are changing rapidly.

Certification and licensing are usually achieved by meeting educational requirements and passing an examination. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia use the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) standards as an integral part of their licensing process. To become nationally board-certified in acupuncture, NCCAOM requires applicants to have followed one of the following: a formal education route, apprenticeship route, professional acupuncture practice route, or combination of training and experience. All applicants must complete a Clean Needle Technique course and pass the NCCAOM Acupuncture Examination, which consists of a written examination and the Point Location Examination.

Many states certify only licensed physicians to practice acupuncture, while others extend this right to chiropractors. In certain states, an acupuncturist is granted the right to practice only after a ruling from the states board of medical examiners. Some states with no requirements for practicing acupuncture are considering legislation on the subject.

Like other healthcare practitioners, acupuncturists frequently work with people who are in pain and have been ill for a long time. Patients often come to acupuncturists after other medical treatments have failed. They may be especially pessimistic about finding relief or cures. Acupuncturists need to be good listeners, patient, and compassionate. Acupuncturists also need to have sensitive hands.