California Oriental Medicine Careers

According to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), Oriental medicine combines the practice of acupuncture, Asian bodywork therapy, and Chinese herbology to create a “comprehensive health care system encompassing a variety of traditional therapies that have been used for (thousands of) years to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being.” Professionals in this field work in a variety of environments from group medical practices to hospitals to private practices.

Oriental medicine practitioners are becoming popular in the world of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This means, finding a skilled practitioner is easier than it used to be even 10 years ago. Oriental medicine practitioners can be found in private or group practices, hospitals, and wellness clinics in all regions across the U.S. However, one of the largest populations can be found in the State of California.

Oriental Medicine Education and Training Programs

Most states, including the State of California, require a license to practice Oriental medicine. In order to qualify for a license, aspiring practitioners must earn a no less than a master’s degree from an Oriental medicine program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). An accredited master’s program typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete and a doctorate program takes 2 years or more to complete.

Upon completion of the program, graduates become eligible to sit for the NCCAOM administered certification examinations in Acupuncture with Point Location, Biomedicine, Chinese Herbology, and Foundations of Oriental Medicine. After passing the exams, the practitioner will become a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and have all of the qualifications needed to obtain a license to practice.  

Oriental Medicine Schools and Training Programs in California

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. is home to around 38 ACAOM accredited programs. The University of Minnesota places the figure at around 50. Nevertheless, several top programs are located in the State of California. They include:

Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, Oakland, CA
South Baylo University, Anaheim, CA
Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA
University of East-West Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA

The Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences program leads to a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM).

Employment and Earnings Outlook for California Oriental Medicine Practitioners
 
California is home to the nation’s largest population of healthcare practitioners and technicians. The state is home to 721,930 professionals in this field averaging $88,610 per year. In 2008, the state was home to 654,980 practitioners averaging $80,090 per year.

Of the top paying states for this major group (California, Alaska, Oregon, New Jersey, and DC) California offers the second highest average salary at just $200 less than Alaska.

Eight California Metro areas made the Top 10 list of highest paying metro areas for this major group. Further, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Metro area offers the 3rd highest employment level with 199,510 professionals averaging $85,170 per year. The top paying California Metro areas include:

#1: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, $106,330
#2: Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, $102,730
#3: San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, $100,590
#4: Vallejo-Fairfield, $97,980
#5: Sacramento--Arden-Arcade—Roseville, $97,840
#7: Napa: $93,640
#8: Modesto, $92,500
#9: Salinas: $92,170

The U.S. is home to 7,649,930 healthcare practitioners averaging $73,540 per year, up from 7,076,800 averaging $67,890 in 2008.