Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Acupuncturist

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

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

Professional and industry bodies

You might find it useful to join the British Acupuncture Council, Acupuncture Regulatory Authority 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

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

Are you interested in becoming an acupuncturist?

Search for training 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.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.