In the United States as well as in many other countries, most states require training and certification in order to practice acupuncture. There's a lot to learn about the ancient practice of acupuncture. Acupuncturists need to know how to diagnose the various patient ailments and how to treat them using very thin stainless-steel needles inserted into specific points on the surface of the skin. The insertion of these acupuncture needles triggers specific biochemical and physiological reactions in the body and this in turn promotes healing.

Acupuncture schools usually offer the science and philosophy of acupuncture also. And there are just a few acupuncture schools that teach practitioners the five-element Oriental medicine approach to acupuncture, which is often used in conjunction with traditional Western medicine. You will want to find an acupuncture school that offers small classes. The smaller classes tend to encourage greater discussion between the students and teachers, and can foster an improved learning process.

Acupuncture school education and training requirements can total anywhere from 2500 to 4000 credit hours or so. 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 profession, so make sure any school you're considering has this accreditation.

California has many acupuncture schools to choose from, as do others, while Wisconsin, has only one school and some states have none at all. The first step would be find out what the school and program options are in your area. Once you've got a list you can call each school you're considering and ask to speak to a recruiting counselor to find out the student-to-teacher ratio so you know which ones offer get smaller classes.

Be aware that each state and each discipline has its own strict rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. Before you commit to learning about any alternative medical technique though, be aware that many of them have not been scientifically evaluated so do your homework. Some people aren't aware that acupuncture scholarships may be available; check this out as soon as you make the decision to enroll in a program.

And if you're visiting an acupuncture clinic as a patient to learn more about acupuncture, let your acupuncturist know that you're seeking an acupuncture career. If you have a naturopathic school in your area, give them a call; they will know the licensing requirements for your state. In order to qualify for federal assistance if you plan on getting it, be sure to enroll in a school that's accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Your economic burden may be lessened considerably with financial aid in the form of federal student loans.

Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools are expensive and usually require three years or so of course work and some programs may be up to five years. Acupuncture is particularly effective at relieving or treating chronic muscle pain, stress, and PMS just to name a few symptoms or ailments.

Our present day medicine has proven the effectiveness of many alternative treatments that have been practiced in other countries for many centuries and as a result, more and more insurance companies are now covering alternative treatments like acupuncture. Acupuncturists can expect to make about $45,000 per year starting out and can easily double that amount after they get a few years experience under their belt. After graduating from an acupuncture school some practitioners start their own practice and some go to work in a small clinic. And some work in tandem with naturopaths, chiropractors or other doctors in centers for Oriental medicine and offer acupuncture and other therapies, treatment and services.