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	> What is Acupuncture
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Acupuncture

Acupuncture as a Career

There is very good career growth potential in the field of Acupuncture. Since modern science has proven the effectiveness of Acupuncture, more and more insurance companies are covering this treatment, which gives heavy credibility to this alternative healing modality. In some states, an acupuncturist can be chosen as your primary care physician.

Some practitioners own their own business or work for a small practice, others work in tandem with alternative/oriental medicine practitioners, chiropractors, or medical offices.

Acupuncture Certification & Licensing
As Acupuncture has grown in popularity, governments have recognized it as a valuable form of medicine, with the goal of formal regulation.

Although regulations in the U. S. vary by state, most states as well as several other countries require training and certification in order to practice Some states require students to complete a 3-5 year program from an accredited Acupuncture school, and then pass a state board exam in order to become licensed. Some also require acupuncturists to be nationally certified by National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). The NCCAOM is a non-profit organization established in 1982. Many states requires this certification as part of their licensing requirements. The NCCAOM also offers certification in oriental medicine. Acupuncturists who receive a certification in oriental medicine may be designated as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (Dipl. O.M.) and/or Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.).

The mission of the NCCAOM is to establish, assess, and promote recognized standards of competence and safety in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for the protection and benefit of the public. Since its inception, the NCCAOM has issued more than 19,000 certificates in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Chinese Herbology and Asian Bodywork Therapy. In 2007, NCCAOM celebrated its 25th anniversary. This school offers certification in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Oriental Medicine and Asian Bodywork Therapy, however it does not award the actual licenses to practice Acupuncture or other Oriental medicine.

View state regulations governing Acupuncture below:

Alabama*	Illinois	Montana	Rhode Island
Alaska	Indiana	Nebraska	South Carolina
Arizona	Iowa	Nevada	South Dakota*
Arkansas	Kansas	New Hampshire	Tennessee
California	Kentucky	New Jersey	Texas
Colorado	Louisiana	New Mexico	Utah
Connecticut	Maine	New York	Vermont
Delaware*	Maryland	North Carolina	Virginia
District of Columbia	Massachusetts	North Dakota*	Washington
Florida	Michigan	Ohio	West Virginia
Georgia	Minnesota	Oklahoma*	Wisconsin
Hawaii	Mississippi*	Oregon	Wyoming*
Idaho	Missouri	Pennsylvania

* We are currently unaware of any laws or legislations governing the use of Acupuncture

Salary
Acupuncturists can expect to make approximately $45,000 their first year (source: acufinder.com), and double that after a several years of experience and a build-up of clientele.

Average Length of Study
The average length of study for Master of Acupuncture programs is 3-4 years.

Average Tuition
The tuition for the Master of Acupuncture programs ranges from $30,000-$60,000 and up, from start to completion. The Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture in Colorado for example, has a 4-year program which costs approximately $34,200. The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine offers a 4-year program for $63,450. Many schools offer tuition assistance.

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