Traditional Chinese medical practices can be used to treat pain.They place thin needles along the body's energy vessels to relieve tension.Patients suffering from arthritis, headaches, asthma, lethargy, stress, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual discomfort, or addiction may be helped by ancupuncturists.Prerequisites for licensure include an undergraduate degree, advanced degrees, and board certification.
Step 1: You need to have the skills to work as an acupuncturist.
Not everyone can be an scuplturer.Good hand-eye coordination, steady hands, strong communications skills, and a passion for working with people are some of the skills you will need.
Step 2: You can choose your school.
Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Five Element are some of the different schools of thought regarding best practices.
Step 3: Talk to your doctor.
Find out why they went into the profession and what they did to earn their certification.They can tell you about the difficulties you will face in trying to get started.
Step 4: You can get a command of the language in your country.
If you want to work in the United States, you will need to demonstrate a command of the English language.You will need to know how to communicate with your patients and review their records.It's important to know exactly what to say to your patients and to understand when they're expressing concern.You may need to learn the traditional language of the school you follow.You will need to learn the Chinese medical terms that are used in acupuncture.
Step 5: You should research the licensing requirements in the state where you will work.
There are different certification requirements in different states.You can only earn a doctor of medicine degree in some states.The path you need to take to become an scuplture in your state will be dictated by these requirements.The "scope of practice" is what you are allowed to do once licensed in a state.There are different rules for certification reciprocity in individual states.If you want to practice in more than one state, you should check with the individual states to see what their rules are regarding the recognition of other state certifications.If you're already a doctor, you should check out the American Board of Medical Acupuncture, which offers exams and explains the standards for doctors who want to practice acupuncture.
Step 6: It is necessary to meet the educational requirements for a training program.
A bachelor's degree is required for most acupuncture training programs.You can get a degree in any subject, but you may want to take classes in fields such as biology and psychology.If you have a bachelor's degree in healthcare or alternative medicine, you can get a job as an acupuncturist.While a bachelor's degree is ideal, some acupuncture schools only require two academic years of education at the baccalaureate level, or the equivalent, such as certification for a medical profession.Look at the requirements for your state and program.
Step 7: An accredited college is where you should attend.
The study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine will be included in each college's emphasis.A program in oriental medicine can take up to 4 years to complete.You can find programs in your state if your school is certified by the accreditation commission.
Step 8: You have to apply for certification.
The general certification for the profession is provided by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.You will need to fill out an application and pay a certification fee.The certification can be used for licensing in many states.The fee for the certification is $475.If you want to get a different certification, be sure to check the fees.The application requires official transcripts from your AOM program, so be sure to contact your school and tell them to send those in.The final year of your studies is when it is best to begin filling out the certification paperwork.You should check with your school for the best time to get the paperwork in.It will be very hard to get a job without certification, as the process takes some time, and you don't want to delay it.
Step 9: Pass the exam.
You will be able to take the exam once your application has been approved by the organization and state board.Most states require this exam for licensure.You are board certified once you pass this exam.You will be recognized as a licensed acupuncturist in most states."Doctor of Oriental Medicine" is a designation that some states will use.The study guides are available on the website.You have to have your application approved before you can take the exam.Additional exams will be required in some states.The requirements in your state can be found in the list provided by the NCCAOM.
Step 10: Get a job as an acupuncturist.
Beginners start out working with an established practice to gain experience and build up a client base.Larger metropolitan areas are more likely to havepuncturist jobs.If you want to become a desirable candidate for an independent practice, you may have to start with an apprenticeship or internship.
Step 11: You should develop meaningful relationships with your clients.
If you want to survive in the business, you have to remember that your clients are everything to you.To make sure they feel comfortable coming to your office time after time, you need to be friendly and personable, learn a little bit about them, and remember the things they've told you on previous visits.Make sure your clients book a follow-up appointment after each visit.They will be encouraged to keep coming.Call your clients the day before their appointment.This will show them you care and reduce the rate of no-shows.You can get referrals from your clients.Ask if they have any friends who would be interested in your practice.It's a great way to get more clients.
Step 12: Continue your studies.
If you want to be successful, you have to work for it.You should pursue a master's degree in a field such as marketing or business success principles if you want to take night classes at a community college.Many practitioners don't think about the business end of things when they focus on healing principles and techniques.If you want to help your clients, you have to have the skills to do so.Even if they aren't business related, continuing education courses can give you valuable experience.Any field of medicine is constantly evolving.Continual training will help you learn new strategies, improve your techniques and keep your skills current.
Step 13: You need to maintain your certification.
You need to have your certification renewed every four years.You will need to fill out a form in order to participate in the Professional Development Activities.You will need a minimum of 60 points to be eligible for recertification.You should mail your application materials at least 60 days before your certification is due to lapse.The handbook can be found on the Council's website.If you don't meet the deadlines, your status will be considered inactive and you will have to work to regain certification.
Step 14: Consider starting your own business.
If you have gained some experience, understand the business side of things, and have developed a client base, you should consider starting your own business.You can become a business owner if you have the knowledge.The more connections you have, the better.You already have a leg up if you know a few people who would like to work with you.