Selecting Your Acupuncture School

In today’s economy, many people are looking to change or enhance their career. One of the fastest growing career fields in the United States is Holistic Health and in particular, Acupuncture. Individuals interested in becoming an Acupuncturist are encouraged to study at an accredited Acupuncture School.

The use of Acupuncture originated in Asia around 3,000 B.C. and its practice is based on the belief that there must be a balance in the flow of one’s qi, or energy for the individual to have a healthy body and mind. Acupuncture is the use of thin needles to restore the balance of one’s qi, or flow of energy. The needles are placed into specific points of the body, or acupressure points, and are then manipulated manually to stimulate these points. This process allows for the flow of energy to be balanced and to relieve the patient’s physical or mental ailment.

According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2007, the use of acupuncture and Oriental medicine by Americans increased by 50% between 2002 and 2007 with 17.6 million acupuncture visits in 2007, up from 8.2 million in 2004. The Western society’s noticeably growing interest in oriental medicine creates career opportunities for individuals interested in practicing in this field. However, in order to be successful in the field, it is important that the individual acquires quality education from an accredited Acupuncture School such as New York College of Health Professions.

Before selecting the right school for you, consider the following questions:

• What are your career goals? It is important to have the commitment to attend college for about five years. If you are looking to own your practice, it is important that the school you choose offers courses on business management.
• Is the program accredited? While educational requirements vary by state, it is important to enroll in an accredited program to ensure that you are learning everything that is necessary for you to succeed in your field and become licensed.
• Is your program affordable? Because you will be investing time and money into your education, it is suggested that you consider your finances. It is wise to attend a school that offers financial aid as well as part time attendance options so that you may continue working while in school.

New York College of Health Professions is an exemplary Acupuncture School that is accredited, allows for working students to attend school full-time or part-time, and has 4 convenient locations on Long Island and in New York City. Their Graduate School of Oriental Medicine offers a 145-credit, nine-trimester Acupuncture Program. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Professional Studies/ Master of Science – Acupuncture degree.