Acupuncturist Career

Acupuncturist Job Description:

Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy, and is greatly being used in the West to manage a host of diseases and health problems.

An acupuncturist will use thin needles to pierce the skin at specific points, so as to bring about a positive effect on the various organ-systems of the body and cause cure. The American acupuncture system combines traditions from China, Korea and Japan. The therapy arouses anatomical points on the body, by piercing the skin with fine, metallic needles that are moved by hand or using electrical stimulus.

Now and then, other techniques such as heating the acupuncture points and making use of unique herbs are also a part of the procedure.

An acupuncturist functions as a part of the health care team to effectively treat a host of disorders and ailments.

Acupuncturist Education, Certification and Training

• In order to practice acupuncture, you have to first graduate from an accredited Medical School.
• Various schools of Alternative Medicine provide coursework in the field of acupuncture. The program includes: meridian theory, point location, special types of needle manipulation, clinical strategies, treatment techniques and equipment, and methods of acupuncture.
• Pre-requisites to practice the therapy vary from State to State, with most States requiring 3 to 5 years experience to get licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). To be authorized by the NCCAOM, an acupuncturist must have a licensed school transcript and ought to meet the eligibility requirements.

Acupuncturist Jobs

The demand for acupuncturists is rising appreciably; since, Alternative Medicine is becoming increasingly popular and well-liked.

Most therapists are self employed and do contract-work for different clinics, hospitals, health centers and medical centers. They also work for chiropractors or oriental medical centers.

At present, 41 states acknowledge Acupuncture. 8 other states have commenced the legislation. The FDA estimates that approximately 9 to12 million patients make appointments with acupuncture therapists in a year, with the figure escalating every year.
What’s more, most insurance plans take account of acupuncture therapy. This definitely makes employment and job opportunities for acupuncturists extremely good.

Acupuncturist Salary

On an average, Acupuncturists 1 year experience, earn about $45000, while, those with 20 years of experience make about $122,500, annually. The earnings largely depend on one’s experience, type of facility, level of education, location and employer.