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Acupuncturists

SOC 29-1291.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers acupuncture clinical practice from supervised entry-level patient care through autonomous expert practice and organizational leadership across outpatient, integrative health, and academic medical settings.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Infection control policies and safety protocols — apply under clinical supervision to maintain a sterile treatment environment in an acupuncture practice setting.
  2. Patient medical histories and lifestyle information — collect using structured intake forms under the guidance of a licensed supervising acupuncturist.
  3. Acupuncture needles and supplementary tools such as cups and ear seeds — handle and prepare according to established sterilization and safety standards in a clinical setting.
  4. Anatomical point locations — identify on a standardized model and on patients using basic proportional measurement methods under direct supervision.
  5. Local, state, and federal regulations governing acupuncture practice — recognize and reference during supervised clinical rotations to ensure procedural compliance.
  6. Individual patient treatment plans — assist in drafting under the direction of a senior practitioner using intake data and established clinical protocols.
  7. Needle insertion technique — perform on supervised practice cases using correct angle, depth, and manipulation methods as prescribed by clinical instructors.
  8. Treatment outcome observations — document systematically in electronic medical software following each supervised patient session.
  9. Active listening and social perceptiveness skills — apply during patient consultations to capture verbal and nonverbal health cues in a supervised clinical environment.
  10. Reading comprehension and written communication — use to interpret clinical research, complete patient records, and draft referral correspondence under faculty oversight.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Standard quality and infection control procedures — implement independently and consistently across a full daily patient caseload in an established acupuncture clinic.
  2. Comprehensive medical histories and general health assessments — conduct autonomously using refined intake interviews and patient-reported data in routine outpatient settings.
  3. Acupuncture modalities including moxibustion, cupping, guasha, and electro-acupuncture — administer with reduced oversight, selecting tools appropriate to each patient's presentation.
  4. Anatomical and proportional point locations — identify accurately across diverse patient body types and positions, accounting for common contraindications in a community health context.
  5. Individual treatment plans — develop for patients with familiar condition profiles by integrating clinical findings, patient goals, and evidence-based acupuncture strategies.
  6. Treatment outcomes — evaluate at follow-up appointments and adjust point selection or modality to optimize therapeutic progress for routine cases.
  7. Regulatory compliance requirements at the local, state, and federal levels — monitor and apply to practice documentation and billing procedures in an independent or group practice.
  8. Time management and patient scheduling — coordinate across concurrent cases to sustain clinical throughput while maintaining individualized care quality.
  9. Critical thinking and judgment — exercise when distinguishing acupuncture-appropriate conditions from those requiring referral to other healthcare providers.
  10. Electronic medical and office suite software — use proficiently to maintain accurate patient records, generate reports, and support administrative functions in a clinical practice.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex, multi-system patient presentations — assess autonomously using advanced differential reasoning to design individualized, multi-modal acupuncture treatment strategies.
  2. Full-scope acupuncture treatment including needling, moxibustion, cupping, guasha, nutritional supplementation, and electrical stimulation — deliver across a broad patient population with no routine oversight.
  3. Contraindications and procedural precautions for all major acupuncture modalities — evaluate and apply to protect patient safety in non-routine and high-risk clinical scenarios.
  4. Longitudinal treatment outcome data — analyze across a patient panel using monitoring and inductive reasoning skills to refine protocols and validate therapeutic effectiveness.
  5. Evolving local, state, and federal regulatory landscapes — interpret and translate into updated clinical and administrative procedures to sustain full legal compliance.
  6. Patient education regarding acupuncture mechanisms, treatment rationale, and self-care strategies — deliver with clarity and cultural sensitivity in diverse outpatient environments.
  7. Complex problem-solving skills — apply to resolve unexpected adverse reactions or treatment plateaus by synthesizing biomedical and traditional East Asian medicine knowledge.
  8. Interdisciplinary communication — lead with physicians, physical therapists, and mental health providers to coordinate integrative care plans for patients with comorbid conditions.
  9. Active learning and reading comprehension — employ to integrate emerging clinical research and continuing education into evidence-informed daily practice.
  10. Practice management systems and electronic health record platforms — optimize to improve clinical workflow, outcome tracking, and compliance reporting across a busy independent practice.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational clinical quality and safety standards — establish and continuously improve at the practice or institutional level, setting the benchmark for acupuncture care delivery.
  2. Strategic treatment frameworks and clinical protocols — design and disseminate across a multi-provider acupuncture organization to standardize and elevate patient outcomes.
  3. Mentorship and clinical supervision — provide to emerging and developing acupuncturists, fostering competency growth, ethical practice, and professional identity formation.
  4. Regulatory policy development — contribute expert input to state licensing boards, professional associations, and legislative processes shaping the scope of acupuncture practice.
  5. Advanced research literacy and evidence synthesis — apply to lead evidence-based practice initiatives, evaluate outcomes at a population level, and publish or present clinical findings.
