Acupuncture Points Mentioned in this Article
Acupressure is a deeply rewarding career, both professionally and in terms of the therapeutic benefits offered to clients. Prospective technicians should be diligent about meeting educational, certification, and regional prerequisites to ensure a successful career trajectory.
How to become an acupressure therapist?
Becoming an acupressure therapist requires specific educational and certification prerequisites.
What education is needed to certified in acupressure?
Education Requirement: At a minimum, you must possess a high school diploma or GED to gain admission into an acupressure or massage therapy program.
Program Selection: Choose between a one-year certificate program or a two-year associate's degree program in acupressure and massage therapy.
Certificate of Achievement in Acupressure: Offered through massage schools or independent establishments, these programs require students to complete 600-800 hours of coursework. This covers topics like the theories of 'chi', energy meridians, anatomy and physiology, business and ethics, aromatherapy, nutrition, and kinesiology.
Associate of Science in Massage Therapy: Allows students to specialize in a specific area of massage, including acupressure. They demand 800-900 hours of instruction and an additional 200-300 hours in supervised clinical practice. Courses include medical terminology, small business management, pathology, and a modality specialty such as acupressure.
Hands-On Training: Both certificate and associate's degree programs provide hands-on workshops and clinical practicum where students apply their acupressure knowledge.
What certification is required to be an acupressure tech?
To be certified as an acupressure tech, one should seek accreditation from recognized agencies and possibly state-specific licensing.
Accreditation and Affiliation: Two leading, nationally accredited agencies for training in acupressure are the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Licensing: Although there's no specific acupressure license available, graduates can seek certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), where 37 states use its examinations for licensing purposes. Candidates need a minimum of 500 classroom hours of instruction to apply for the exam, with recertification required every four years. An alternative is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) which doesn't require recertification, granting candidates lifelong certification.
How long does acupressure school take?
Acupressure school takes between 600-1200 hours depending on the chosen program. Certificate programs in acupressure typically require 600-800 hours of coursework. Associate's degree programs in massage therapy, which can include a specialization in acupressure, require 800-900 hours of instruction along with an additional 200-300 hours in supervised clinical practice.
How long does it take to learn acupressure?
Learning acupressure requires in-depth knowledge in anatomy, acupressure theory, and massage techniques.
Acupressure Programs: While the duration and content of programs may differ, they should offer in-depth knowledge in anatomy, acupressure theory, massage techniques, and professional ethics. Some programs may also have prerequisites such as age, prior education, or science coursework.
How to learn acupressure at home?
You can learn acupressure at home through online courses, DVDs, and specialized apps. For those interested in learning acupressure at home, online courses and DVD courses are available. Continuing education sections mention that certain colleges and professional organizations offer online or DVD courses for acupressure.
Acupressure associations host two-day acupressure seminars which might feature topics such as nutrition, breathing exercises, and specific acupressure techniques.
The Moxa Acupressure App is also a good way to get additional hands on experience with a variety of acupressure points. The guided sessions can help beginners through advanced practitioners understand how a variety of issues are addressed.
However, it's worth noting that for certification and a thorough understanding, hands-on practice and clinical practicums are crucial components, so purely at-home learning might lack this component.
How much do acupressure technicians earn?
Earnings: Acupressure technicians had a median annual salary of $43,620 in 2020.
Which health care profession works closely with acupressure techs?
Healthcare Career Progression: Following their formal education, aspirants should attempt recognized examinations like MBLEx, NCETMB, or NCCAOM. After successfully passing, they can pursue licensure specific to their state.
How to become an acupressure doctor?
Advanced Studies to be Doctor in Acupressure Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Those with a keen interest in broader aspects of traditional Chinese medicine can opt for master's programs that last between 3-4 years, focusing on areas like acupuncture and herbology.
What are the requirements for practicing acupressure in California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont and Wyoming?
California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming have no requirements. These states do not have widespread regulations regarding the legal practice of massage therapy.
What are the requirements for practicing acupressure in other states?
Acupressure practice requirements vary across US states. Each state has its own requirements to practice acupressure.
The following acronyms will be used:
- MBLEx - Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination
- NCBTMB = National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Exam
Alabama
- Regulator: Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 650 hours
- Clinical Practice Requirement: 50 hours
- Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
- Continuing Education for Renewal (2yrs): 16 hours
- Additional Requirements: Background check and professional liability insurance of $1 million
Florida
- Regulator: Florida Board of Massage Therapy
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 500 hours or 12 month apprenticeship
- Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB Exam
- Continuing Education for Renewal (2yrs): 24 hours
- Additional Requirements: Background check
Georgia
- Regulator: Georgia Board of Massage Therapy
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 500 hours
- Clinical Practice Requirement: 50 and 60 hours
- Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
- Continuing Education for Renewal (2yrs): 24 hours
- Additional Requirements: Background check, as well as bodily injury, property damage, and professional liability insurance of at least $1 million of coverage per claim, with a minimum total of $3 million per year
Illinois
- Regulator: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Massage Therapy Division
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 600 hours
- Clinical Practice Requirement: -
- Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
- Continuing Education for Renewal (2yrs): 24 hours
- Additional Requirements: Background check
New York
- Regulator: New York State Office of the Professions Massage Therapy Division
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 1,000 hours
- Clinical Practice: 150 hours of 1,000
- Exam: New York State Massage Therapy Examination
- Continuing Education for Renewal (3yrs): 36 hours
- Additional Requirements: CPR certification
Tennessee
- Regulator: Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 500 hours
- Clinical Practice Requirement: -
- Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
- Continuing Education for Renewal (2yrs): 24 hours
- Additional Requirements: Background check and two letters of reference
Texas
- Regulator: Texas Massage Therapy Advisory Board
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 500 hours
- Clinical Practice Requirement: 50 hours
- Exam: MBLEx
- Continuing Education for Renewal (2yrs): 12 hours
- Additional Requirements: Background check
Washington
- Regulator: Washington State Department of Health Massage Therapy Division
- Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
- Training: 500 hours
- Clinical Practice: 50 hours
- Exam: MBLEx, NCBTMB, Washington State Jurisprudence Exam
- Continuing Education for Renewal (2yrs): 24 hours
- Additional Requirements: Background check, CPR/first aid certification, and four hours of HIV/AIDS training
References:
