How to become an Acupuncturist

Treats disorders and illnesses by stimulating the body's defence mechanisms through inserting fine needles into the skin.

Main tasks

• Assesses clients' health conditions and determines appropriate acupuncture treatments
• Consults with clients to gather information about their medical history and symptoms
• Inserts fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing processes
• Monitors clients' progress and adjusts treatment plans as necessary, and educates clients on the benefits and potential risks of acupuncture treatments
• Provides advice and guidance to clients on lifestyle changes and self-care techniques
• Collaborates with other health care professionals to provide holistic care to clients

Ways in

• University: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 9,500 people work in this job group now, and about 12,700 are projected by 2035. (+34%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Chinese Medicine Practitioner
• Naturopath
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Prosthetist
• Oral Health Therapist or Dental Therapist
• Dental Specialist

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Acupuncturist?

Ways in include: Health & Public Health degrees.

Is an Acupuncturist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 34% by 2035, from about 9,500 to about 12,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Acupuncturist?

Usually. 82% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Acupuncturist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04