  6. Integrative healthcare program leadership — direct the design, implementation, and evaluation of acupuncture services within hospital systems, academic medical centers, or large group practices.
  7. Organizational culture of patient-centered care, integrity, and clinical dependability — model and instill through leadership presence, performance standards, and continuing education requirements.
  8. Business development and financial sustainability — oversee practice economics, including billing compliance, payer negotiations, and marketing strategy, to ensure long-term organizational viability.
  9. Curriculum design and education — develop graduate-level acupuncture training programs and continuing education offerings that align with current O*NET competency standards and accreditation requirements.
  10. Systemwide complex problem resolution — lead multidisciplinary teams in addressing high-stakes clinical, ethical, or operational challenges that exceed individual practitioner scope.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted research orientation — uses AI tools to look up basic acupuncture point locations, contraindication references, and safety protocols, cross-checking results against established clinical texts before applying any information to patient care Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Treatment documentation support — delegates session note drafting and treatment plan summaries to an AI writing assistant, then reviews and corrects output against direct clinical observations before filing Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Continuing education acceleration — directs AI tools to synthesize literature on specific TCM modalities or integrative protocols, using the output as a starting point for deeper self-directed study rather than as definitive guidance WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Clinical decision augmentation — uses AI to surface differential pattern considerations and evidence-based adjunct therapies during intake review, while retaining sole authority over needle placement, point selection, and hands-on treatment decisions grounded in active listening and social perceptiveness Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Regulatory compliance monitoring — tasks AI tools to track updates to local, state, and federal acupuncture practice regulations, then personally evaluates applicability and integrates relevant changes into clinic policy Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Patient education material generation — directs an AI assistant to draft condition-specific aftercare instructions and lifestyle recommendations, editing output for accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and alignment with individualized treatment strategies before distribution Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Individualized treatment protocol design — integrates AI-generated pattern analysis and outcomes data from comparable patient cases into the clinical reasoning process, while applying irreplaceable hands-on assessment and judgment to finalize each patient's acupuncture regimen Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Practice-level quality improvement — leads structured evaluation of AI tool outputs against patient outcome data, identifying gaps between AI suggestions and real-world clinical results to refine how AI is deployed across the practice Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Interprofessional care coordination — uses AI to prepare concise, evidence-referenced summaries for referring physicians and allied health providers, exercising advanced judgment to ensure TCM terminology and treatment rationale are accurately translated for multidisciplinary audiences WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 49
Augment share: 4.9%
Time saved: 73.3%
AI autonomy: 3.66
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient intake dialogue — collects basic health history and chief complaints through guided questioning during initial consultations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment explanation — describes acupuncture needle insertion process and expected sensations to patients using accessible, non-technical language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Practitioner-patient rapport — uses active listening cues to acknowledge patient concerns during symptom-gathering interviews Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Diagnostic communication — translates Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern diagnoses into meaningful health language patients understand during treatment planning sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Progress documentation — records treatment notes, point selections, and patient responses in clinical charts with accurate and consistent terminology O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary referral — conveys patient condition summaries clearly in written referral letters to allopathic or integrative healthcare providers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Lifestyle counseling communication — delivers nutritional, movement, and stress-reduction recommendations in structured yet conversational format tailored to individual patient readiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Contraindication disclosure — communicates treatment risks, contraindications, and informed-consent requirements to patients with precision and cultural sensitivity before each procedure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Multi-provider coordination — articulates patient treatment goals and acupuncture findings verbally and in writing to multidisciplinary care teams O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Community health education — presents evidence-based acupuncture outcomes and TCM concepts to professional or public audiences through lectures, publications, or continuing education formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship communication — coaches student clinicians and junior practitioners in effective patient interviewing, informed-consent delivery, and documentation standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-cultural therapeutic dialogue — adapts communication style, terminology, and explanatory models to serve linguistically and culturally diverse patient populations across complex case presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Treatment initiative — takes independent responsibility for selecting initial point prescriptions based on patient intake findings without requiring supervisor validation for straightforward presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety ownership — identifies and reports potential infection control lapses or equipment concerns in the clinical environment proactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Care plan authorship — develops and documents individualized acupuncture treatment plans with clear therapeutic goals and measurable outcomes for a diverse patient caseload Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student supervision — guides acupuncture interns in point location identification and needling technique during supervised clinical shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Clinical protocol leadership — establishes and enforces quality, safety, and infection control standards across the practice setting, ensuring team-wide adherence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Integrative team coordination — leads case conferences with allied health practitioners to align acupuncture treatment strategies with broader patient care goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Patient advocacy leadership — champions patient health goals by proactively modifying treatment plans and coordinating referrals when acupuncture alone is insufficient Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Practice development leadership — designs and implements clinical policies, staff training programs, and quality improvement initiatives that elevate the standard of care across the practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional community leadership — mentors emerging acupuncturists through preceptorship, board exam preparation support, or professional association involvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Research and evidence leadership — leads outcome-tracking initiatives or participates in clinical research to advance evidence-based acupuncture practice standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Point selection self-monitoring — reflects on needle placement decisions after