Already working in healthcare & inspired by acupuncture? Read on!
As the growing evidence (including the NICE recommendation for primary chronic pain) brings acupuncture more and more into the public domain, increasing numbers of biomedical healthcare professionals are choosing to study Chinese medicine acupuncture at the NCA.
In recent years we have trained:
GPs Physiotherapists Nurses Midwives Paramedics Osteopaths Chiropractors
Biomedical healthcare practitioners are either adding acupuncture to their discipline (popular with physiotherapists), or looking for a change in career working in a more holistic way (popular with nurses). The desire to create more flexibility and control over working lives is another common theme with our biomedical practitioners.
On our BSc in Acupuncture what we ARE teaching you is how to become a traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture practitioner. What we are NOT teaching you is subjects you have already learned like anatomy and physiology (Biomedicine for Acupuncturists) and how to engage with patients (Being and Becoming) as you are exempt from these modules.
The majority of biomedical healthcare practitioners choose to study on our Four Year (part-time) course as:
- You are eligible for student funding for this pathway
- You can fit studying acupuncture with work and other commitments
- You can choose weekend or weekday study – whatever fits.
Let’s hear from biomedical health professionals who are currently studying with us
Hannah He GP and Year 3 weekend student
I am a GP based in London and I like the holistic approach of looking after people from cradle to grave. Acupuncture is a bit of a family tradition as my mum is acupuncturist who graduated from the NCA about 15 years ago. Growing up I saw her treating people with all sorts of conditions, some of which are quite difficult to be treated with conventional medicine, which opened my eyes to the possibilities of traditional Chinese medicine.
As a biomedical healthcare practitioner I am exempt from taking the Year 2 Biomedicine module. I have already covered this subject in my medical degree I was very grateful for this exemption and made Year 2 a lot more easier. Learning bodywork has been particularly helpful as I see a lot of patients with musculoskeletal conditions in my practice, and this area was not well covered when I studied to be a doctor. I am still not sure where my acupuncture training will take me however, I am currently exploring working as a doctor in an IVF centre – using both my medical and acupuncture skills.
Hear more from Hannah about her acupuncture journey on her Youtube video https://youtu.be/TZuE1cvvey4
Kalindi Naughton – Mental Health nurse and Year 1 weekend student
I’ve always been interested in holistic healing and have trained in Reiki. When I discovered traditional Chinese medicine I was excited to find a system of medicine that honoured my philosophy of healing and health. Becoming an acupuncturist is for me, a pairing of spirit and science. I’m in my first year of the acupuncture degree, and enjoying the process of understanding this ancient system of medicine. It’s wonderful to learn just how powerful and effective acupuncture can be.
The course is similar to my mental health nurse training, being vocational, and has a focus on anatomy and physiology as you would expect in any Western healthcare degree. The vocational, hands-on aspect is helpful and valued as it complements the rich theory to create a nurturing learning process.
When I have finished my training, I’d love to use acupuncture alongside my current skillset to strengthen healing, health, and wellness.
Kate Chorley Midwife and Year 1 weekday student
Why did you decide to study acupuncture?
I have always been a people person. I often find myself gravitating towards caring roles and find great fulfilment in helping people, which is what led me to a career in midwifery. However, in my time as a student and qualified midwife, I have often felt that my ability to truly and fully help people is somewhat limited; not only due to the pressures existing in the current health system, but also by the constraints of the Western medical model.
What made you decide to study acupuncture?
My introduction to Chinese medicine came in 2018 when I was led to an acupuncturist for treatment, following years of investigations and what seemed like an endless battle with no success. After five months of acupuncture treatment, my problem had vanished and I was completely well again. Chinese medicine provided answers to questions I had been asking for years and I quickly developed a deep fascination its more holistic, individualised approach to healthcare and its focus on interconnectedness and balance – and I realised that a career in acupuncture would be the perfect next step. Luckily, as acupuncture is now classified as an allied health course, I was able to gain student finance, allowing me to return to study and make this a reality.
Where are you at with your studies?
I am currently in my second month of studying on the acupuncture course and about to submit my first assignment! As a first-year student you are quickly immersed in all things acupuncture. We have already been able to grasp the basics of the theories behind Chinese medicine, had an introduction to acupuncture points and developed techniques for bodywork – we even had a lesson in Tai Qui, which left me feeling much more relaxed than expected for a day in college! There is a lot of information to absorb, but it is absolutely fascinating, so much that it feels fun to learn and less like ‘work’.
What are you enjoying most about the course so far?
My favourite module so far is ‘Foundations of Chinese Medicine’. I often get the feeling when in these lectures that I am extremely lucky to be leaning such an interesting subject and somewhat privileged that one day, I will be practising one of the oldest forms of medical treatment in existence. The main thing that stands out to me however, is being surrounded by such friendly and like-minded people – my cohort is wonderful and we are brilliant at supporting one another. Everyone I have met at NCA has been welcoming and approachable. I think it is really beneficial that a large number of staff were once students at NCA themselves – it really feels like a big family and I am proud to be part of it.
How different or similar is this to your midwifery training?
Although it is a completely different subject, I have found there are some similarities to my midwifery degree. Firstly, both courses have theoretical and practical elements. I therefore feel less nervous about going to clinic, as am used to this environment and interacting with patients comes easily. Secondly, both courses are taught via a range of in-person and online methods, therefore, navigating the online systems and attending lectures via Microsoft Teams has proved unproblematic. Thirdly, as in any degree, you are expected to do a substantial amount of independent study outside of college hours. There are some great e-learning sessions, but you are also expected to read around the subject to develop your knowledge.
How do you plan to incorporate acupuncture when you have graduated?
Once I have graduated, I hope to open my own clinic or from home clinic. Although I plan to maintain my midwifery registration, I aim for my main role with be as an acupuncturist. Naturally, I have a particular interest in pregnancy and women’s health and hope to eventually attend extra courses and combine my knowledge of both acupuncture and midwifery to deliver a service which is specialised in these areas.
Get in touch!
If you are a nurse – GP – physio or other biomedical healthcare practitioner and would like to find out more about studying acupuncture – please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01904 343305 (ex 2) or email admissions@nca.ac.uk .