If you're just beginning to do some research you'll want to learn all you can abut acupuncture schools and find out how and where you can earn a certificate or degree in acupuncture. Also you'll want to know what it's like to work in the field. There is much to learn about this ancient practice.
A license may not be necessary to practice acupuncture in your state; get the facts on which states do require licensing. Besides becoming licensed you can also be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The practitioners with this certification can use the title Diplomate of Acupuncture of which the professional abbreviation is Dipl.Ac.
Education and training requirements can add up to between 2500 and 4000 credit hours. Also depending on the school you choose, you may be required to study herbal medicine or may be offered herbal courses as electives as part of the overall program. Schools with smaller classes tend to encourage greater discussion between students and teachers, and can foster improved learning.
First of all you'll want to see what the school and program options are in your home area. Acupuncture is just one part of traditional Chinese medicine so you'll want to opt for a school whose program emphasizes courses in traditional Chinese medicine. They may offer the science and the philosophy of acupuncture too.
You may want to choose a school that offers consultation services for all its graduates. These schools allow their graduates to consult with their instructors regarding the care of their patients. It's important to get a complete picture of all the treatments offered by school in order to acquire the skills that you'll need to be well-rounded as well as well-versed for your patients.
Before you commit to learning about any alternative medical practice or technique, be aware that many techniques have not been scientifically evaluated so do some research first so you know what to expect. And before you sign up you might want to buy or borrow the "Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture" by Andrew Ellis, Nigel Wiseman, and Ken Bosson. This basic textbook is used in many classrooms and will give you a good idea if you want to pursue a career in acupuncture. Another good one is: "The Foundations of Chinese Medicine" a comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists by Maciocia.
If you visit a practitioner to learn more before you commit to a career, make sure to choose one who is licensed by an easily recognized, national professional association.
If you are looking for financial aid try contacting your local philanthropic organizations and health organizations to see if they have any scholarships available or know of any. Sometimes these organizations actually have some scholarship money left over. Ask if they'll accept an application for it. Talk to your financial aid officers at the school you're considering and see what suggestions they may have for the various grants, scholarships and federal aid available. They should be well-informed.
There is always federal money available for secondary education. Also it's not well known but there is also money set aside for online degree programs or distance learning programs. So you may want to check and see if your school has any of its classes available online and if so apply for these funds. There are good education loans and easy-to-get student loans available if you're unable to get full or partial grants or scholarships.
Internships take place in clinics or clinical settings, almost always in the third year of school. If you have a naturopathic school in your area, give them a call; they will undoubtedly know the licensing requirements for your area and may have the answers to some of your unanswered questions.
And once you're licensed or practicing acupuncture as a student-in-raining, never attempt to use it to treat potentially life-threatening symptoms such as extreme shortness of breath or any type of chest pain. You'll want to have these patients see their doctor. This field is a great career choice; especially with the growing acceptance it's been receiving over the past few years. There is always room for career growth potential in this field.
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