"To get a general overview of careers in Chinese medicine, it is important that you review some of the credentials that are necessary to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly known as "TCM."
Now that you've taken one of the initial steps in exploring the many unique careers in Chinese medicine, it is essential that you carefully research the field and discover this fascinating healing art by visiting your local acupuncturist or Oriental medicine practitioner.
To get a general overview of careers in Chinese medicine, it is important that you review some of the credentials that are necessary to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly known as "TCM." For instance, if you would like to become a licensed acupuncturist, it is a good idea to take essential classes now while you are still in high school or college so you can meet prerequisites to enroll in a Chinese medicine school. Additionally, it is equally important to evaluate the Oriental medicine college in which you'd like to enroll as some educational institutions offer a greater assortment of diploma and/or degree programs.
Careers in Chinese medicine are diverse and include healing arts professions like Chinese medical massage therapists, acupuncturists, Chinese herbalists, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Oriental medicine practitioners. Depending on how much time you would like to invest in achieving one of the careers in Chinese medicine, you should examine which course will meet your aspirations. For example, if you are seriously contemplating a career as a licensed Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can anticipate up to five years of comprehensive training and education in clinical research in TCM, herbal pharmacology, TCM treatment modalities, TCM pathologies, and TCM classics, among others.
Other careers in Chinese medicine like the Chinese Tuina (Chinese medical massage) practitioner can be attained once students have completed specialized training (often in less than a year) in Tuina, (energy medicine and bodywork techniques similar to acupressure). Upon completion of training, graduates are awarded a diploma or certificate.
If you're not squeamish, careers in Chinese medicine such as acupuncture can be a rewarding field of natural healthcare. Acupuncture programs often entail up to 3,000 hours of in-depth training in various Oriental medicine needling techniques, as well as education in the philosophies, principles and applications of TCM. As with most health care providers, careers in Chinese medicine (like acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners) commonly require State licensure, and annual continuing education to maintain licensure and/or certification to practice.
Additional information regarding careers in Chinese medicine can also be researched at the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, where prospective practitioners can learn more about statistics and what educational requirements are necessary for professional goals.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other Oriental medicine programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in Chinese medicine near you.
Careers in Chinese Medicine
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The CollegeBound Network
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Careers in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture Schools, and other healing arts programs.
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