Acupuncturist : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, a degree or HND in life/medical sciences may increase your chances. However, a degree is not necessarily a compulsory requirement for entry to training and many students of acupuncture have no academic qualifications. Knowledge of biological sciences is helpful, but attitude, personal qualities and life experience are equally important. Knowledge of the subject, personal experience of successful treatment and experience of teaching, counselling, advice work, massage or nursing may facilitate entry.

At the moment, acupuncture is regulated only by voluntary agreement. However, the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)  is calling for statutory regulation and has appealed to the Department of Health to bring acupuncture in line with herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, which are already regulated.

If the law changes, enforcing regulation, it will mean only those courses and practitioners who meet the required standard will be able to practise as an acupuncturist.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) works closely with the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) , which is an independent accreditation board providing a common educational standard. Training courses requiring a minimum of three years' full-time study at degree level (or the equivalent part time) are available at several different institutions. These courses lead to professional membership of the BAcC, which provides professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

When looking for a course, it is important to research the course content, speak to practitioners in the field and carefully compare the pros and cons of qualification through the various institutions.

Observation and clinical practice form a substantial part of the training, and practice treatments are carried out under the close supervision of trained and experienced acupuncturists.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• good communication and interpersonal skills in order to explain treatment processes and establish a positive rapport with clients;
• the ability to put patients at ease;
• effective organisational, marketing and financial skills in order to set up and run a successful business.

An open, non-judgemental approach is essential. The work requires maturity and sensitivity to deal with the difficult emotional issues that can arise during a client’s treatment.