Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points on the body in order to create balance, thus improving health. This practice originated in China 2,000 years ago and is commonly used for a wide variety of ailments. Acupuncture, like Western medicine, requires a considerable amount of training to develop an appropriate level of knowledge and experience to be able to treat clients safely and effectively.
Instructions
1. Research acupuncture schools. You can check out the websites of all accredited schools by logging onto this site: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/schools/. Read the schools' mission statement, educational objectives and history. Select one or more schools to apply to or even visit for more information. Some schools have clinical hours, so you may wish to get an acupuncture treatment at a local school to see if it is a good fit.
2. Determine which type of degree you'd like. Many acupuncture schools offer degrees that include training in herbal medicine in addition to acupuncture but require further study. Some states require licensed acupuncturists to have training in Chinese herbal medicine, so check local licensing regulations for the state(s) in which you wish to practice.
3. Select an acupuncture school and make application. Make sure that the school you choose is accredited through the ACAOM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), because a degree from an accredited program is necessary for licensing in most U.S. states.
4. Follow the curriculum of the school after you enter. Prepare to work hard in understanding Chinese medicine, meridians, diagnosis and treatment. Most programs also include a clinical internship, in which you will be working with clients in a clinical setting with oversight and guidance from an instructor. This allows you to learn practice acupuncture safely and effectively.
5. Study to pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) test once you have graduated. NCCAOM certification is the only certification available for acupuncture that is nationally recognized, and it is a requirement for licensure in most states. Test fees vary depending on the type of certification you wish to be awarded. A Certification for Acupuncture costs $1225. NCCAOM provides an online practice test for a small fee. In addition to the NCCAOM exam, many states require another test for licensure.
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