Acupuncture is performed by inserting tiny, flexible needles into a patient’s body, which alleviates pain, and treats a number of different symptoms. The needles used in acupuncture are made of stainless steel, are roughly 0.2mm thick (about the width of a human hair), and are used to stimulate meridians (lines that run through the body), acupuncture points, and neural zones that sit under the skin.
Acupuncture has a rich history dating back 2,500 years—a tradition that you can continue, while bringing good health to your fellow Australians. As an acupuncturist, you have the opportunity to improve people’s quality of life by treating a range of ailments such as chronic pain, rhinitis, sinusitis, dental pain, anxiety, depression, fertility, and insomnia. The natural health industry in Australia is worth around $4 billion,1 with acupuncture a popular choice for many Australians, opening up lucrative career paths for anyone interested. The average salary for an acupuncturist is around $58,000, but with experience you can breach the $90,000 mark.
Once qualified, you can work at an existing acupuncture clinic, a wellness clinic or health spa, or even be your own boss by opening your acupuncture business.
Browse ANTA-approved, high-quality course providers for acupuncture.
the course combines the principles and philosophy of chinese medicine theory with chi...
Course Provider : Endeavour College of Natural Health
Campuses :NSW QLD SA VIC WA
if you're a healthcare practitioner, this program offers you a unique opportunity for...
Course Provider : RMIT
Campuses :VIC
Acupuncture works by inserting hair-thin stainless steel needles into the body, in order to stimulate meridians, acupuncture points, and neural zones. An acupuncturist’s responsibilities typically include:
As a qualified acupuncturist, you will likely work in one of the following places:
Acupuncture clinic
Acupuncture clinics are peppered throughout Australia’s towns and cities, and as a newly-qualified acupuncturist, you may start your career at one of them. Or if you like the idea of running your own business, and are ready to work harder than you’ve ever worked before, you can start your own clinic.
Healthcare or wellness clinic
Wellness is an industry growing at a phenomenal rate, with healthcare and wellness clinics popping up everywhere. They typically hire massage therapists, homeopaths, nutritionists, and acupuncturists, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their available jobs or just dropping in your CV.
The global acupuncture market is expected to reach a value of around $72 million AUD by 2023. It’s a growing industry that makes acupuncture an exciting career prospect for anyone interested.
Acupuncturists require a bachelor degree to practise in Australia, with one of the most common being the Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture).
There are many acupuncture colleges in the country—here are some ways to become an accredited acupuncturist.
Number of days per week: 3
Course duration: 4 years full time (24 hours per week), or 8 years part time (12 hours per week)
Study mode: Mixture of on campus learning, and online learning
Entry requirements: Year 12 or equivalent
Units of study:
Number of days per week: 3
Course duration: 4 years full time, or 10 years part time
Study mode: Mixture of on campus learning, and online learning
Course overview:
You can also complete the following programs to become a qualified acupuncturist, or to enhance your skill:
The following skills are important to become an acupuncture practitioner:
Average salary: $58,426
References