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Acupuncturist

Alternative titles for this job include

Acupuncturists insert needles into pressure points on clients' bodies to help with stress and improve their wellbeing.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 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 an acupuncturist

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 level courses, with some going up to degree. You can find out what the entry requirements are from the professional body.

Some courses approved by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board can lead to membership of the British Acupuncture Council.

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

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can find out more a career in acupuncture from the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, the British Acupuncture Council or the NHS.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and how the body works
  • 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

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:

  • learn about your client's lifestyle, diet, emotions and symptoms
  • diagnose problems and decide what action to take
  • choose points on the body to be treated and insert needles
  • refer clients to medical practitioners
  • keep records

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

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Career path and progression

With experience you could move into teaching or research.

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.

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Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming an acupuncturist?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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