Choosing the right Acupuncture school begins with a vision for what a day in your life might look like in five or 25 years. Will your practice be a sole entity, will you be working in a larger group of Acupuncturists, or with a mix of practitioners in other areas of Holistic Medicine? And, where will that practice be located? This is important since certification and licensing requirements vary from state to state.
Every Acupuncture school has differing requirements and a slightly different mix in course material and concentration. Once you gain some clarity around your needs and expectations it is time to contact admissions representatives for more details.
Admissions requirements will head the list of information you will be seeking and comparing. You want to know about requirements and prerequisites including whether your selection necessitates the completion of a college degree or a background in a particular area of science like biology. Choosing the right Acupuncture school depends on your specific interest, expectations and the offering and philosophy of the institution.
Here are four important aspects of the selection process for you to consider.
What type of Acupuncture program is most interesting to you?
There is a wide selection of Acupuncture schools and programs from which to choose. The Internet is a great place to start your investigation. Choose from specialized colleges that offer an advanced degree. There are three, four and even five year programs, plus weekend classes that may interest those already in the healthcare field. If you just want to learn about Eastern Medicine, look online for information on workshops and seminars. These learning opportunities might be perfect for an introductory understanding.
What convention or discipline of Acupuncture is offered?
Although there are several differentiated approaches to Acupuncture the core learning and preparation for practice are similar. Look into traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Five-Element Acupuncture, Facial or Cosmetic Acupuncture. These are the most prominent.
Learn about the faculty
Instructors are the backbone to any program. Find out, through your own research or in conversation with the admissions official about the credentials of the teaching staff. Look at staff experience and practical background; you want instructors that have worked in the field and see patients in a clinical environment. These are the experts that know the bounds and proper application of their specialty and can impart that knowledge readily.
Is the Acupuncture School Accredited?
The most essential part in determining the right Acupuncture program is a school’s accreditation. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the only acupuncture accreditation commission for acupuncture schools. Attending a school that is not accredited by ACAOM will limit you prospects for attaining a license to practice.
Finally, consider the Acupuncture schools that are close by, have a recognized college accreditation, usually from the state in which it operates, and one that offers a master’s program. This will help to assure you will be able to practice upon completing your requirements.
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