Acupuncturist

                          Acupuncturist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Unlike conventional Western medical practice, acupuncture professionals are trained to treat the entire individual rather than the specific illness or condition. They take into account a patient's physical, mental and emotional condition in order to determine the proper course of treatment. In addition to providing acupuncture therapy, practitioners help their patients achieve balance and wellness in their everyday lives. Licensed acupuncture practitioners are trained to provide a broad range of healthcare services, including internal, dental and visual care, as well as addiction treatment, pain management and rehabilitation assistance. They may work in private practices, multidisciplinary clinic settings or hospitals. Other career options include teaching, research and writing.

Salary:

$94,000 and over

Education:

Most licensed acupuncturists hold master's degrees or post-baccalaureate certificates from schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine .As the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) explains, most programs require 1,500-2,000 hours of acupuncture training and take 3-4 years to complete. Graduates must pass the certification exam offered by NCCAOM and fulfill any additional state licensing requirements.