Occupation AtlasAcupuncturists
O*NET · 29-1291.00
Acupuncturists
Diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points within the body using acupuncture needles. May also use cups, nutritional supplements, therapeutic massage, acupressure, and other alternative health therapies.
Also called Acupressure Therapist · Acupressurist · Acupuncture Doctor · Acupuncture Physician · Acupuncture Provider · Acupuncturist · Auricular Acupuncturist · Auricular Detoxification Specialist
9 more
Auricular Therapist · Chinese MD · Chinese Medical Doctor (Chinese MD) · Chinese Medicine Doctor · Herbalist · LAC · Licensed Acupuncturist (LAC) · Oriental Medicine Provider · Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor
Compare with another occupationCompare with Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SIRSocial · Investigative · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social5.65
- I Investigative5.49
- R Realistic4.80
- C Conventional3.06
- A Artistic2.08
- E Enterprising1.60
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (45%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (35%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (28%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Service OrientationImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
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- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- InstructingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- SciencebasicImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
18 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Maintain and follow standard quality, safety, environmental, and infection control policies and procedures.Importance 5.0
- Adhere to local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and statutes.Importance 4.9
- Treat patients using tools, such as needles, cups, ear balls, seeds, pellets, or nutritional supplements.Importance 4.9
- Develop individual treatment plans and strategies.Importance 4.9
- Insert needles to provide acupuncture treatment.Importance 4.9
- Identify correct anatomical and proportional point locations based on patients' anatomy and positions, contraindications, and precautions related to treatments, such as intradermal needles, moxibustion, electricity, guasha, or bleeding.Importance 4.9
- Evaluate treatment outcomes and recommend new or altered treatments as necessary to further promote, restore, or maintain health.Importance 4.7
- Collect medical histories and general health and lifestyle information from patients.Importance 4.7
- Maintain detailed and complete records of health care plans and prognoses.Importance 4.6
- Educate patients on topics, such as meditation, ergonomics, stretching, exercise, nutrition, the healing process, breathing, or relaxation techniques.Importance 4.5
- Assess patients' general physical appearance to make diagnoses.Importance 4.4
- Analyze physical findings and medical histories to make diagnoses according to Oriental medicine traditions.Importance 4.4
Show the other 6
- Consider Western medical procedures in health assessment, health care team communication, and care referrals.Importance 4.3
- Dispense herbal formulas and inform patients of dosages and frequencies, treatment duration, possible side effects, and drug interactions.Importance 4.0
- Apply heat or cold therapy to patients using materials, such as heat pads, hydrocollator packs, warm compresses, cold compresses, heat lamps, or vapor coolants.Importance 3.9
- Formulate herbal preparations to treat conditions considering herbal properties, such as taste, toxicity, effects of preparation, contraindications, and incompatibilities.Importance 3.7
- Apply moxibustion directly or indirectly to patients using Chinese, non-scarring, stick, or pole moxa.Importance 3.6
- Treat medical conditions, using techniques such as acupressure, shiatsu, or tuina.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- PsychologyImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- BiologyImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- English LanguageImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
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- Education and TrainingImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- MathematicsImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- ChemistryImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Food ProductionImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- DesignImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
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- Finger DexterityImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- StaminaImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.3Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.6
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
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- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Processing InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
12 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (5)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (7)
- AcuPartner Professional
- Electronic health record EHR software
- Miridia Technology AcuGraph
- Qchart
- Qpalm Acupuncture
- QPuncture II
- Trigram Software AcuBase Pro
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Critical Thinking −0.7, Negotiation +0.6
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Skincare Specialists
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −0.9, Critical Thinking −0.7
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Chiropractors
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.1, Complex Problem Solving +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Archivists
Average difference 0.3 points · Social Perceptiveness −1.0, Reading Comprehension +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Midwives
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Personnel Resources +0.8, Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Private Detectives and Investigators
Average difference 0.3 points · Negotiation +0.9, Science −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Park Naturalists
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Personnel Resources +1.0, Operations Analysis +1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Social and Human Service Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Negotiation +1.0, Persuasion +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.