How many Acupuncturists are having trouble making it? What shoud you get your AS/BA in? Best place to study?
Answer:
Getting started is really difficult. Surprise! A new small business is like that. You really have to be a multi-hat wearing individual because it isn't just hanging a sign up and having clients pour in. You have to learn to run a business, which they don't truly teach you how to do in school (probably because they are too busy teaching you to be an acupuncturist...).
Most acupuncturist I know, including myself, come from non-medical backgrounds. There isn't any great pre-acupuncture degree that spells success. Both I and my partner have fallen back on our prior experience and job history to financially support ourselves while our practice grows. The trick is perseverance and managing our costs while we do so.
When I think about any sort of medical field I don't think about online study. You need to go check out some schools and see if their location, and programs are right for you. Can you get the education you want/need, and afford to live where the school is located?
I agree. It's a very hard business, both to get started in and to keep alive. Here's some advice: find an area with a large chinese community and/or a more liberal or open minded community. Usually, people who are of a chinese background tend to be more trusting of TCM (traditional chinese medicine). Of course there are also many people who are not Chinese and are still open to TCM, ergo the "open minded" part. A place with a lot of athletes is also preferable, as athletes tend to be more aware of different healh practices and are often very welcoming to non-invasive procedures. This is your best bet at locating a good, steady supply of costumers.
As per the study, I'd reccomend getting a good, strong background in Western medicine first. Major in biology, psychology, or take a premedical program. It also helps to take a course or two in Mandarin. While you're still in college, read up as much as you can on acupuncture and chinese medicine. Good books to start with are "The Web that has no Weaver", and "Between Heaven and Earth". There aren't that many good acupuncture schools in the States -- if you get the chance to study in China that's your best bet at learning the trade. Otherwise, try "Pacific Academy" in New York. I have a friend studying there. Also, it REALLY helps to get a few internships with different TCM practitioners/acupuncturists. That's where being in New York really helps -- there are A LOT of them here.
Having a career to fall back on is practically a necessity, if you ask me. So if nursing is your thing, then yes, get certified first. Me personally, I'm into psychology, so that's my plan B. Oh, and on the topic of jobs, it really helps to either study different related practicies or team up with someone who does, e.g. chiropractic, nutrition, aryuveda, or try a health spa. I have a good friend who is an acupuncturist, but also offers herbal treatment, Tui Na massage, classes on TCM, sells herbs, and has a salon as well. So far he's making it pretty good, and he's in NYC where the rents are through the roof.
Good luck to you
It is true that nearly every acupuncture school out there does not really prepare their students for the reality of owning a practice. Consider the fact that there is one practice management class offered in the entire curriculum of most schools.
With that said, as long as you commit yourself to learning how to market, communicate effectively, and maintain a healthy attitude, then there is no reason you can't experience success rather quickly. There are way too many gloom and doom scenarios painted out there of acupuncturists struggling for years, then telling everyone else how hard it is to make it. It doesn't have to be that way.
Many practitioners have been able to grow rather quickly and make 6 figure incomes, but most of the stories we hear are the opposite. The practitioners who are this successful have made a strong commitment to the study of TCM and the success of their practice. They do not treat it like a hobby that may or may not pay them well.
So, I say go for it! I have done great as an acupuncturist, as have many others I know. If you need help along the way, go to http://www.buildyourdreampractice.net... and opt in for my free practice building tips
all the best,
Kevin Doherty, L.Ac., MS
Helping You Create Your Dream Practice
http://www.buildyourdreampractice.net...
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