To become an acupuncturist you need to complete four years of tertiary study in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, or postgraduate training in traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and acupuncture theory.

The National Diploma in Acupuncture was de-registered in March 2008 by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). From 2009, acupuncturists will need to have a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Acupuncture).  If you already have a degree in a health-related science, then you may be eligible to cross credit your points so that you can study acupuncture at postgraduate level.

The New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has training facilities in Auckland and Wellington is the only tertiary education provider in New Zealand that offers the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Acupuncture - BHSc (Acupuncture).

The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine, which has campuses in Auckland and Christchurch offers a National Diploma in Acupuncture.

New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine website - find out more about the Bachelor programme
New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine website - more information about the national diploma programme
 

Acupuncturists gain skills on the job. Members of  the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists undertake continuing education each year as a requirement for gaining their Annual Practising Certificate.

It is preferred that you are a member of The New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists (NZRA) and have an annual practising certificate. To become registered you need to pass a written and practical examination, including demonstration of competence in sterile treatment procedures.

Although qualified acupuncturists do not currently have to be members of the NZRA, it is considered good business practice and helps with credibility and public assurance.

The New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists website - information on how to join the NZ register of acupuncturists

Useful experience for acupuncturists includes:

• work in traditional Chinese medicine,
• work in the health sector
• counselling work.

Experience living or studying in an Eastern culture and learning about Eastern philosophy is also useful.