While acupuncture has become ever more popular over the years, governments have recognized it as a valuable form of medicine and seek to regulate it. Acupuncture has been practiced in China for at least the past 2,000 years or so and some say it could be as much as 3,000 years. Hopefully with these tips you will become more knowledgeable about acupuncture schools and be able to find just the right program or school for you.



It's important to get a complete picture of all the treatments offered by the acupuncture school to acquire the skills you need to be appropriately well-rounded and well-versed for your patients. There are only a few acupuncture schools that teach practitioners the five-element Oriental medicine approach to acupuncture, which is used in conjunction with the traditional Western medical practices. Keep in mind that depending on the school you choose, students may be required to study herbal medicine or may be offered herbal medicine courses as electives.

The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit Master's-level programs in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine professions and you want to make sure the school you're considering has the accreditation. For naturopathy schools that offer acupuncture programs you will want to see the complete 'List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America'. And acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include other aspects of traditional medicine, such as anatomy, body therapy, massage therapy, and various sciences.

You can contact each school that you're considering and ask to speak to a recruiting counselor so you can find out the student-to-teacher ratio; the goal is to get smaller classes. You want to choose an acupuncture school that offers consultation services for its graduates because these schools allow their graduates to consult with their instructors regarding the ongoing care of their patients. Also choose an acupuncture school that offers an extensive library of materials and information focused on traditional Chinese medicine.

Make sure to talk to the financial aid counselors at the acupuncture school or the college you're considering to see if they have any suggestions for you for scholarships, grants or loans. Take a look at the acupuncture schools in your home town area first because it will considerably cut down your expenses if you can attend school near home. And you may not need a license to practice acupuncture in your state so make sure to get the facts first on which states require licensing and which do not. If you think you'll be moving to another state in the future, make sure to check out that state too. It's a good idea to know the licensing requirements for every state, although these may change in the future.

Before you commit to learning about any alternative medical technique, be aware that many of them have not been scientifically evaluated, know what they are. One good textbook to review in advance of a decision is: "The Foundations of Chinese Medicine" a comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists, by Maciocia. And if you haven't already done so make sure to visit an acupuncture clinic as a patient to learn more about acupuncture. Talk to your primary health care provider or naturopath about your decision and get their feedback.

Internships in acupuncture take place in acupuncture clinics or similar clinical settings, usually in the third year. The economic burden of tuition and books may be lessened with financial aid in the form of federal student loans. Also consider contacting your local charitable organizations and health organizations to see if they know of any scholarships that might be available.

Keep your allopathic doctor or naturopathic doctor or other health professional informed about any alternative medical technique or procedure you decide to undertake. After graduating from an acupuncture school some practitioners start their own business while some decide to work in a small clinic; some work in tandem with naturopaths, chiropractors or other doctors in centers for Oriental medicine. Acupuncturists can expect to make about $45,000 per year when they start out and can double that amount after a few years of experience under their belt. And with a few of these tips you should be able to start down the path to a rewarding career as an acupuncturist.