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 are likely to be self-employed if you become an acupuncturist, so math, business, and computer courses will also be helpful. A good, well-rounded education will help prepare you for any career you might 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 master's degrees or master's level courses. According to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a master’s degree in acupuncture or in Oriental medicine is the entry-level standard for professional practice in the United States. To be admitted into a master's level program, virtually every school requires a minimum of two years of undergraduate study. Others require a bachelor's 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 ACAOM's Web site (http://www.acaom.org) for names, addresses, and descriptions of the programs.

Choosing a school for acupuncture 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 in which 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 in making a school choice is the tradition of acupuncture you want to study. There are a number of different types of acupuncture. You will need to find a school that offers the type that interests you. If you need financial assistance, it is important to choose a college that is accredited by ACAOM. These schools are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education 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 state's 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 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 are required to complete a Clean Needle Technique course and to 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 some states extend this right to chiropractors. In certain states, an acupuncturist is granted the right to practice only after a ruling from the state's board of medical examiners. States that currently have no requirements for practicing acupuncture are considering legislation on the subject.

Like other health care practitioners, acupuncturists frequently work with people who are in pain and who 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.