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Oriental Medicine Practitioners

Education and Training Requirements

High School

To prepare yourself for a career as an Oriental medicine practitioner, you need to learn to understand the human body, mind, and spirit. Courses in science, particularly biology, will help you prepare for medical courses ahead. Psychology, philosophy, sociology, and comparative religion classes can help you learn about the mind and spirit. Physical education and sports training will help you prepare for the exercise and massage aspects of Oriental medicine. English, drama, debate, and speech can help you develop the communication skills you will need to relate to your clients and to build your business. Most Oriental medicine practitioners are self-employed, so you will also need business, math, and computer skills.

Postsecondary Training

In the United States, there are presently three defined career paths for Oriental medicine practitioners: acupuncture, Oriental medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbology), and Oriental bodywork. There are more than 50 accredited schools in the United States in Oriental medicine and acupuncture. The duration of programs will vary, but most students choose to attend a program at the master's level. For admission to a master's level program, almost every school requires at least two years of undergraduate study. Others require a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as science, nursing, or premed. Most Oriental medicine programs provide a thorough education in Western sciences as well as Chinese herbology, acupuncture techniques, and all aspects of traditional Oriental medicine.

Choosing a school for Oriental medicine can be a complex task. An important consideration is where you want to live and practice. State requirements to practice Oriental medicine vary greatly, so be sure to choose a school that will prepare you to practice in your desired location.

If you plan to apply for federal financial assistance, look for a college accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (https://www.acaom.org) because these programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Oriental bodywork therapy is not taught as a separate discipline in schools of Oriental medicine. To become an Oriental bodywork therapist, you must first meet the requirements of your state to become a massage therapist. Most massage therapy schools require a high school diploma for entrance. Postsecondary or previous study of science, psychology, and business can be helpful. Some schools require a personal interview. Accredited massage schools generally offer a minimum of 500 hours of training, which includes the study of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of human movement), ethics, and business practices. In addition, the school should provide courses in the theory and practice of massage therapy and supervised hands-on training. 

Once you complete a program in general massage therapy, you can specialize in Oriental bodywork. Some massage schools offer courses in Oriental bodywork. A specialty in Oriental bodywork requires 150 to 500 hours of additional training. The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) can supply you with information about schools that offer training.

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