Acupuncturist: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Aside from the modern medical science practice, there are other modalities of treatment to several types of diseases in the traditional and alternative medicine. One of those is acupuncture. Acupuncture is considered as a complete traditional Chinese medical system that is being practiced so as to help people improve their body and mind functioning, and promote the so-called natural healing. This is being done by the acupuncture professionals, called the acupuncturists. The purpose is basically to maintain health, alleviate pain and discomfort, as well as to treat illness. Acupunturists acquired the skills and techniques of healing from the years of studies and practice of the traditional alternative acupunture art and science.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Anyone who is interested in becoming an acupuncturist should take courses in human body and sciences as easly as high school. For the post secondary trainings, more than fifty schools conduct programs and trainings for oriental medicine specifically in acupuncture. These schools are accredited by the ACAOM, or the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. These also offer master's and doctorate level courses, yet there are several requirements to be fulfilled before getting admitted. A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as any premedical courses should taken first.
Skills and Abilities
As health practitioners, acupuncturists should know how to listen to their patients attentively. They should be compassionate and patient to the needs and conditions of their patients. They should be experts in the field of acupuncture, as honed by continuous practice and study.
Duties
At the very basic level, acupuncturists treat the disorders, supress signs and symptoms of the illness with the use of very thin needles.
These are used to puncture specific body locations called the acupunture sites. The practice of puncturing came from the belief that the "chi" or the vital energy of the body, flows through certain channels. One channel correspond to a particular body part, organ or system, as well as to their related physiology. Before doing so, they first conduct an assessment of the chief complaints of the patient who wishes to be treated. Then after diagnosing what may be the possible cause of the problem, they begin by letting the patient relax, and be positioned, considering their safety and comfort. After positioning, locating the acupuncture points will follow as well as preparing the sterile needles to be used for puncturing. Puncturing will then start with a certain motion or manipulation. Then afterwards, an evaluation of the condition and a follow up check up will be scheduled.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The starting salary for acupuncturists range from 22,000 U.S dollars to around 32,000 U.S. dollars. For those who have made a name in the industry and well experienced in this field, they can earn around 45,000 U.S. dollars on the average, on a yearly basis. Due to the increasing public awareness and acceptance, there is an increased job opportunity for the acupuncturists/ acupuncture practitioners.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 539 Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2010 Time: 5:37 AM
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