www.sampleresume.net

Acupuncturist Career

Acupuncturist Job Description

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapy, is extensively being used in the West to handle several illnesses and health problems.

The acupuncturist uses fine needles to puncture the skin at particular points that produce a favorable effect on the organs of the body and generate cure. American acupuncture integrates therapeutic traditions from China, Korea and Japan. The technique stimulates anatomical points on the body, by puncturing the skin with thin, metallic needles that are maneuvered by hand or electrical stimulation.

From time to time, other techniques like heating the acupuncture points and utilizing special herbs are also a part of acupuncture.

The acupuncture therapist works as a part of the healthcare team to make available alternative therapies to treat a host of ailments.

Acupuncturist Skills/Duties

• Detailed knowledge about diseases and their appropriate acupuncture treatment.

• Treating by introducing needles in to the skin at specific points to kindle energy flow along the channels of energy and encouraging the body’s own healing response.

• Incorporating techniques, such as moxibustion (i.e. burning herbs to warm the points), electro-acupuncture (arousing the points with electric currents) and acupressure (to relax muscles).

• Taking a detailed history of the patient, his complaints, understanding all characteristics of physical and psychological health, lifestyle and diet.

• Diagnosing and formulating a customized treatment plan.

• Evaluating the patient’s improvement through follow ups and examination.

• Maintaining patient records.

Acupuncturist Education and Training

To practice acupuncture, one should have graduated from a recognized allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the United States. Diverse Alternative Medicine schools proffer courses in acupuncture. These courses include point location, functions, meridian theory, special types of needle manipulation, healing techniques and equipment, clinical strategies and methods for acupuncture.

Prerequisites differ according to the State, with most States needing 3-5 years of experience to get licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). To be given authorization by the NCCAOM, the therapists ought to have a certified school transcript and should meet the eligibility requisites.

Acupuncturist Job Outlook

The need for acupuncture therapists is on an upswing, as alternative medicine becomes more popular and well-liked.

A majority of the acupuncture therapists are self-employed and do agreement-work for various medical centers. They also work for oriental medical centers or chiropractors.

Currently, 41 states recognize acupuncture. 8 other states have initiated the legislation. A recent appraisal points towards the fact that the number of licensed acupuncturists has ascended to 10,512. The FDA approximates that about 9-12 million patients visit acupuncturists per year, with the number going up every year. Also, most insurance plans include acupuncture treatment.

All these make job opportunities for acupuncturists very good.

Acupuncturist Salary

An acupuncturist’s salary depends on various factors that include experience, place, type of facility, and the level of education.

Acupuncturists with less than 1 year of experience, earn about $45,000, whilst, acupuncturists with 20 years of experience earn approximately $122,500.