If you are interested in acupuncture courses, a good place to start is the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the main governing body for the practice in the UK.
Through their board, they accredit institutions who provide appropriate courses. To become accredited, training providers must undergo a rigorous three to six year process which takes them through Stage 1 (Provisional) and Stage 2 Accreditation and finally on to Stage 3 (Full) Accreditation.
Thus any institutions that is approved by the (BAcC) is guaranteed to meet certain standards - and thus you can be confident in the training they provide.
Although acupuncture courses will vary from one institution to another, (for example, offering different course formats, examinations and entry requirements), there will be certain things in common for all acupuncture courses.
The first standard relates to the length of the training - the minimum training period is three years full time or the equivalent part-time. Other standards relate to what will be taught, how much practical work is involved, and so on.
Once you have found a local training provider, you will need to contact them directly to get information such as a copy of the prospectus, an application form, and of course the information on fees.
An alternative route exists for those who are already trained and certified physiotherapists. The AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) is a sub-group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, whose aim is to integrate acupuncture into the practice of physiotherapy, for the treatment of pain and systemic illness.
They offer a route whereby trained physiotherapists can take an 80-hour foundation course in order to learn how to use this technique.
