| Norah M. "In the state of California, a Licensed Acupuncturist actually does more than just acupuncture. I am a practitioner of Chinese medicine, which means I use acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, tai chi and other types of meditation, and bodywork to help people heal from a variety of health challenges and conditions." |
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Education
Required License(s)
I am licensed by both California and the national organization (NCCAOM). |
Required Degree(s)
Master's degree |
Importance of GPA
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What do you need to do to maintain your license(s)?
A certain number of hours are required in continuing education, and you have to pay a fee every two years for renewal.
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Norah's Highest Degree: Master's degree
Norah's College Major: Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine
Norah's College GPA: 3.6-3.9
Salary
$30,000-$150,000
(Depends on the setting and your business)
Getting the Job
How did you get your job?
I am in private practice, i.e., self-employed. Before having this office, I trained with more experienced practitioners for about 9 years in a clinic where I worked with others.
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How important was networking to landing your position?
Hugely important
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Life on the Job
What is a typical day (or week) for you like?
It is a mix of working with patients, paperwork, correspondence, writing (blogs, articles) and networking. There is quite of bit of business work in addition to seeing patients.
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How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?
Fairly closely
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Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?
I'm not sure. Women are well represented statistically in the acupuncture field.
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What is the best thing about your job?
Getting to help people with natural, safe methods and watching people discover resources they did not realize they had.
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What is the worst thing about your job?
It can be difficult and demanding to be in business for yourself.
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How demanding is your job?
Practicing East Asian medicine is a lifetime study. You have to combine this with the tenacity required to succeed as a small business. You have to be committed.
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Do you have any advancement opportunities?
One can always pursue additional training. This is an ongoing process, and can open opportunities to teach or practice in a different settings and with different patient populations.
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Advice for You
What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?
Sincerity, perseverance, and commitment.
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What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?
Study how to be effective in business and marketing, as well as the medicine.
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If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?
Yes!
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Follow Up
Want to learn more?
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