Before you can learn how to get into acupuncture school, first you must choose the right school for your wants, needs and goals. Then it is simply a matter of contacting an admissions specialist at that school and scheduling an appointment. All acupuncture schools are different, and they won’t all necessarily suit your needs. Once you find the right school, however, then it should be simple to learn how to get in based on their requirements and prerequisites. You may need a degree, such as a BA, before you can begin, or you may need some experience in oriental medicine. But the first step is always choosing the right school.
There are more acupuncture schools in the United States than ever before due to a rising acceptance of alternative medicine and the healing arts. With a good education and practical training under an experienced mentor you can gain the skills to set up your own practice or begin working at an established office. The first schools you should look into are those that are close by, unless you would prefer to move to a different city for a change of location or whatever other reason you may have. You should look into a couple of things before you apply to any school.
The most important factor in determining a good acupuncture school is accreditation. There are two respected accreditation commissions for acupuncture schools in the United States that were formed in the 1980s. These are the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) and the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). If you are thinking about applying to a school that has not been accredited by one of these commissions, think again. Your degree may not be highly regarded by future employers or clients, and the credits earned there may not transfer to other schools.
There are accredited acupuncture schools in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. If one of these schools is within budget, and the program fits your goals, then you can begin your research to learn how to apply for that particular school.
