Acupuncturist

Tasks & duties

Acupuncturists may do some or all of the following:

• consult with patients about their health or injuries
• examine patients and diagnose health problems using the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, tongue observation and by checking the pulse
• discuss treatment options with patients
• locate the acupuncture points on the body
• select needles to insert and then remove from the patient's body
• use and prescribe herbal medicines to treat patients
• give dietary advice, tuina (massage), moxibustion (heat), cupping (suction), exercise therapy and laser therapy
• refer patients to other health services when necessary
• keep patient records

Skills & knowledge

Acupuncturists need to have:

• knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and its philosophy, theory and practice
• skill in diagnosing illness and practising acupuncture
• knowledge of Western medical theories about the human body and how it functions, and treatment procedures
• knowledge of the Western medical code of ethics and the ability to abide by the code
• massage skills
• good communication skills
• good problem-solving skills
• organisational ability
• business skills

Entry requirements

To become an acupuncturist you need to complete four years of tertiary study in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, or postgraduate training in traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and acupuncture theory.

Secondary education

Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, English and Chinese languages.

Tertiary education

The National Diploma in Acupuncture was de-registered in March 2008 by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). From 2009, acupuncturists will need to have a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Acupuncture).  If you already have a degree in a health-related science, then you may be eligible to cross credit your points so that you can study acupuncture at postgraduate level.

The New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has training facilities in Auckland and Wellington is the only tertiary education provider in New Zealand that offers the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Acupuncture - BHSc (Acupuncture).

The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine, which has campuses in Auckland and Christchurch offers a National Diploma in Acupuncture.

Training on the job

Acupuncturists gain skills on the job. Members of  the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists undertake continuing education each year as a requirement for gaining their Annual Practising Certificate.

Registration

It is preferred that you are a member of The New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists (NZRA) and have an annual practising certificate. To become registered you need to pass a written and practical examination, including demonstration of competence in sterile treatment procedures.

Although qualified acupuncturists do not currently have to be members of the NZRA, it is considered good business practice and helps with credibility and public assurance.

Useful experience

Useful experience for acupuncturists includes:

• work in traditional Chinese medicine,
• work in the health sector
• counselling work

Experience living or studying in an Eastern culture and learning about Eastern philosophy is also useful.

Related courses

Acupuncture
Naturopathy and Homeopathy
Traditional Chinese Medicine

For more information, please refer to Career Services.