Is Acupuncture School Right for Me?
Many people are interested in becoming an acupuncturist, yet many don't know if it is the right path for them. Luckily, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide. Read on to find out how!
The decision to go to acupuncture school or not is an important one. Many people waffling over it are hoping they will find some magical advice from someone about whether or not it is a good idea. Hopefully, this blog will help direct you in the right direction and plant some seeds for contemplation.
If you are asking yourself if you should attend Acupuncture School, there are a few questions worth asking:
Do I want to be an Acupuncturist?
If this question sends a surge of excitement through your body, then acupuncture school is the next step. However, if this question leaves you feeling a bit uncertain or scared, consider asking yourself the following:
Why do I want to be an Acupuncturist?
What made me pick Acupuncture as my career choice?
Is there another reason I want to be an acupuncturist?
Do I have a long-term plan for my career?
Do I have the patience and determination necessary to become a licensed acupuncturist?
What is my life going to look like over the next 5-10 years?
It is likely that you will be dedicating a lot of time to your studies and practice in order to become licensed. Therefore, patience and determination are important in practicing Acupuncture. So make sure you consider this question carefully.
Do I love working with people and am I ok working alone?
Will I be satisfied being a solo practitioner?
Again, Acupuncture is in itself a very solitary practice. You will spend most of your time working alone, and the rest with patients. However, if you can't handle spending hours on end by yourself, then this may not be the best job for you.
You have been dreaming about becoming an acupuncturist for years, and now it's time to decide if this is the career that you want. It requires hard work and dedication, yet there are many rewards involved as well!
The best way to find out how good it feels to be a licensed acupuncturist is by talking with those who have already gone through the process of becoming one. In addition, we recommend reading our blog post on "What is Acupuncture & How Does It Help?". This can help provide insight into what you should keep in mind when deciding whether or not this profession might be right for you.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the art and science of a) finding areas of dysfunction in the body; b) balancing those areas through stimulation; c) encouraging the body's own healing mechanisms to do their job more efficiently.
The "dysfunction" might be stagnant energy, or an inflamed organ. This is sometimes caused by a structural problem, or an imbalance in organ function.
The acupuncturist stimulates with needles those dysfunctional points. This stimulation can be direct (thrusting the needle into a specific point), indirect (poking the needle of center to stimulate surrounding areas) or even using heat, cold, suction or electrical current to stimulate the points. The stimulation encourages the body to bring itself back into balance. The body brings balance back by using its own energy system. This energy system is the Qi. Similarly, the body also uses its own physiological functions, known as blood.
We use acupuncture for a wide range of symptoms and conditions. For example, from simple pain to more complex issues such as fertility and digestive disorders.
What does it take to become an effective Acupuncturist?
There is a growing need for Acupuncturists, as more and more patients are seeking non-drug ways to manage symptoms of pain, stress and other conditions.
It takes many hours in the classroom, plus thousands of hours spent in clinical training, to become an effective Acupuncturist. Above all, becoming licensed also requires passing a series of difficult tests (which can be very stressful).
What will it cost to become an Acupuncturist?
Acupuncture school typically costs around $20,000 per quarter. In order to get licensed in the US, you must take a national board exam and state board exams in each state where you plan to practice.
The Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a very safe and effective medical modality. The success stories of Acupuncture abound in all areas of the healthcare system, from chronic pain to fertility issues to addiction recovery.
Treats disease naturally (there are no side effects or permanent damage done).
It can help ease problems ranging from simple pain to complex chronic conditions.
Has long term effects (it treats the root of the problem, not just a surface issue).
It's affordable and usually does not require insurance approval (at least for now).
The Acupuncturist-Patient relationship involves more than the mere physical treatment. It is personalized and thorough.
There are, unlike western medicine, no artificial barriers between patient and practitioner that inhibit direct communication and consultation.
The Drawbacks of a Career in Acupuncture:
It does require many exhausting hours of study, training and practice to be effective as a practitioner.
There are many who do not yet understand the principles of Acupuncture, who believe it does nothing or that a needle prick will hurt.
As you can see from this list, there are many benefits to becoming an Acupuncturist and very few drawbacks.
How many schools are there?
There are approximately 300 colleges that offer programs in acupuncture.
How do I gain experience while pursuing my acupuncture license?
The short answer is to volunteer at a clinic, run by an acupuncturist who values your assistance.
AcuMantras offers internship, residency, and fellowship programs where students can gain experience with our community acupuncture clinic (at no charge). Students learn how to treat patients in real life situations and build their curriculum for after they graduate. Consequently, this program is very effective because the clinic provides the students with real life experience. By treating patients, seeing what works and what doesn't work, exposing them to different styles of acupuncture.
What Can You Do to Get Started on Your Acupuncturist Journey
Send us a message to get more information. Include your resume if you have one.
Where Can I Find Out More Information?
If you want to learn more about the field of acupuncture, please visit our website (www.acumantras.com/acupuncture-programs)