Western Medicine Doctor

Duties and Responsibilities: Acupuncture regulations vary state by state, according to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) (www.nccaom.org). Most states have licensing or continuing education requirements, including certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Seven states (Alabama, Delaware, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota) allow only medical doctors, osteopaths and chiropractors to perform acupuncture, while at least two states (Louisiana and Michigan) require acupuncture professionals to treat patients under the supervision of doctors or osteopaths.

Average Salary: 30,000-50,000

Educational Requirements: Most licensed acupuncturists hold master's degrees or post-baccalaureate certificates from schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.acaom.org). As the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) explains, most programs require 1,500-2,000 hours of acupuncture training and take 3-4 years to complete (www.ccaom.org). Graduates must pass the certification exam offered by NCCAOM and fulfill any additional state licensing requirements

Reflection: Personally I would love one day becoming a Western Medicine Doctor since I love helping people when they are in need of medical attention.