What is an Acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine where a practitioner treats patients by inserting and manipulating needles in one’s body. The practice of acupuncture originated in China more than two thousand years ago.
Acupuncturists use these procedures to treat a variety of ailments such as headache pain, asthma, or arthritis. Acupuncture is also used to treat conditions such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Acupuncturists work in comfortable offices that must be kept quiet and clean. They can usually set their own hours. Some work late on certain evenings for the convenience of their patients. A few work in hospitals or clinics.
An acupuncturist must be skillful and competent; he or she must accurately insert and manipulate needles in 365 acupuncture points on the body. Many acupuncturists are qualified in fields such as medicine, nursing and physical therapy because they offer acupuncture as an additional service to compliment their primary profession.
Medical acupuncture is a relatively new profession in the United States. About forty states have established training standards for acupuncture certification, but states have varied requirements for obtaining a license to practice acupuncture. In Missouri, those who are applying for a license to practice acupuncture must be certified as an active and current diplomate in acupuncture by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Kansas does not regulate the licensing of acupuncturists; however, in the state acupuncturists must work under the supervision of a practicing physician or chiropractor which means they must be a part of that provider’s medical practice.
Education for acupuncturists varies. There are several accredited colleges which offer degree programs in Oriental medicine. Students may talk with their college counselor to find one which best fits their educational needs.
There are many opinions about the earning potential of an acupuncturist. According to the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, experienced acupuncturists can earn as much as $10,000 to $20,000 per month. Other salary research sources such as PayScale.com and ExploreHealthCareers.org say that an average is closer to $40,000 - $50,000 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an increasing demand for alternative health care practitioners, such as acupuncturists. Acupuncture treatments are increasingly covered by insurance. As with doctors, advancement comes with building a practice.
Source: StateUniversity.com |
