Employers
About 20,500 board-certified acupuncturists are active in the United States, according to NCCAOM. Most acupuncturists operate private practices. Some form or join partnerships with other acupuncturists or people skilled in other areas of Oriental medicine. Professionals and clinics in other areas of health care, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, and medical doctors, increasingly include acupuncturists.
As acupuncture becomes more accepted, there are growing opportunities for acupuncturists in hospitals and university medical schools. A few acupuncturists are engaged in medical research. They conduct studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating various health conditions. There is a growing emphasis on research in acupuncture, and this area is likely to employ greater numbers in the future. A few acupuncturists work for government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health.
Starting Out
To start as an acupuncturist, one of the most important elements is ensuring you have the proper certification and licensing for your geographical area. This is essential, and the requirements for the profession, each state, and the nation change rapidly.
The career services office of your school can help you find job opportunities. When starting, some acupuncturists find jobs in clinics with doctors, chiropractors, or wellness centers. This allows them to start practicing without having to equip an office. Some begin working with a more experienced acupuncturist and later go into private practice. Acupuncturists frequently work in private practice. When starting a new practice, they often have full-time jobs and begin their practices part-time.
Networking with professionals in local and national organizations is a good way to learn about job opportunities.