How to Become a Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinary acupuncture is a relatively new development in the field of veterinary medicine. It is part of a movement toward holistic treatments, where a series of needles are inserted into an animal at very specific locations. The theory is that these acupuncture needles can trigger a healing response that will help to treat many medical problems.
- Obtain your veterinary degree. Acupuncture is considered a surgical treatment, so only a licensed veterinarian can perform acupuncture on an animal. If you do not already have your veterinary degree, you will need to enroll in an accredited university and complete the required course of study prior to being granted your degree which will allow you to practice veterinary medicine.
- Contact the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). The IVAS offers veterinary doctors the opportunity to study and train in the field of veterinary acupuncture. The process includes a series of hands-on educational courses as well as a written exam. At the end of the certification process, a doctor of veterinary medicine will become certified to offer acupuncture treatments to the animals within their practice.
- Pay the required fees. The IVAS charges students a fee, which includes both course tuition and the exam sitting fees.
- Attend all of the required educational courses. The IVAS hosts a series of four courses that will teach you everything you need to know about veterinary acupuncture, including how to perform treatments, when it is appropriate to perform acupuncture and the types of results that you should expect from this type of treatment. The IVAS website can provide you with a course schedule and information on the course syllabus.
- Sit for the written exam. In order to obtain your certification, you must pass this written exam.
- Once you pass the written exam, it will be requested that you perform an individualized case study in the field of veterinary acupuncture. Upon completion of your study, you will present your case study to the IVAS board and receive your certification.