Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists insert needles into pressure points on clients' bodies to help with stress and improve their wellbeing.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work from home, at a hospice, in a therapy clinic, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.
Career path and progression
With experience you could move into teaching or research.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass background checks
How to become
You can get into this job through specialist courses run by professional bodies.
You'll need to get a qualification that is recognised by a professional body like the:
- British Acupuncture Council
- Acupuncture Society
- Acupuncture Regulatory Authority
- Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
You can do different courses, with some going up to degree level. Check with the professional bodies for course entry requirements.
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.
Professional and industry bodies
You might find it useful to join the British Acupuncture Council, Acupuncture Regulatory Authority or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more a career in acupuncture from the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, the British Acupuncture Council or the NHS.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.