Licensed acupuncturists are trained to provide a broad range of healthcare services, including internal, as well as addiction treatment, pain management and rehabilitation assistance. They may work in private practices, multidisciplinary clinic settings or hospitals. Other career options include teaching, research and writing.
Unlike conventional Western medical practice, acupuncturists are trained to treat the entire individual rather than the specific illness or condition. They take into account a patient’s physical, mental and emotional condition in order to determine the proper course of treatment. In addition to providing acupuncture therapy, practitioners help their patients achieve balance and wellness in their everyday lives.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Master’s degrees or post-baccalaureate certificates from schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; some states require acupuncturists to be physicians, osteopaths, or chiropractors |
| Degree Field(s) | Acupuncture |
| Licensure/Certification | Most states have licensing requirements |
| Job Outlook (2018-2028)* | 11% or higher growth |
| Mean Annual Salary (2019)* | $75,640 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, *O*net Online
Acupuncture regulations vary state by state, according to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) (www.nccaom.org). Most states have licensing or continuing education requirements, including certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.