Can you study acupuncture without a medical background?
We have worked in admissions for several years now and surprisingly have never been asked this question. However, potential students undoubtedly do ask this question as they begin to evaluate if the practice of acupuncture is right for them and begin asking what qualifications they need to become an acupuncturist.
Very often the motivation for entering the acupuncture profession comes from a profound desire to learn how to help people, as our students have themselves been helped by an acupuncturist. This blog is designed to answer this and similar questions – we hope you like it!
What backgrounds do students come from?
The reasons why people decide to do anything is complex and choosing to study acupuncture, at the very highest level is not exempt from that complexity. There are several, user personas which help us gain some insights into the backgrounds of our students.
The career changer:
We speak to students, driven possibly by the ever-changing world of work, who feel that the ‘time is right’ for them to take control of their working lives. This might mean leaving a successful corporate role or grasping the nettle and doing their ‘own thing’. We see people from every type of career background ranging from qualified professionals, medics, plumbers and tree surgeons!
The freedom fighter:
At last! The planets have lined up; you CAN do your own thing… does this sound familiar? Many people join us because they have reached a stage in their life where they can now embrace “that thing” (acupuncture, but not always!). Freedom fighters come in all shapes and sizes. They want to do their work, they want to manage their schedule, they want to answer only to their patients. They want their logo! Latent freedom fighting is often liberated by a change in life circumstances, such as children’s independence, partners arriving, or leaving or occasionally, a lottery win 🙂
The suppressed healthcare practitioner:
If you are a massage therapist, you’ll know all about tired hands. Perhaps you’re a reiki therapist who wants to delve deeper. Or, you might be a doctor who simply wants to spend more time with their patients. Acupuncture practice is very often an astonishing and yet perfect next step.
The just plain curious:
Curiosity killed that cat, but remember, satisfaction brought it back! Often a more rigid employment arrangement can stifle curiosity, learning and personal growth and so many of our students are fanatically curious in the science and mystery of acupuncture.
Is the course suitable for someone looking to change their career?
Perfect! (mostly!).
Graduation with an honours degree in acupuncture enables our students to become members of the British Acupuncture Council, the only acupuncture membership body regulated by the professional standards authority which confers voluntary regulation on the acupuncture profession. It is the highest level of qualification available in the UK; our graduates become competent, confident, safe and critically aware practitioners.
If acupuncture is your thing, this is the way to do it. We know what we are doing, we know how to do it safely, and we are not cowboys.
We also realise that to graduate requires a lot of time hard work and money; your motive must be resilient tenacious and sustainable. Acupuncture is not easy and never just about sticking pins into people!
A medical background, or training in a professional healthcare subject is not a pre-requisite for undertaking a degree in acupuncture. Though, we are noticing an increase in medically trained students taking an active interest in learning acupuncture.
Do I need a medical degree?
No!
The only courses which require a medical degree are in postgraduate study (currently under wraps at NCA – watch this space).
Sure, a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology are helpful, but we study that in detail on the course, so you don’t need to be able to describe homeostasis or locate the head of fibula to apply.
The study of traditional acupuncture is based on an understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). You will study that in equal measure to biomedicine (and we don’t expect you to describe yin and yang theory as part of your application either.)
Of course, if you have a medical, or any other degree that also does not stop you from making an application. You may even be able to access a student loan now that we have the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
What qualifications do you need to be an acupuncturist?
We have registered students with the bare minimum who have gone on to graduate into amazing acupuncturists. Your qualifications include your experiences in education, in work and in life. We look at the whole person as far as we can and as acupuncture is popular now, competition becomes a factor.
We have registered students with high levels of postgraduate qualifications who have struggled with elements of the course. We believe (indeed teach) that one size does not fit everyone. As practitioners we advocate individual personalised medicine, and this extends to our admissions policy.
We do have guidelines if you are struggling and you can contact us anytime to discuss.
How will the course prepare me if I’m new to healthcare?
Throughout your study you will follow 5 core modules of learning. 2 concern medical systems which are TCM and anatomy and physiology which are aimed at complete beginners to the subject (though it is helpful to prepare if you are able).
Another is about clinical practice and a fourth is about personal and professional development. The latter are about the techniques of acupuncture practice; how you conduct yourself in the clinic and apply acupuncture, and how you engage at a therapeutic level with your patients. Neither require any prior experience. The only purely academic subject is research and the evidence base modules.
The NCA has graduated highly skilled acupuncturists for nearly 40 years, and many have not come from a healthcare background. The BSc is designed to build your knowledge and practical skills in the systems of medicine which underpin (sorry!) acupuncture and the techniques used to practice acupuncture in a clinical setting.
What support is available?
One of the tangible benefits in registering with a boutique, specialist college like the NCA is the personal touch!
It is hard to describe the huge benefit in working as part of a community which includes your tutors and supervisors as well as our experts in student services. The real benefits are in the little things such as the other people in your cohort as well as those in other cohorts and year groups. You will work with all of them, and they will help you as indeed you will help others as you progress from one year to the next.
And, when you graduate you will join the community that in all probability recommended NCA to you in the first place. the circle will be completed; your curiosity will be strengthened.
Satisfaction will be brought back.