4 answers
Cory
Student
Piedmont, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
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Is it worth it financially to become an acupuncturist?
I'm a student at Guthrie Job Corps. I'm doing this for an assignment and for me. #student #finance #job-search
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4 answers
Peter Jones
Acupuncturist
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Peter’s Answer
I’ve been an acupuncturist since 2002. My short answer is no, it’s not worth it. While some acupuncturists do make a good living, the vast majority do not and the career failure rate among acupuncturists is very high - possibly the highest of all the allied medical professions.
The biggest challenge to earning a living as an acupuncturist, is the shortage of employment opportunities. Much like chiropractors, the vast majority of acupuncturists tend to work for themselves. And while self-employment certainly offers tremendous job flexibility, it can be extremely difficult for many practitioners to build a successful private practice. Acupuncture is unlike any other medical profession, in that it’s more art than science. Perhaps the profession that most closely resembles acupuncture, is psychotherapy, which is also more of an art than a science. Or perhaps it’s comparable to being a chef, wine sommelier or purfumer, where one’s success depends more on their sensory artistry than technical knowledge.
Oftentimes, the best acupuncture students make the worst practitioners and the mediocre students make the best practitioners.
The dilemma of studying acupuncture, is that it can take many years of practical experience before a practitioner becomes competent.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a truly fascinating field of study and can be richly rewarding for those who enjoy thinking non-linearly about disease patterns and processes. But it’s not for everyone and I wouldn’t advise going to acupuncture school if earning potential is anywhere near the top of your priorities.
The biggest challenge to earning a living as an acupuncturist, is the shortage of employment opportunities. Much like chiropractors, the vast majority of acupuncturists tend to work for themselves. And while self-employment certainly offers tremendous job flexibility, it can be extremely difficult for many practitioners to build a successful private practice. Acupuncture is unlike any other medical profession, in that it’s more art than science. Perhaps the profession that most closely resembles acupuncture, is psychotherapy, which is also more of an art than a science. Or perhaps it’s comparable to being a chef, wine sommelier or purfumer, where one’s success depends more on their sensory artistry than technical knowledge.
Oftentimes, the best acupuncture students make the worst practitioners and the mediocre students make the best practitioners.
The dilemma of studying acupuncture, is that it can take many years of practical experience before a practitioner becomes competent.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a truly fascinating field of study and can be richly rewarding for those who enjoy thinking non-linearly about disease patterns and processes. But it’s not for everyone and I wouldn’t advise going to acupuncture school if earning potential is anywhere near the top of your priorities.
David Han
Acupuncturist
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Yes Peter, Michael and Kim's Answer is very realistic and clear.
I have been an Acupuncturist for 2 years now.
You need to decide what kind of job is best for your personality.
The acupuncturist is one of the healthcare jobs of practitioners in the U.S. as an alternative medicine that seems currently trendy and demanding.
To be a good acupuncturist you need to be a person of a good listener and have a natural mind to care for people.
That means just as a job needling a patient is a very boring job in the long run.
I have been an Acupuncturist for 2 years now.
You need to decide what kind of job is best for your personality.
The acupuncturist is one of the healthcare jobs of practitioners in the U.S. as an alternative medicine that seems currently trendy and demanding.
To be a good acupuncturist you need to be a person of a good listener and have a natural mind to care for people.
That means just as a job needling a patient is a very boring job in the long run.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Michael is correct. And figuring out your standard of living is important. Do you look at a car as just a means of transportation, or a status symbol? Same for your house. Let's assume you marry and have kids. You want your kids to go to a good school, so that weighs in on the neighborhood selection. But, does it have to be a mansion that's expensive to heat and cool, or are you okay with a modest home that you can make improvements to over time?
The key to financial success is living below your means. Buying a lot less of a house than the bank thinks you can afford. Minimizing debt. Keeping a good credit rating, so when you do need to borrow, you get a lower interest rate. Distinguishing between "wants" and "needs." Not being governed by peer pressure.
Here is some salary research to help you with your project. Good luck!
https://www.indeed.com/career/acupuncturist/salaries/TX
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/acupuncturist-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm
The key to financial success is living below your means. Buying a lot less of a house than the bank thinks you can afford. Minimizing debt. Keeping a good credit rating, so when you do need to borrow, you get a lower interest rate. Distinguishing between "wants" and "needs." Not being governed by peer pressure.
Here is some salary research to help you with your project. Good luck!
https://www.indeed.com/career/acupuncturist/salaries/TX
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/acupuncturist-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm
Michael Skeen
Reverse Supply Chain Data Consultant
5
Answers
Granbury, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
The process to decide if a career choice is "financially worth it" depends on several factors:
- estimated cost for education needed to perform that work (certificate, undergrad/Master's degree, etc.)
- average anticipated salary (can be researched at LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Salary.com)
- estimated salary you are aiming for (dependent on the cost of living for your area, desired retirement goals-don't overlook this one!)
Once you have adequately and accurately researched these you will be on the path to decide if your intended career choice is a good fit for you.
- estimated cost for education needed to perform that work (certificate, undergrad/Master's degree, etc.)
- average anticipated salary (can be researched at LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Salary.com)
- estimated salary you are aiming for (dependent on the cost of living for your area, desired retirement goals-don't overlook this one!)
Once you have adequately and accurately researched these you will be on the path to decide if your intended career choice is a good fit for you.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and answer my question
Cory