Acupuncture Jobs: Career Outlook for Acupuncturists
Many students are interested in studying acupuncture, but first want to understand the return on investment. Are there acupuncture jobs available? Will I be able to make a living as an acupuncturist? We will answer these questions and more in this post, sharing many stories from alumni who have found success in diverse ways.
Acupuncture Job Outlook
Career options in healthcare are expanding as acupuncture becomes more integrated into the traditional healthcare model.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate for acupuncturists is 5%, or as fast as average. But when you consider the increasing demand for holistic medicine and the growing body of research on the effectiveness of acupuncture, the job outlook for acupuncturists looks promising.
Influential organizations are endorsing acupuncture and in Minnesota, most of the major healthcare organizations employee acupuncturists. When NWHSU graduate Lanna Schwab moved to a remote area of Minnesota and became the only acupuncturist in her town, she was surprised to find that most of the doctors she spoke to at the local hospital were open to acupuncture.
She’s also found that as she successfully helps more and more patients, the word is spreading quickly. “One of my greatest joys in life is when a skeptic will walk in my door and leave feeling better. And since COVID, it seems like people are taking a lot more initiative in their own health.”
Developments like these only strengthen the future of acupuncture jobs. You will be working during an exciting time of growth, research, and interest in acupuncture.
Careers in Acupuncture
Because fifty percent of NWHSU’s acupuncture program is hands on, and we offer the most robust clinical internship program in the country, you have many opportunities to diversify your experience and figure out what best fits your interests.
Specializing in acupuncture is easy due to its unique position in addressing the physical and emotional aspects of a patient’s health, as well as its accessible drug-free and non-invasive approach.
You can complete a program that specializes in Chinese herbal medicine, like the one at NWHSU, and focus on the herbal aspect of East Asian Medicine. You may choose to teach. Or you can choose to specialize in a population such as cancer patients or pregnant people, or within a specific area of interest such as infertility or chronic pain.
NWHSU acupuncture alum Larissa Vados was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a teenager. She tried several different medications with adverse side effects before finding her way to East Asian Medicine, which has helped her remain in remission for fifteen years.
“That’s why I wanted to become an acupuncturist,” she said. After studying in China, she returned to the states to work in acute and chronic pain clinics within the healthcare system. She now co-owns a practice and employs other holistic specialists. Larissa is a great example of someone who has enjoyed the variety of opportunities available within acupuncture jobs.
Where Do Acupuncturists Work?
The majority of acupuncturists own and operate their own clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most acupuncturists are self-employed.
Another NWHSU alum, Philip Kish, runs his own integrative healthcare clinic where he also employs a chiropractor, a physical therapist, and seven massage therapists. Establishing his own professional practice has afforded Dr. Kish a tremendous amount of freedom as a healthcare practitioner. While he may have to do his own laundry and marketing, he has control over his hours, policies, procedures, and even his decor.
“At my clinic, we want people—both the patients and the practitioners—to embrace their uniqueness. This is a special healing space, and it’s been an incredible journey to help create it,” he said.
Owning a business is not for everyone, however, and it’s not the only option. A growing number of acupuncturists are pursuing acupuncture jobs within the healthcare system where they can focus more on patients and research. Acupuncturists are employed in integrative care clinics, the VA, athletic facilities, and hospitals.
According to NWHSU alum Sara Bublitz, who treats pain conditions at Mayo Clinic, “When you’re in a hospital setting, you get to learn about all of these unique conditions that maybe you’ve never heard of before. In private practice, everyone is generally pretty healthy, whereas at Mayo, people are really sick. This makes the treatment protocols very different and, when they help, also very rewarding.”
Sara says that hospitals want to know that you can work within the Western structure and that you feel safe treating Western diseases. Her advice is, if you want to work in a hospital setting, try to get as many different types of internships under your belt as possible.
How Much Do Acupuncturists Make?
Salary can vary a lot depending on your location, level of experience, and your employer. The U.S. BLS lists the national median annual wage for acupuncturists as $78,000. However, when the data is broken down by state, that number changes. For acupuncturists living in Minnesota, the average wage rises to over $100,000 making it the state with the highest paying acupuncture jobs.
These numbers can be misleading, however, so it is good to do your own research. For example, the average wage does not include self-employed acupuncturists, which is the most common path.
You do have some degree of control over your income depending how, where, and in what setting you want to practice. It may seem like a lot to consider as you finish your degree, but NWHSU offers business classes that help you prepare for your future: whether you dream of opening your own clinic or joining an existing one. Set aside some time to check in with your mentors and advisors. Chart different career paths and compare them to see how your income will vary.
Your next step: Reach out for more information
Acupuncture jobs are growing, and if you join this field, you’ll have many paths to choose from. If you want to build a career as a Acupuncturist at NWHSU, we can prepare you for success.
Start your application process today! Reach out to NWHSU for personalized support on your path.