How to become a Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Also called: Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Treats imbalances of energy flows through the body by assessing the whole person and using techniques and methods such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, diet, exercise and breathing therapy.

Main tasks

• Assesses patients' health conditions and imbalances of energy flows through the body
• Develops treatment plans based on the assessment of the whole person
• Administers acupuncture to stimulate specific points on the body
• Prescribes and prepares Chinese herbal medicine for patients
• Performs massage techniques to promote relaxation and improve energy flow
• Provides dietary advice and recommends specific foods to support healing
• Guides patients in exercise and breathing therapy to enhance overall wellbeing

Ways in

• University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies (HLT52215); Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Remedial Massage (HLT52115)
• 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

• Acupuncturist
• Naturopath
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Prosthetist
• Oral Health Therapist or Dental Therapist
• Dental Specialist

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Chinese Medicine Practitioner?

Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies; Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Remedial Massage.

Is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner 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 a Chinese Medicine Practitioner?

Usually. 86% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Chinese Medicine Practitioner?

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