Chinese medicine career overview, tuition and salary

Oriental medicine, also referred to as Chinese medicine, views disease as physical expressions of an imbalance within the body. Chinese me...

Oriental medicine, also referred to as Chinese medicine, views disease as physical expressions of an imbalance within the body. Chinese medicine physicians look at the symptoms, along with other diagnostic methods, to identify patterns of disharmony.

Based on the concept of Qi, or energy (pronounced Chee), practitioners assess patients’ pain and discomfort through questioning, palpitation, and visual inspection in order to find the imbalance in energy. They then determine the treatment plan, which will restore the balance of the healthy energy flow throughout the body.

Some common treatments include:

Acupuncture is the act of strategically inserting thin needles into different points throughout the body in order to stimulate and balance the healthy energy flow throughout the body.


Dietary therapy is used to restore balance in the body. Allergens and toxins, which are found in common foods, can be the main cause of discomfort in patients, so eliminating key ingredients or foods can be beneficial.

Tui na is a type of massage which is done to restore energy and motion throughout the body. The practitioners may brush or rub areas between joints, or use range of motion and traction to treat chronic and acute conditions.

Though Chinese Medicine techniques have been used as primary treatment in Asia for centuries, it is considered a type of alternative medicine in the Western world. However, these treatments plans are rapidly growing in popularity as the healthcare industry expands.

Many oriental medicine practitioners are employed in solo practices or in integrative medicine practices. Additionally, practitioners work in health care facilities like community clinics, spas, hospitals, and cooperative practices with healthcare professionals.

How to Get Started in Chinese MedicineIn order to begin a career as an oriental medicine practitioner, you first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited university or college.

You can choose to major in a range or subjects, but you must have 6 semester hours of biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. (These classes are a prerequisite for applicants interested in applying to master’s programs.)

If you’re looking to become a certified chinese medicine practitioner, you must enroll in a master’s program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). The curriculum requirements for students in chinese medicine programs include courses in oriental medical theory, oriental herbal studies, biomedical sciences, integrated acupuncture, counseling, ethics and practice management.

These programs, which can range from 3 to 4 years to complete, supply students with the comprehensive knowledge the professional skills necessary for a career as an oriental medicine practitioner.

Certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is a requisite for licensure in most states, though requirements vary by state. Certification is valid for four years, and continuing education courses are a requirement for recertification.

What traits that one need to become chinese medicine practitionerCaring, honest, composed, and empathetic. Must be able to take responsibility, and have an understanding and passion for the mind-body connection.

Salary Expectations for Chinses MedicineSalaries of oriental medicine practitioners vary widely depending on practice and employment type. Other variables include education level, experience level, and geographic location. In 2008 the National Certification Commission for Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) conducted a survey, and found that the average annual salaries of certified oriental medicine practitioners was $60,000.

Job Outlook for Chinese Medicine
Alternative medicine has been a steadily growing trend, and it will continue to increase in popularity as people become more interested in holistic and integrative medicine. The American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) estimates that there are currently about 16,000 acupuncturists and oriental medicine practitioners in the U.S, and they predict the number of these practitioners to increase by 10 percent every year.

Here are some Chinese Medicine Pictures (click to view)