How to Become an Acupuncturist : How to Become an Acupuncturist

[Quartrez]

Aaah, you could try intoxicating yourself all day with Tylenol and vitamins or whatever, there's nothing as good as sticking a bunch of needles on your body :)

[rank101]

In addition to researching schools, and finding out about acupuncture, find out how much it costs for 4 yrs of training. Then determine how you will pay for it (out of pocket, loans). Then do a CBA by finding out what the median income of TCM practitioners are. Keep in mind it's mostly independent practice and that you have to be able to be self supporting to build the practice (can take 3-5 yrs) as there are very few staff positions unless you're a PT, RN, or NP.

[sinfronterassoy]

That's certainly not all you need!

I wonder if this is practitioner is in the US, and if so what state she is in. All the schools that I know require not only a Master's degree, but a Bachelor's of Professional Studies on top of it. It should also be made clear that prospective acupuncturists have to go through licensing procedures that vary from state to state, and that MDs that become acupuncturists should generally be avoided as they receive minimal and sub-standard training.

[rank101]

Sinfront, that is what you know. What obviously don't know is that the ACAOM (the accrediting commission for OM) has set the requirements for 2 yrs of college education, that's it, no GPA req, no GRE exam, nothing. No other requirements. It is up to the schools to set the standard. All programs confer a Master's degree of some sort, so a program that requires people to possess an MS seems odd. Basically, all that is required by most schools is just be able to pay for it.