Acupuncture Degree Programs – What They Entail

There is an old Chinese method to relieve pain that is becoming increasingly more prominent in the United States. As a result of this growing medical practice more colleges are continuing to add degree programs to match the need for more acupuncture practitioners. Acupuncture is becoming one of the fastest growing fields in natural healing medicine and obtaining a degree in this field will help students become a valuable part of the industry.

Let's focus in on what the practice of acupuncture is. This form of medical therapy involves a procedure where the practitioner inserts thin needles into the body where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated. The desired result is increased blood flow that will release natural painkillers in the body to relieve pain from an assortment of different ailments.

Picking a college degree program for acupuncture mainly depends on the career a student wishes to pursue.
Many acupuncture colleges require some form of previous higher education in order to enroll.
Standard programs will have students stepping out into the work force within three to four years upon graduation.
However, many students decide to further their education and obtain a master's degree or doctorate degree.
Prior to admission into a master's degree program students are required to successfully complete 60 semester hours, which is equal to a bachelor's degree.
Many schools require students to have a 2.5 or 3.0 grade point average or higher in undergraduate studies in order to be eligible for admittance into a higher degree program.
Obtaining a bachelor's degree is a standard requirement because the course load adequately prepares students for a career in health care or science.

Typically a master's of science in an acupuncture program consists of a seven-trimester course schedule. This degree program will prepare students to take the national board exams and enable them to achieve certification in most states, so that the degree holder can be a licensed practicing acupuncturist. A trimester for a master's program will expect students to successfully keep up with a 17 to 18 credit hour schedule. Coursework will include all areas of the practice including history, biochemistry, neurology, and more.

The highest degree program offered for an acupuncturist career is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. This program is taken after the prerequisite curriculum of a bachelor's and master's degree. A typical program to obtain a doctorate is two to three years with total course credits equaling around 65. The DAOM program could include additional courses in natural healing, nutrition and counseling that will end in a capstone research project. The student of a rigorous program at this level will dive deeper into Traditional Chinese Medicine training, and will have the opportunity to develop advanced clinical acupuncture therapy skills.

Entering this fast growing career will leave degree holders with knowledge in many areas. Acupuncturists will help their patients in a variety of ways with the foundation that health is the result of a harmonious balance in the body. The balance will be explored through numerous acupuncture points to create a healthy energy flow throughout the body. Start on the road to a fulfilling career by seeking out accredited acupuncture colleges and programs today. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) accredited schools and colleges that offer quality training programs

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on HolisticJunction.com.
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By: David H Woods

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David H. Woods is a staff writer for HolisticJunction.com. Locate and request information from Schools of Acupuncture, as well as other Colleges and Universities offering Acupuncture Training at www.HolisticJunction.com, your positive pathway to discovery!