A career in acupuncture
One of the most rewarding aspects of working as an acupuncturist is that you will be helping people through their pain and illness. As acupuncturists we support our patients to change their lives and often witness incredible and profound change. A number of patients are also likely to attend your clinic regularly for maintenance treatments and in this way you will treat people over many years.
Another benefit that students and graduates cherish about studying is greater awareness of their own health and the opportunity to change their lifestyle.
A recent clinical audit at cicm revealed that 60% of patients sought treatment for muscloskeletal problems while another 30% came for psychological or general illness, such as stress and insomnia. Acupuncturists can also choose to specialise in a particular area, for example fertility.
There are an estimated 2.5 million acupuncture treatments in the UK each year and the popularity of acupuncture continues to grow.
As an acupuncturist, it is likely that you will be self employed and many of our graduates enjoy being their own boss and the flexibility this gives them. Some work part time to fit around other commitments such as childcare, while other acupuncturists work full time.
There are many different types of clinics to work in. Some of our graduates work in a group practice, others from home or rented premises. It is also possible to work in a in multi-bed clinic or GP surgeries. There are also some clinics that run in hospitals.
On the course we do all we can to prepare you for setting up and running your own clinic. By the time you have graduated you will have completed over 400 hours of clinical practice. Much of this is spent treating your own patients under the expert guidance of supervisors in our busy teaching clinic. Most clinical supervisors have had over 15 years in practice and some over 40 years! You will also spend 60 hours observing experienced acupuncturists in their own practices and will complete a business plan which details what you will need to think about when setting up your practice. We not only support you in becoming an excellent acupuncturist, but also in setting up a thriving practice.
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"I love the teaching at CICM, it is varied, interesting and extremely inspiring and the teachers all have a wealth of experience to draw on.”
Keeley Farrington
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“CICM was suggested by an acupuncturist I know and recommended for its high-quality tuition and professional approach. I knew I wanted to explore a degree course and after my open day experience I knew it had to be CICM.”
Michelle Patrick
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"I recently joined CICM and there are so many things I love about the place. The teachers are genuinely helpful and want us to do well. The place has a calm, harmonic feel and studying has already had a tangible benefit to my lifestyle and health."
Erica Chen
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"I was an electrician before I started studying acupuncture. It might not seem like it but there are overlaps between them, you look at a circuit and work out where the problem is coming from and then rectify it. The difference is with acupuncture I’ll help people to get better!"
Jack Keeping
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"Since embarking on this course, I have been astounded every day by the passion that this subject has sparked in me. I realised very quickly that I was in the right place, doing the right thing. I can only describe it as finally finding my place in the universe and becoming part of something much bigger than myself."
Sally Connelly
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"I wanted to become an acupuncturist as I prefer to use natural remedies which are in line with my faith and cultural background. I have witnessed the profound effects treatment can have on patients. CICM has an excellent reputation and I love the whole package here, especially the staff and supportive teachers."
Bev Holder
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"I appreciated the integrated style of TCM and the five elements as being the most profound way to reach and help people. This was the best possible start to a long acupuncture career that I could possibly wish for."
Bethan Morgan
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"My years at CICM will always hold a special place in my mind. It was like entering Hogwarts. The subjects are mind-expanding, the teachers and tutors really passionate and always keen to answer questions and give guidance. It has transformed me as a person and changed the way I see people, emotions, relationships, disease and health."
Efthymios Fotenios
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The teachers are really supportive and make every effort to tailor how they teach to suit the different styles of students. I like to question things and look at things from different angles - and the teachers have always supported me by being there to answer things by email after class, recommend further reading, or even being there to support me when I set up a Chinese medicine society for the college.
Helen Reid
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The course covers a huge range of topics, angles and perspectives, and whilst so much of it is new, unfamiliar and challenging at times- especially the 'hands on practical aspects- I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing, or anywhere else I’d rather be doing it. CICM is a hub of connection, commitment and energy, and something I am honoured to be part of.
Ellie Farnfield
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All of my teachers are practicing therapists with a library of information and experience to reinforce their words and the lectures. I have gained a lot of insight into myself and I often find myself reflecting on what we learned in class and applying it to life. I am recommending the course to everyone I know!
Jacob Marley
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As I was in my late forties I was concerned that I was too old, however the Open Day dispelled any doubts that I had as the age range of students and staff spanned from 18 to 80. The beautiful building was a joy to explore and I felt immersed in the world of Chinese Medicine. It was a cocoon of learning in the heart of Reading and only ten minutes’ walk from the train station.
Samanthan Roderick
