CourseFinder helps you discover and enroll in top courses from Australia’s leading providers, making it easy to kick-start or continue your career journey.
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CourseFinder helps you discover and enroll in top courses from Australia’s leading providers, making it easy to kick-start or continue your career journey.
Follow Us
© 2026 CourseFinder Australia Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a recognised health career in Australia. Practitioners insert fine needles at precise points on the body to ease pain and support recovery. The practice draws on centuries of Chinese medicine. Today it works alongside mainstream health care, treating everything from chronic pain to stress.
About 1,400 people work as acupuncturists across Australia, according to the ABS 2021 Census. Women make up 57% of the workforce, and the median age is 49. Around 65% work part time. This suits practitioners who set their own clinic hours or combine acupuncture with other health work.
Every acupuncturist must register with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. This board operates under AHPRA, the national body that regulates health professions. Many also join the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association, the industry’s peak professional group. Acupuncturists often work alongside GPs, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals in clinics, wellness centres and integrated health teams.
Most acupuncturists complete a bachelor’s degree in health science or Chinese medicine before they can register. The Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture Therapies) is a common pathway into the profession. It combines classroom theory with supervised clinical training.
Courses cover Chinese medicine theory, human anatomy, needling technique and supervised clinical practice. Many also include business units for graduates who plan to run their own clinic.
Some theory units can be studied online, but clinical practice must happen in person to meet AHPRA registration standards. Look for a provider offering flexible study near you.
A full degree typically costs between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on the provider and course length. FEE-HELP may reduce your upfront costs if your provider is eligible.
A career in acupuncture can lead to real jobs you'll enjoy. Here are some roles you could pursue.
