Acupunture

Duties and Responsibilities: As an acupuncturist, you practice traditional Chinese medicine and target specific points on the body with needles. Your professional services are designed to reduce pain and redirect energy flow throughout the mind and body. For each patient, you develop a personalized treatment plan that focuses on the body's overall health. You may also analyze medical histories and treatment outcomes as well as promoting healthy behaviors.

SALARY: $94,000-$100,000

Education: To work as an acupuncturist, you need a bachelor's degree and a solid science background to begin your graduate-level study of acupuncture. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) has accredited approximately 50 programs that provide master's degrees in acupuncture (www.acaom.org). These programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and help you develop your expertise in identifying and accessing the many acupuncture points on the body. As a student, you may also explore topics in bodywork therapy, Qi Gong, clinical practices, meridian theory, herbal medicine and needle techniques.

Most states require you to be credentialed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to be licensed as an acupuncturist. To be eligible for this certification, you need to have graduated from an ACAOM-accredited program and pass an examination. Your certification is valid for four years, and you can re-certify by meeting continuing education requirements.

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REFLECTION: i think i dont want to become a acupuncture because its a boring job.