Acupuncture School Preparation
Top 10 Tips For Choosing an Acupuncture College
Top 10 Tips For Choosing an Acupuncture College
Find Acupuncture Schools | Acupuncture Career and School Guide
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Acupuncture college means four intense years of studying the ancient art of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and immersing yourself in the ballet of Qi—or the flow of vital energy. Choosing an acupuncture school is a big decision and you want to find the best program for you. We've compiled some tips to get you started on your journey to becoming an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practitioner.
1. Look for ACAOM Accreditation
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) establishes the policies and standards in education for acupuncture colleges. An accredited school offers the training required for licensure in the majority of states. Refer to ACAOM for a current list of accredited acupuncture schools.
2. Know the Difference Between TCM, Japanese, Korean and Western Acupuncture
Acupuncture colleges typically teach practices from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Different schools may focus on training in Japanese acupuncture, Korean acupuncture or Western medical acupuncture, along with courses in anatomy, physiology and pathology. You want to make sure you choose a school that offers practices you are interested in, so look closely at a school's acupuncture program to determine whether it matches your educational and career goals.
3. Take a Holistic Approach
Many patients see acupuncturists to relieve pain that results from injuries, diseases or chronic disorders. Others seek treatment for a variety of physical or psychological issues, such as asthma, hypertension, anxiety, depression, infertility or addictions to drugs, alcohol or nicotine. The acupuncture school you choose should equip you with the knowledge and skills to treat these types of issues and illnesses.
4. Look for an Emphasis on Clinical Training
Hands-on, clinical training will greatly enhance your acupuncture education. At some schools, clinical training starts in the first term. Research the clinical training programs at different schools and find out how early they begin in the curriculum. Entering the field with extensive, practical experience will boost your acupuncture career opportunities and confidence.
5. Find a College That Specializes in Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine Arts
Search for schools that specialize. A college devoted to acupuncture and natural healing arts typically promises a higher level of quality in its curriculum and faculty than a trade school that lists acupuncture as one item on a menu.
6. Talk to the Financial Aid Director
Annual tuition costs vary among acupuncture colleges and most full-time programs take three to four years to complete. Many acupuncture schools offer financial aid, including Pell Grants and direct loans.Talk to the financial aid department prior to enrolling in a school to determine your financial aid eligibility.
7. Make Sure Teachers Have Clinical Experience
Attending an acupuncture school where the faculty has at least ten years of hands-on, clinical experience and extensive teaching experience will enhance your education. If you plan to specialize in a particular acupuncture specialty, contact your school of choice to find out if their faculty has specific knowledge in that area of expertise.
8. Interview Students and Faculty
Take time to visit schools and talk to faculty and students to get a feel for whether the environment suits you. Do both groups seem excited about the acupuncture education the school offers? What do students like about the school, and if they could choose again, would they pick a different acupuncture college?
9. Try an Acupuncture Treatment at the College
Consider getting a treatment at a college's student clinic to experience the school's education firsthand. You can also find a local graduate and get a treatment from that person. If you like the practitioner's techniques, ask questions and find out whether he or she would recommend the school to prospective students.
10. Choose a School With a Good National Certification Exam Passage Rate
A school's graduation rate should reflect that a strong majority of students who start the program actually complete it. Also, compare the school's passage rate for the national certification exam to the national average. Acupuncture colleges with a passage rate above the national average demonstrate educational excellence.
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Looking for Acupuncture Schools?
Try our Acupuncture Schools & Training page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools which offer program descriptions and request information forms to find out more.
Sources:
About.com, 2009
Tri-State College of Acupuncture, 2008
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