How Do You Become an Acupuncturist?

What does it take to become an acupuncturist?⁠ 📍⁠
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I've gotten this question a lot recently, followed by a shocked face and usually a "WHAT?!"⁠
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First of all, you have to be interested in holistic and alternative medicine. I grew up in a household where we didn't necessarily reach for the Advil every time something felt off, so I think I was at an advantage in that regard to be nudged in this direction. I have been fascinated by essential oils, herbs, and natural remedies and products for almost 10 years as well.⁠
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Next was signing up for the education journey. I finished a 4 year Bachelor of Science in Biology before immediately entering a 3 year (year-round) Master's program through Northwestern Health Sciences University. Yup. 8 years of school! I'm less than 20 credits away from receiving my doctorate and will probably do that sometime in the next few years. ⁠
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Along with graduating from an accredited school and getting licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, I passed 3 national board exams through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. These board exams not only involved eastern medicine concepts, but bio-medicine as well! Since western doctors won't learn our language involving yin, yang, qi, blood, etc., we learn their language as well so we can communicate effectively with doctors, chiropractors, PTs, patients, and more!⁠
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Many people think that becoming an acupuncturist is just a quick certification and a hundred hours of training or so, but it really is an extensive medicine-- hence, the "WHAT?!" response. The best part is that we can describe what's happening in your body as "woo-woo" or as scientific as we need to in any situation we might be in! So to all of you hippies and also to all of you scientists: any questions?