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Acupuncturist

Alternative titles for this job include

Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points on clients' bodies to help relieve aches and pains, tackle stress and improve their overall wellbeing.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 37 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through specialist courses run by professional bodies.

Other Routes

You'll need to get a qualification that is recognised by a professional body like the:

You can do different courses, with some going up to degree level. Check with the professional bodies for course entry requirements.

British Medical Acupuncture Society

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you could train in acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

As a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, you can use acupuncture in your professional practice.

More Information

Career tips

It's important to research courses carefully to make sure they cover topics in enough depth and include practical experience.

While shorter, introductory courses can offer you an insight into the profession, they should be seen as a stepping stone onto fully accredited acupuncturist training.

Professional bodies can give you advice about how to choose a course.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join a professional body, such as the:

These offer professional recognition, training opportunities and the chance to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in acupuncture from the:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of anatomy, physiology and how the body works
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of psychology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • 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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an acupuncturist, you could:

  • speak to your client about their lifestyle, diet, feelings and symptoms
  • diagnose conditions based on an assessment of their issues
  • create a personalised treatment plan and explain procedures
  • select points on the body to be treated and inserted with needles
  • use sterile equipment and follow rules on infection control
  • provide treatment over a number of sessions
  • monitor a client's progress and keep accurate case notes
  • refer clients to medical practitioners when required

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • set up your own practice
  • specialise in treating certain conditions, like joint pain, migraines or anxiety
  • work in acupuncture teaching or research
  • continue your professional development through further study, for example in Chinese herbal medicine

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an acupuncturist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

NADA Protocol Ear Acupuncture

  • Provider: City Lit
  • Start date: 07 November 2026
  • Location: London

Acupuncture 3 Year Licentiate Course

  • Provider: INTER-ED UK LIMITED
  • Start date: 08 March 2027
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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