What are the main disadvantages of acupuncture training?

The degree after acupuncture training is not federal.TCM specialist training with a diploma and at least 1,200 learning hours - consisting of medical basics, TCM basics and acupuncture knowledge - enables registration in the EMR (Empirical Medicine Register of the health insurance companies). Find out more about the course, the qualification and the associated career opportunities (e.g. EMR recognition for billing health insurance companies).

At certificate level, the course content and admission requirements are generally not regulatedand can be determined autonomously by the schools. However, the OdA Alternative Medicine sector certificate in TCM acupuncture/Tuina has clear regulations and certified training quality.

Acupuncture training usually takes place on a part-time basis and usually lasts at least three to four years for a diploma course(up to eight years to obtain the federal diploma). During the long training period, good time management is required between work, studies and leisure time.

Even after completing the acupuncture training, the learning does not stop:Anyone wishing to work as a qualified naturopath ideally needs to take the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) in addition to their training in acupuncture. Incidentally, only those who complete the entire training as a preparatory course for the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) can benefit from federal subsidies.

The basic medical knowledge ensures that the various forms of therapy are recognized by the health insurance companies and guarantees responsible professional practice.In more and more cantons, licenses to practice acupuncture are only issued to people who have obtained the federal diploma as a naturopath specializing in TCM.