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About Acupuncture
You'll become
Average Salaries
Acupuncture workers may earn between $29,000 and $86,000 per year
Bring ancient Chinese medicine techniques into the 21st century and offer alternative wellbeing help to people by studying an acupuncture course.
If you’re searching for a career helping people, are curious and open-minded, and are interested in health and wellbeing, consider studying an acupuncture course. Now widely used in Australia as an alternative form of medicine, the practise of acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine, which stimulates specific points on the body in order to regulate the flow of qi, vital energy, to balance the body and restore health.
In an acupuncture course, you’ll study a broad range of techniques of traditional Chinese medicine, grounded in an understanding of the philosophy and principles of Chinese medicine. You’ll learn techniques of acupuncture, Qi Gong, Chinese herbs, Chinese dietary therapy and Chinese massage techniques, in order to regulate your clients’ qi and balance the functions of their body, mind and spirit.
Responding to modern health problems like stress, pollution and poor diets, acupuncture remains relevant and is sought out as an alternative to modern medicine’s often-reactive approach to treating ill health. Acupuncture is considered a complementary and alternative medical practise; however, it remains regulated to maintain standards and confidence.
If you wish to use the professional title of acupuncturist after completing an acupuncture course, you must apply for registration with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, and complete an acupuncture course carrying their accreditation. Currently, you can complete accredited courses at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.
After completing an acupuncture course, you’ll be able to seek employment as an acupuncturist. Using your specialised skillset, you’ll be able to guide people to seek health, balance and fulfilment, and build yourself a rewarding career in the process.
What do acupuncture graduates do?
Acupuncture graduates usually work as acupuncturists, consulting to clients in private settings, clinics or hospitals. A consultation with a client usually takes about between 30 minutes and an hour, and may include an interview to understand the client’s condition and to discuss treatment options; the insertion of needles into the client’s body to treat pain and injury; and the maintenance of client records. As an acupuncturist, you’ll be responsible for ensuring your practice complies with relevant occupational health and safety standards, and that records and progress for your clients are managed appropriately.
Depending on the nature of your qualification, you may also be qualified to give clients advice on herbal medicines, nutrition and lifestyle. If you choose to undertake your acupuncture study as a specialisation in a broader Chinese medicine degree, you’ll be able to assist patients with the use of Chinese herbal medicines, massage techniques, nutrition and lifestyle advice, and suggest other natural therapies and interventions to complement your acupuncture practice.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
As the practice of acupuncture is considered a complementary and alternative form of medicine, practitioners do not need a medical degree to advise clients, and may work in a diverse range of industries outside of providing health advice. After studying an acupuncture course, you may choose to seek employment in the healthcare, hospitality, spa, retail and media industries.
Graduates of acupuncture courses usually pursue employment in private practices, although as the profession becomes more widely known, you may also find roles available for acupuncture graduates in contemporary medical and hospital settings. After completing an acupuncture course, you’ll likely seek work as a:
Is acupuncture right for you?
You’ll find acupuncture enjoyable and rewarding if you:
- Are passionate about health and wellbeing
- Enjoy working with people
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Can take initiative and work independently
- Are interested in alternative approaches
- Are open-minded
- Are a creative thinker
- Can pay attention to detail
Job opportunities
Acupuncture is a small industry in Australia, with fewer than 10,000 people employed. The Australian Government’s Job Outlook notes that job opportunities across a range of allied health and complementary medicine roles has increased steadily over the past decade, and predicts that opportunities will continue to expand until at least 2020.
Average Salaries
An acupuncturist in Australia can expect to earn between $29,000 and $86,000 per year, with most earning around $49,000, according to PayScale. Experience has a significant impact on an acupuncturist’s earning capacity, with PayScale reporting a spike in salaries for people beyond the middle of their careers. An acupuncturist with 10 years’ experience can expect to earn on average $59,000 per year, while an acupuncturist with 20 years’ experience can expect to earn on average $71,000 per year, according to PayScale.
Industry Bodies
- Allied Health Professionals Australia
- Australian Natural Therapists Association
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society
- Complementary Medicine Association