Acupuncturist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through specialist courses run by professional bodies.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

OtherRoutes

You'll need to get a qualification that is recognised by a professional body like the:

• British Acupuncture Council
• Acupuncture Society
• Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

You can do different level courses, with some going up to degree. You can find out what the entry requirements are from the professional body.

Some courses approved by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board can lead to membership of the British Acupuncture Council.

British Medical Acupuncture Society

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you could train in acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society .

As a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, you can use acupuncture in your professional practice.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of medicine and how the body works
• knowledge of psychology
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to read English
• a desire to help people
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Acupuncturists insert needles into pressure points on clients' bodies to help with stress and improve their wellbeing.

As an acupuncturist you could:

• learn about your client's lifestyle, diet, emotions and symptoms
• diagnose problems and decide what action to take
• choose points on the body to be treated and insert needles
• refer clients to medical practitioners
• keep records

Location : You could work from home, at a hospice, in a therapy clinic, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

With experience you could move into teaching or research.