ACTCM Open House for People Considering a Career Change

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) is holding a Master’s program open house for prospective students of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. People interested in a career change are urged to drop by to learn about the Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM) program and life as an acupuncturist.

In times like these, many people consider a change of careers. A career in Chinese medicine and acupuncture is a rewarding choice, spiritually and economically. On Saturday, February 26, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco is hosting an open house event for prospective students interested in a career in alternative medicine. ACTCM is located at 455 Arkansas Street.

The open hour will feature a welcome address from the president, an informational presentation on Chinese medicine, an overview of the Master’s program, and a presentation on student life. These will be followed by discussions about acupuncture as a career, admissions, and financial aid information. It will end with a tour of the campus.

“Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is a fast-growing field,” says Yu-Wen Chiu, LAc, Director of Admissions for ACTCM.

According to the National Institute for Health, 10 percent of American adults have tried acupuncture. And it’s one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare—57 percent of Northern California physicians use or recommend acupuncture, and treatments are covered by most health insurance plans.

Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have high job satisfaction. Many operate their own practices or work with a small group. They have a lot of flexibility with setting their schedule. And they start making good money quickly.

According to Payscale.com, acupuncturists with less than one year of experience earn a median salary of $45,000. The median salary in California is $62,500. Experienced practitioners often earn six-figure incomes. Most of all, they get the satisfaction of helping and healing others: acupuncturists can help people with weight loss, allergy relief, pain management and fertility treatment.

Making a career shift in the middle of a recession may seem scary to many people, but pursuing higher education is an excellent choice for many people facing stagnant wages and stressful working conditions. Healthcare services are also always in demand, so people who take advantage of this time to pursue a degree in alternative medicine will be set up for success when the economy turns around.

“While recessions aren’t exactly predictable, they typically last two to three years, which is just enough time for you to get a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicine and recession-proof your future career as a licensed acupuncturist,” says Maggie Hackett, an ACTCM alumni.

For those concerned about investing the time and money right now, ACTCM offers full-time, three-quarter and half-time tracks. Students can choose between sections with classes mostly in the afternoon and evenings, classes mostly in the mornings and afternoons, or classes mostly in the evenings and weekends. ACTCM also offers financial aid and scholarship packages. For those nervous about taking on debt, the Financial Aid Office reassures that no student has ever defaulted on his or her student loans.

For more information about ACTCM’s open house, call (415) 202-5713.


Click here to view upcoming ACTCM events.


About American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine since 1980. In addition to its graduate curriculum, ACTCM offers continuing education, public education, community outreach and clinical services in acupuncture and herbal medicine. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted “Best of the Bay” by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. ACTCM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

About Acupuncture
Acupuncture restores balance and health, and is used for everything from chronic pain to drug dependence. It is also an effective allergy, weight loss, and fertility treatment.

Alissa Cohan
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(415) 355-1601 x12