Description

Traditional Chinese medicine therapists use alternative medicine approaches to cure illnesses in all its forms. They also use various therapies, such as herbal medicines, acupuncture, massages and dietary therapies, to increase the general health of the patient and prevent a disease from occurring.

Includes doctors of medicine or other healthcare professionals (e.g. midwife).

Here are the typical duties of traditional Chinese medicine therapists:

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to traditional Chinese medicine therapist:

therapist in TCM
practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine
TCM practitioner
traditional Chinese medicine practitioner
TCM therapist
specialist in traditional Chinese medicine
Chinese medicine therapist
TCM specialist
therapist in traditional Chinese medicine

Working conditions

Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapists may work in private practices, holistic health clinics, or integrative healthcare settings. The working conditions can vary, and practitioners may need to adapt to the preferences and needs of their clients. The role may involve flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate patients’ schedules.

Minimum qualifications

To become a Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapist, individuals typically need formal education and training in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This may include completing a degree program in acupuncture and TCM from an accredited institution. Additionally, practitioners often undergo clinical training and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced TCM practitioners. Licensing or certification requirements may vary by location, and practitioners should adhere to the regulations in their region. Continuous learning, attending workshops, and staying connected with the TCM community contribute to the ongoing success of TCM Therapists in providing holistic and effective healthcare.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

Traditional Chinese medicine therapist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Traditional chinese medicine therapist career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to traditional chinese medicine therapist.

acupuncturist
homeopath
complementary therapist
podiatrist
occupational therapy assistant

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of traditional Chinese medicine therapist.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of traditional Chinese medicine therapist.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of traditional Chinese medicine therapist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of traditional chinese medicine therapist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

ISCO group and title

2230 – Traditional and complementary medicine professionals


References
  1. Traditional Chinese medicine therapist – ESCO
  2. What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine? – WebMD
  3. Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know | NCCIH
  4. Featured image: Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash
Last updated on December 25, 2023