The Education Behind your Licensed Acupuncturist
The practice of acupuncture is intricate and requires discipline and a sense of responsibility. Given acupuncture’s potential to heal so many ailments throughout the body, acupuncturists need to be very familiar with the body’s systems and be well-versed on the strategic placement of needles to access these systems. Many people do not realize the hours of schooling and training required to become a licensed acupuncturist; unlike similar holistic practices that only require a certification, Acupuncture licensing requires a Master’s degree that includes many hours of in-depth classes and hands on training.
The first step for prospective licensed acupuncturists is attending a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Most employers, Modern Acupuncture included, will not consider applicants who did not attend an accredited school. Many of these schools request a minimum of two years of undergraduate study or a bachelor’s degree before applying. ACAOM programs are typically three to four years, and many students choose to continue their education and pursue doctorate or postgraduate certifications. Programs include courses on various topics like Oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques, Oriental herbal studies, integrated acupuncture and herbal clinical training, and biomedical clinical studies. Other topics covered include nutrition, practice management, ethics and Western medicine. At minimum, acupuncture students will complete over 1200 hours of didactic coursework and 660 clinical hours with many schools requiring more of each.
Once the ACAOM schooling program is completed, obtaining a license is the next step. Most states require acupuncturists to pass 3-4 national board exams through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) with some states requiring an additional state test. A course on Clean Needle Technique is also required.
Any job in the health field comes with responsibility, and only those that have completed the necessary education are equipped to accurately and safely administer treatment; most people wouldn’t go to a doctor that didn’t attend medical school, and it’s no different with acupuncture. Licensed acupuncturists have the experience, knowledge and passion for the job as a result of their strenuous training. The extensive process of becoming licensed provides acupuncturists with the expertise to skillfully guide their clients down the best path to better health and well-being.
Modern Acupuncture is dedicated to ensuring that guests receive top-quality care from their licensed acupuncturist. Beyond the state’s requirements, Modern Acupuncture’s licensed acupuncturists must also complete a training program on the specific methods used at Modern Acupuncture. Follow the link below if you’re a licensed acupuncturist and are interested in joining our team: http://www.modernacupuncture.com/careers
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