Acupuncture - viable career?

[NitleBitpaB]

I'm about to apply for a 3 year university course in Acupuncture at Westminstr University. Just slightly worried that it's quite expensive and that I might be making more debt instead of moving forward.

Could anyone give me guidance on whether it is a financially viable career?

 

[Clementine *Due Dec. 5*]

The University Courses are getting more expensive, do you get a student loan? I'm not an acupuncturist I am not the right one to comment on your question, however, I do think that it is a question of self-belief and focus then I think success will follow, in that sense it is up to you and your thoughts. I hope this doesn't come across as being 'flakey'.

I do think the course is excellent as I know someone who studied there and later taught the subject.

Love Binah
x

 

[Aubrey]

...

 

[Wendy b]

Hi Pinky,

I would say that yes, it could be a viable career move - as by the time you finish, the recession should be long gone, and people will have disposable incomes again - so go for it.

I am in the final week of my 3 years at Lincoln Uni, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it!!

If it is something you really want to do, then do it - dont put it off.
And good luck!!

 

[Norm Deguere]

It is especially hard to make a living as an acupuncturist and they don't have input in setting up a business, etc either. Have you considered doing a private course in homeopathy as that is equally if not more popular as it is non-invasive.

If I had a choice again, I would have definitely gone for homeopathy. There is a college near Chelmsford called Allens college of Homeopathy. Check and compare prices and research to find out which is more popular with the general public.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Pri

 

[Akshay]

I saw on the news the other night that drs are refering patients with bad backs to acurpuncturist sorry if thats spelt incorrectly. as there is such a high proportion of lower back ailments and its rising.They realize that this is doing some good.havent got the link,sorry but it was on tues or weds, I remember it as i was thinking that at least some drs are willing to be less pesimistic about alternative therapy .

 

[Raymondunlam]

It has been really good news for acupuncture this week, as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended acupuncture for treatment of back pain in its guidelines - which means that funding is more likely to be allocated to provision of acupuncture on the NHS. The magic words are "evidence-based practice" and inclusion in the NICE guidelines is a "gold seal of approval" for treatments that have been scientifically proven to work. So this may be a really good time to go into this field of work.

Masha

 

[SemoSpomo]

I'd say it's a great time to be getting into acupunture. I thoroughly enjoyed my course and the courses do include a business element now (or they did at LCTA which is where I studied) I think I did however underestimate the business sense needed, but it's a fun journey and you can have lots of support from business link including 1 on 1 marketing advice etc, as much as you need!

You can read more about the NICE guidelines re acupuncture here We are not sure how this will affect us as acupuncturists yet, hopefully some referrals will filter through from GPs when they realise that the evidence shows acupuncture to be a more physically effective, and cost effective treatment than current protocols.

I'm glad to see manipulative therapies and exercise feature in the guildelines too -these are exciting times

 

[trnvjhqs]

I would say it is both good news and not so good news re the recent report from NICE on Acupuncture and pain relief. Hopefully the NHS will appoint acupuncturists in their pain clinics.

What I am concerned about is that the NHS may choose to train up Doctors (usually a very short course indeed of days rather than years) in pain relief using acupuncture points, rather than employ fully qualified acupuncturists, who have trained for several years. This to my mind is not acupuncture.

Love Binah
x

 

[Oliver Sanvictores]

Hi Binah,

I agree and I know the British Acupuncture Council are working to a) get acupuncture state regulated and b) to dis-allow other non-traditional forms of needling to be called acupuncture. This however seems to be a long and drawn out process.

However, for now I am happy with anything which raises the profile of acupuncture in the eyes of the public. Insurance companies such as BUPA should find it more difficult to deny their customers treatment too. Although happily a fair few insurance companies do allow acupuncture now.

Jenny

 

[Ron Jay]

I begin my acupuncure training in 5 weeks and i have had thoughts about this situation too. Mainly that once the western doctors see results they will capitalise on this by training thier doctors in 'needles'! and IMO many people will trust a GP rather than seeking out properly trained practitioners.

The methods they use has been dubbed 'medical' acupuncture and has little relevance to traditional application. Find the 'hot spot' and stick a needle in! Many of these have a day spent learning about meridians and energy then 4 days treating, which is a very foolish way to let someone play with peoples energy.

I expect that this will increase the number of people that have little effect from the treatment, and tarnish the name of acupuncture.
This nievity will at some stage have a reverse effect which is hard to predict at present.

There are always two thing to be mindful of when practicing alternative medicine.
1. People will always seek effective treatments if they genuinely need it.
2. Any doctor can cure illness, a good doctor is the one who prevents it.

If anything the whole experience will bring traditional methods into the limelight.

Regulation is due for 2011 so train now and you will be ahead of the game.

INDO

 

[kansasfan]

Hi Indo

See you in 5 weeks! ;-)

RP

 

[GetSkinnyDiet.com]

Does this mean you are on the course?

 

[puthtwese]

Yes!

 

[Jade ? MJ]

re the funding issue - yes you do get a student loan for an acupuncture degree.

As I have now completed mine, and had my results (which I am extremely proud of, may I add!) the prospect of finding work has been daunting. We did do the Business Studies element on the degree, but writing a business plan and learning about Health & Safety and Taxation will never prepare you for the reality - although it helps give you an idea.

I have decided not to set up my own clinic for the time being, as I wanted to gain some experience in an established clinic. I sent out probably 20+ letters to places, asking for a room to rent - and got arouond 5 replies. 1 so far has come to something, and I am going to start work in a couple of months, working 1 day a week, initially.

If you have the funding to open your own clinic - then it may well pay - I know several people who make a good living from Acupuncture alone. However - if you cannot afford to open your own place immediately, then you may find it does not make you a multi-millionaire straight away.

BUT - never lose sight of what you want to make of it.