Acupuncturist

You'll need to do a qualification that is recognised by one of the professional organisations for acupuncture, for example:

• British Acupuncture Council
• The Acupuncture Society
• Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board is an independent accreditation body, and has approved several courses that lead to membership of the British Acupuncture Council.

Courses are offered at different levels, with some going up to degree. Each body sets its own course entry requirements.

If you're a qualified healthcare professional, like a doctor or nurse, you could train in acupuncture through the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS).

Members of the BMAS are regulated healthcare professionals who practise acupuncture in their professional practice.

Professional and industry bodies

Work is currently ongoing for the statutory regulation of acupuncturists.

You may find it useful to join organisations like the British Acupuncture Council and Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about acupuncture careers from the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board and the British Acupuncture Council.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of psychology
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• taking a detailed history from clients
• talking about issues surrounding a client's symptoms, like lifestyle, diet and emotions
• diagnosing problems and deciding what action to take
• selecting points on the body to be treated
• inserting needles
• keeping records
• referring clients to medical practitioners

You could work from home, at a hospice, in a therapy clinic, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.