Acupuncture school – it takes a tremendous amount of hard work and sacrifice, with lots of ups and downs along the way, I can attest to this personally. Then, once you accomplish this task (including getting licensed), the next phase begins and you face a whole new set of challenges that you may have not thought about.
Many students in Acupuncture schools think that getting through school and passing the board exams is the hard part. Along the way, it is far too easy to think, "once I get through school, life will be easier" and this leads to failed practices. Promoting a practice takes time and a good plan, which needs to begin before graduation. AOM schools usually offer at least a single course on practice management, taught often by faculty who do not practice full time. Until recently, there has been only one book about the subject, directed at acupuncture students. Much like the chiropractic students do, it is wise to seek out an experienced acupuncturist, outside of your school, and make early connections. Pick their brain, follow them around, volunteer your time at their clinic. Even if it means janitor work, answering phones or just shadowing them. These experiences with the "real world" need to start long before graduation.
