| If you're interested in the healing arts and have | | | | practices. But some states do still require that an |
| often thought about becoming an acupuncturist or | | | | acupuncturist work under a doctor, usually an MD. |
| specialist doing acupuncture for a living, or | | | | There about 41 states that recognize acupuncture |
| checking on the best acupuncture schools, here | | | | and oriental medicine at this writing, including |
| are some things you may want to know. | | | | California, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts and |
| If you're not that familiar with acupuncture and | | | | Florida. Eight other states have introduced |
| just getting around to doing research, acupuncture | | | | legislation and are waiting. |
| is used for a number of health issues including | | | | If you're wondering what you would make as an |
| pain, weight loss, addictions, infertility, stop | | | | acupuncturist, a lot will depend on whether you're |
| smoking issues, face lifts, internal medicine, chronic | | | | working under an MD or working in your own |
| disease, rehabilitation and prevention and even | | | | practice. Also on whether you're working for a |
| veterinary. Acupuncture is based on Oriental | | | | salary or wage or are self-employed. The range |
| medical theory (Chinese acupuncture) and among | | | | can be broad. |
| other things requires the use of needles. As an | | | | Starting salary can be as little as $44,000 and can |
| acupuncturist you'd make a diagnosis based on an | | | | go up to $63,000 with just a year or less |
| interview with the patient. You'd use this | | | | experience, depending on the state. If you have |
| information to decide on what points to treat. | | | | many years experience it can be much higher. If |
| Treating these points is supposed to increase the | | | | you're self-employed your profits could be much |
| flow of energy, which is called Qi, (pronounced | | | | higher depending on your overhead. |
| chee), throughout the body. | | | | At this writing there are more than 10,000 |
| First of all the job outlook for acupuncturists has | | | | licensed acupuncturists in the US. Many colleges |
| increased twofold over the past few years. More | | | | and schools offer acupuncture training. Accredited |
| and more acupuncture is being considered as | | | | acupuncture schools are located throughout the |
| successful and many doctors are recommending | | | | United Sates. |
| acupuncture to their patients. This, of course, is a | | | | If you're thinking about acupuncture for a career, |
| good sign and as time goes by there will be even | | | | it's a good choice. The health care market booms |
| more acceptance. Getting in on this ground level | | | | in good times and bad. There will always be a |
| has to be good. | | | | wealth of patients seeking help. Pick a good |
| Another good sign is that insurance companies | | | | acupuncture school and get good training. You |
| have been gradually adding acupuncture to their | | | | may want to consider working for someone else |
| insurance plans. So it's a good time to think about | | | | first to get your feet wet before you open your |
| acupuncture for a career. Generally licensed | | | | own clinic or practice. |
| acupuncturists can operate their own clinics or | | | | |