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2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Acupuncturist
Job description
Acupuncturists take patient medical histories and diagnose ailments. Then they insert fine needles into certain places on the body, called acupoints. These points correspond to twelve major energy pathways in the body known as meridians. Each meridian is related to specific internal organs and organ systems. The acupuncture needles are left in for a prescribed length of time. Acupuncturists may suggest changes to a patient's physical activity, diet and lifestyle. They may also use electrical current, ultrasound, heat, laser beams or herbs to treat patients. They do not give or prescribe drugs. Most Acupuncturists work part-time, however, the number of those working full-time is slowly increasing.
Salaries and benefits*
Training and requirements
To become a licensed acupuncturist, you must complete an acupuncture program. Acupuncture programs grant a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (D.O.M.) degree.
When studying oriental anatomy, you learn about energy meridians and acupoints along the meridians. You also learn which points are useful for the treatment of various illnesses and imbalances. Gradually, students focus more on clinical practices including diagnosis through observation, evaluating pulses, and interviewing patients about symptoms and lifestyle practices.
Before entering acupuncture school, most students earn a bachelor's degree. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take courses in botany, biology, and chemistry.
Necessary skills
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ability to catch on to things and make judgments
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understand the meanings of words and present information clearly
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picture forms in space
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see details and slight differences in objects, shapes or pictures
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coordinate eyes and hands
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use fingers to move small objects accurately
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skillful use of hands in assembling and repairing things
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see small differences between colors
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ability to make decisions using personal judgment
Working Conditions
Acupuncturists frequently:
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Stand for long periods while examining and treating patients.
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Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or muscle tone.
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Bend or twist the body.
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Sit for long periods while completing paperwork or reading.
Interpersonal Relationships:
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Have a high level of social contact. They spend most of their workday with patients or office staff.
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Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of patients.
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Sometimes must persuade patients to follow treatment recommendations carefully.
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Continue learning and often teach others.
Hours/Travel:
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Usually work 40 hours a week. This varies with patient demand and time needed for administrative tasks.
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May work evenings or weekends as needed by patients.
Licensure/Certification
Acupuncturists must be licensed to practice in Washington State. Licensing requirements include:
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forty-five quarter credits or 450 hours of instruction in basic sciences;
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seventy-five quarter credits or 750 hours of instruction in acupuncture sciences;
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twenty-nine quarter credits of supervised practice consisting of at least 400 separate patient treatments involving a minimum of 100 different patients. At least 360 treatments must involve the insertion and withdrawal of needles;
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complete a background information form;
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passing a National Commission for Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) written exam, point location test, and clean needle technique course;
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completion of seven clock hours of AIDS training; and
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current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
For more information, contact:
Washington State Department of Health
Health Professions Quality Assurance
Acupuncture Program
PO Box 47865
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
(360) 236-4700
https://wws2.wa.gov/doh/hpqa-licensing/hps3/Acupuncture/default.htm
Helpful high school courses
English, speech, business, accounting, chemistry, biology, physics, psychology, physiology, physical education, first aid/CPR, health and nutrition, computer science, and Latin.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Dr. NE
Bothell, WA 98028-4966
(425) 823-1300
Outlook*
The number of licensed Acupuncturists has grown each year. That trend is expected to continue. Since 2001 Washington State law has required that certain types of alternative medicine, including acupuncture, be covered by insurance companies based in Washington. This is expected to increase demand for the services of Acupuncturists and other licensed alternative health care providers. Growing public awareness and acceptance of acupuncture treatment is also expected to create more demand for this occupation. More people may seek acupuncture as an additional form of treatment since it lacks the dangerous side effects of some types of conventional medicine.
In Washington, the number of licenses for acupuncturists increased 834% between 1991 and 2003 according to the State Department of Health. Currently, there are about 953 licensed Acupuncturists practicing in Washington. Most acupuncturists are self-employed. Nationally, the number of acupuncturists is expected to increase as the use of acupuncture becomes more common.
Professional Associations
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American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 428
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(323) 937-5514
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/index.html
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American Acupuncture Association
4262 Kissena Blvd.
Flushing, NY 11355
(718) 886-4431
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American Association of Oriental Medicine
443 Front Street
Catasauqua, PA 18032
(610) 266-1433
http://www.aaom.org
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National Certification Commission for
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-9004
http://www.nccaom.org
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National Sports Acupuncture Association
1257 Siskiyou, Suite 130
Ashland, OR 97520
(415) 704-3123
●
Washington Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association
13400 Northup Way, Suite 28
Bellevue, WA 98005-2023
206.329.9094
http://www.waoma.org/
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2005. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 5/1/06