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Therapy

Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists insert needles into pressure points on clients' bodies to help with stress and improve their wellbeing.

Annual Salary

variable

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

37 to 39 variable

You could work: freelance / self-employed; managing your own hours

3.8%
Future employment

There will be 3.8% more Acupuncturist jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

As an acupuncturist you could:

  • learn about your client's lifestyle, diet, emotions and symptoms
  • diagnose problems and decide what action to take
  • choose points on the body to be treated and insert needles
  • refer clients to medical practitioners
  • keep records

Working environment

You could work from home, at a hospice, in a therapy clinic, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.

You can get into this job through specialist courses run by professional bodies.

Other routes

You'll need to get a qualification that is recognised by a professional body like the:

You can do different level courses, with some going up to degree. You can find out what the entry requirements are from the professional body.

Some courses approved by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board can lead to membership of the British Acupuncture Council.

British Medical Acupuncture Society

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you could train in acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

As a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, you can use acupuncture in your professional practice.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You might find it useful to join the British Acupuncture Council or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more a career in acupuncture from the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, the British Acupuncture Council or the NHS.

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With experience you could move into teaching or research.

You may find it useful to join organisations like the British Acupuncture Council and Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

You can find out more about acupuncture careers from the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board and the British Acupuncture Council.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and how the body works
  • knowledge of psychology
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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