Lorraine Canning, graduated in acupuncture 1998

'I chose acupuncture as it was a treatment I had experienced personally and felt worked for me 'like magic'. I also had become extremely interested in the Chinese culture following a holiday tour around the Far East.

I enjoyed the acupuncture course, since I was able to use my scientific background in environmental research whilst at the same time learning the fascinating Chinese approach to health and disease.

Completing this course has been the best thing I've ever done… ten years after graduating I still love my job! The most amazing thing for me is that you can help to change lives, and still continue to learn new things every day.

Being an acupuncturist fits perfectly with having a family. I have two young children but my working hours are flexible so I am able to work two or three days a week.'

Paul Hambly, graduated in acupuncture 1997

'I knew very early on in this acupuncture course that I was doing the right thing. It felt like coming home. I had been a Western-trained herbalist for eight years at that stage, and adding the Chinese medical theory made so much sense. Understanding the connection between mind, body and spirit and the effects on specific organ systems has been so useful.

The course was a delight to attend. It is designed and taught to build one's understanding to the point that when it came to giving my first treatment I felt totally at ease and supported in the process.

After ten years of acupuncture practice I can now say that it has been the best career I could have chosen. I have a thriving multi-disciplinary clinic in a lovely East Sussex village which is a thoroughly rewarding experience.

Of course the learning never stops. Recently I have been conducting some fascinating research with the help of one of the many postgraduate courses offered by the College, and am excited about future developments.'

Hye-Eun Hills, graduated in acupuncture 2004, now studying Chinese herbal medicine

'Since graduating in 2004, I've worked in the Gateway clinic at Lambeth Hospital and the drug detox clinic at Bethlem Royal Hospital and am currently running two private practices. Working in these busy clinics has allowed me to appreciate more clearly how thorough my course was, and how effective the tutors were in ensuring that we became highly competent practitioners. My expectations of the course were more than met. I chose to return to the College to learn about patents and stayed on to take the full herb course. I'm now in my final, clinical year - it's been a demanding but formative experience!'

Keith Simpson, acupuncture graduate

'I had always had an interest in acupuncture as I started having treatment at the age of ten. I chose to study at this College because it provides one of the broadest trainings in acupuncture focusing on the two major styles that are taught in this country. I had found my education up to that point quite uninspiring. This College changed this totally, as there was a great deal of thought put into how individuals learn, and the best ways to support each student through a genuinely inspiring and rewarding course. I have been practising for over ten years now, and acupuncture continues to inspire and nourish many aspects of my life. Chinese medicine is like a journey of a thousand miles and this College is a great place to take the first step.'

Kate Thick, graduated in acupuncture 2006

'Acupuncture appealed to me not just as a complete medical system but as a universal philosophy. I could cite practical reasons for applying, but in truth I just felt at home as soon as I first walked through the door. And I am not alone in that, or in feeling privileged, or in sensing that I've, so to speak, struck gold.'

Chani Turner, graduated in acupuncture 2006

'I am a midwife and an acupuncturist. In 2002, Poole Hospital NHS Trust funded my acupuncture training at this College as a result of a proposal I submitted highlighting the benefits of acupuncture throughout pregnancy, labour and puerperium.

I now work part time as a midwife and have the Trust's permission to offer acupuncture as appropriate in low-risk obstetric cases. In addition, I have a private acupuncture practice in Poole.'

Beverley de Valois, graduated in acupuncture 1999

'My enquiries as to where to study acupuncture lead me to this College. In 1995, with its reputation firmly established, it offered the unique opportunity to study both the Five Elements and TCM theoretical frameworks. I fell in love with the atmosphere of the place and the convenient central Reading location. Thus began three challenging years, characterised by inspiring teachers and colleagues. In particular the research modules near the end stimulated my curiosity.

It's nearly ten years now since I qualified. My commitment to acupuncture lead me to introduce it as a treatment option in a cancer centre. This created a research opportunity (it may be that I am the only research acupuncturist in the NHS), which in turn lead me to complete a PhD - one of the first given in the UK for research into clinical acupuncture. These experiences made me eligible for a Department of Health research grant, allowing me to continue exploring the use of acupuncture to manage cancer-related health conditions.

The journey so far has been challenging and rewarding - one facilitated and nurtured by my training at this College.'