Treats people who are sick by inserting needles into special areas of the body to relieve pain and sickness.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Acupuncturist- from: Youtube Search
- Acupuncturist- from: icould [UK] Video
Interests - Acupuncturist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Acupuncturist
The career area of acupuncture is unregulated in Ireland. However, most acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine training programmes require students to have a bachelor's degree.
Qualifications in areas such as physiology, anatomy, biology and psychology are especially helpful for a career as an Acupuncturist. Healthcare qualifications (i.e. Nursing or Physiotherapy) in particular, are useful.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: holistic body massage, personal trainer with sports massage, sports injury and massage therapy, alternative health and well being therapies, complementary therapies, physiotherapy, pre-university, pre-physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports studies, physiology, massage.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include:
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: general nursing, health and leisure with massage, recreation and leisure management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: business, management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Irish Massage Therapists Association
AFPA (Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association)
Acupuncture Council of Ireland
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Acupuncturist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €41k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Acupuncturist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paramedics; pharmaceutical technicians; medical and dental technicians; dental hygienists; Health associate professionals n.e.c.; Dental nurses.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was strong for this occupation, particularly between 2021 and 2022. Census data shows that employment grew across all roles in this group between 2016 and 2022, with the strongest growth for pharmaceutical technicans.
The number of online job adverts for pharmaceutical technicians grew strongly in 2022 (+14%); skills in demand included, among others pharmaceutical knowledge, the ability to provide customer service & advice, and business skills, such as product sales.
A small number of employment permits were issued in 2022 for cardiac physiologists and paramedics. The available data sources do not signal any issues in relation to supply and demand for health associate professional occupations; however, if employment was to continue to increase, recruitment issues may emerge.
Useful Contacts - Acupuncturist
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Accupuncture Council of Ireland (TCMCI)
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Association of Registered Complimentary Health Therapists of Ireland (ARCHTI)
- Ballydaniel, Camolin, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
- 087 316 8381
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Federation of Holistic Therapists
- 18 Shakespeare Business Centre, Hathaway Close, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4SR, England
- +44 (0)23 8062 4350
- [email protected]
- Click Here
