Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Acupuncturist
What acupuncturists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an acupuncturist?
Treat a patient with chronic back pain. From there, the day usually includes take health histories, assess patients, and insert acupuncture needles. Many set their own hours, including evenings and weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an acupuncturist working full time.
- Treat a patient with chronic back pain.
- See a patient for stress and sleep.
- Do cupping therapy.
- Treat headaches.
- Review progress with a long-term patient.
- Market the practice online.
- See evening patients.
Where acupuncturists work
Acupuncturists work in private practices, integrative clinics, wellness centers and some hospitals.
Hours and schedule
Many set their own hours, including evenings and weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Take health histories
- Assess patients
- Insert acupuncture needles
- Use cupping and heat therapies
- Advise on lifestyle
- Track patient progress
- Run a practice
Tools you’ll use every day
- Sterile acupuncture needles
- Treatment tables
- Cupping sets
- Heat lamps
- Sharps containers
- Scheduling software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Run your own practice
- Calm, one-on-one care
- Flexible hours
- Faster-than-average growth
What’s hard
- Graduate program costs
- Building a client base
- Variable insurance coverage
- Income varies
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m interested in integrative care
- I like calm, one-on-one work
- I want my own practice
- I’m careful and precise
- I enjoy helping with pain and stress
- I can build a client base
Not sure? Take the free Acupuncturist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use sterile single-use needles
- Screen for contraindications
- Dispose of sharps safely
- Watch for fainting during treatment