Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Career Information
What are career options in acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (ACM) has been a primary, whole-person health care system in Asia for centuries. DAcCHM and MAcCHM graduates can be found in family and preventive health practices, in specialties such as orthopedics/sports medicine and women’s health. In almost all settings, you will work with people of a wide variety of ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
As an acupuncturist, you’ll have many career options available to you, including:
- Primary/general care – about 25% of ACM graduates
- Integrative practice – about 50 % of ACM graduates
- Specialty practice – about 25% of ACM graduates
- Private practice – about 75% of ACM graduates own their own practices
In addition to their practices, many ACM graduates become teaching faculty at ACM and other institutions and/or conduct research.
Where are SCU graduates practicing?
- 88% of graduates are practicing in Southern California
- 12% of graduates are practicing out-of-state
Does a career in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a flexible lifestyle?
Our DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs nurture students to be ready to “be their own boss” if they aspire to open their own practice. The curriculum not only teaches technical content, but also includes business content with three practice management courses. Students also learn clinical operations while participating in clinical training. For example, SCU’s Health Center is an open-to-public clinical facility. Students also have the opportunity to shadow private practice practitioners in their offices.
Our DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs support student leadership. This mindset strengthens students to become fearless in being their own boss after graduating. Practice owners can build businesses that reflect their values, their schedule, and work-life balance.
Resources
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