What degree is needed for acupuncturist?
Christopher Davis
Updated on March 29, 2026
master’s degree
In the U.S., attending an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program and obtaining a master’s degree is generally the minimum education requirement to become a practicing acupuncturist.
What skills do you need to be an acupuncturist?
20 Most Common Skill For An Acupuncturist
- Patient Care22.7%
- Acupuncture11.2%
- Treatment Plans10%
- Pain Management8.8%
- Mental Health4.1%
- Medical Records4%
- Blood Pressure3.7%
- Group Setting3.5%
Is there a demand for acupuncturists?
Demand for Acupuncturists is expected to go up, with an expected 24,000 new jobs filled by 2018. This represents an annual increase of 9.55 percent over the next few years.
How many hours does it take to become an acupuncturist?
A professional acupuncture curriculum typically consists of: At least 47 semester credits in Oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques in acupuncture and related studies. 22 semester credits (660 hours) in clinical training. 30 semester credits (450 hours) in biomedical clinical sciences.
Do acupuncturists make good money?
The Potential Salaries Available According to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM), the median salary for acupuncturists in America is around $52,000. However, depending on factors such as geography, specialties, reputation and marketing, a salary in excess of $100,000 is achievable.
Is acupuncture school difficult?
However, studying Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture can be challenging at times with so much to take in and understand. It is not necessary to have any prior medical knowledge as this will be taught as part of the course.
What kind of job is acupuncturist?
An acupuncturist treats a variety of physical and psychological problems. Acupuncturists consult with patients about symptoms, perform diagnoses, and treat ailments using acupuncture needles.
Is an acupuncturist a doctor?
A physician acupuncturist is a doctor of medicine or podiatry or an osteopathic doctor who has fulfilled the physician requirements for licensure to practice acupuncture that have been set by the province’s medical licensing authority. These doctors study acupuncture and incorporate it into their medical practice.
Has anyone died from acupuncture?
About 90 deaths after acupuncture have been anecdotally documented in the medical literature. Thus, acupuncture has been associated with more deaths than most other ‘alternative’ therapies except herbal medicine.
Are acupuncturists real doctors?
For all practical purposes and in reality, licensed acupuncturists, especially in the state of California, are Oriental medicine doctors. They are, in reality, doctors. It has been recorded as professional medicine in texts and journals beginning 2,500 years ago, as a formal system. It was in practice long before that.
Where can I go to school to become an acupuncturist?
If you want to become an acupuncturist in the United States, you can study acupuncture at any school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), which is recognized by the US Department of Education as the authority in this field.
Who is licensed to practice acupuncture in New York State?
Peter is licensed to practice in New York State and holds board certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM) and Oriental Medicine in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. He has 10 years of experience practicing holistic pain management and sports medicine.
What should I do after I get my acupuncture license?
If you want to succeed, you can’t just stop with your license to be an acupuncturist. You should take night classes at a community college or pursue another master’s degree in a relevant field such as Acupuncture Practice Management, Marketing, or Business Success Principles.
Can a licensed acupuncturist be a Doctor of Oriental Medicine?
In most states, you will be recognized as a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). Some states will use the designation “Acupuncture Physician” or “Doctor of Oriental Medicine.” The NCCAOM’s website provides study guides to help prepare for the exam.