each treatment session to identify gaps between intended and actual point locations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuing education planning — identifies personal knowledge gaps in TCM theory or biomedical foundations and selects targeted learning resources to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Diagnostic reasoning review — evaluates own pattern-differentiation logic after patient outcomes deviate from expectations, adjusting internal frameworks accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Clinical note reflection — reviews prior session documentation to assess consistency between recorded findings and evolving patient presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Treatment outcome analysis — systematically compares intended therapeutic goals against actual patient progress across multiple sessions to recalibrate clinical reasoning strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Bias awareness — recognizes when personal assumptions about patient lifestyle or adherence are influencing diagnostic conclusions and consciously corrects course Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Learning strategy adaptation — adjusts study and professional development approaches based on performance feedback from licensure renewal requirements, peer review, or clinical supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — explicitly demonstrates self-monitoring of clinical reasoning to student practitioners, narrating the thought process behind pattern diagnosis and treatment modification decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice-wide reflective culture — implements structured case review and reflective practice sessions that embed metacognitive habits into the clinical team's standard workflow Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking10 statements
Emerging
  1. Anatomical point verification — cross-references classical point location descriptions against patient-specific anatomy before needling to confirm placement accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Contraindication screening — identifies standard treatment contraindications from patient health history using established clinical guidelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Differential pattern analysis — evaluates competing TCM pattern diagnoses against the full constellation of patient signs and symptoms to arrive at a primary diagnosis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence evaluation — appraises research literature on acupuncture efficacy for specific conditions to inform evidence-informed treatment decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Treatment response assessment — analyzes whether changes in patient symptoms following treatment reflect therapeutic progress or confounding factors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex case reasoning — integrates biomedical diagnoses, TCM pattern findings, patient history, and lifestyle variables into coherent, individualized treatment strategies for multi-morbidity patients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Risk-benefit judgment — weighs treatment intensity, point selection, and adjunctive modality choices against patient vulnerability, medication interactions, and clinical risk factors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Outcome-driven treatment modification — applies systematic evaluation of treatment responses to revise point protocols, needle depth, stimulation method, or treatment frequency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Clinical reasoning leadership — challenges oversimplified diagnostic frameworks in peer or student case discussions, modeling rigorous evidence-based and pattern-based analytical integration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic practice evaluation — critically audits clinical outcomes data across patient caseloads to identify systematic reasoning errors or protocol inefficiencies and implements corrective changes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Peer case discussion — participates in supervised case review sessions by contributing patient observations and listening to senior practitioner feedback without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Referral acceptance — receives and acts on referral information from other healthcare providers to coordinate acupuncture care within an integrated treatment approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Co-treatment planning — collaborates with physicians, physical therapists, or mental health providers to align acupuncture goals with concurrent biomedical treatments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Support staff coordination — works with front-desk and administrative staff to ensure patient scheduling, informed-consent processes, and record-keeping meet clinical standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Integrative care team participation — contributes acupuncture expertise to multidisciplinary team meetings, offering TCM perspectives while integrating biomedical input into shared patient care plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Community health collaboration — partners with public health practitioners, wellness organizations, or community clinics to extend acupuncture access to underserved populations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Student clinical collaboration — co-facilitates clinic learning environments where intern practitioners, supervisors, and patients interact productively within defined professional roles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interprofessional model building — co-designs integrative care protocols with medical, psychological, and rehabilitation professionals that formally embed acupuncture into structured treatment pathways Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative research participation — contributes clinical expertise to multi-site acupuncture research teams, coordinating data collection and patient recruitment across disciplines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Infection control adherence — follows all standard needle safety, sharps disposal, and surface sterilization protocols consistently during every patient encounter Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scope-of-practice integrity — refrains from diagnosing or treating conditions beyond licensed acupuncture practice boundaries, referring patients appropriately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Informed consent accountability — ensures every patient receives complete, accurate information about treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives before consenting to care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory compliance — adheres to all applicable local, state, and federal laws governing acupuncture licensure, practice standards, and record-keeping without exception Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Patient-centered professionalism — maintains therapeutic boundaries, confidentiality, and equitable treatment standards across all patient demographics and presenting conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical conflict navigation — identifies and resolves dual-relationship, financial conflict, or cultural sensitivity issues in clinical practice through transparent, principled decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Documentation integrity — records only observed clinical findings and performed procedures in patient charts, without embellishment or omission that could compromise care or billing accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical culture modeling — establishes and communicates explicit professional ethics standards within the practice, holding self and team members accountable to those standards consistently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy for patient dignity — challenges systemic barriers to equitable acupuncture access and advocates for policy or billing structures that serve underrepresented patient populations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Adjunctive modality exploration — experiments with integrating cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, or auricular therapy into treatment protocols based on patient presentation variation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Point prescription variation — selects alternative classical or empirical point combinations when standard protocols produce insufficient patient response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Treatment protocol customization — constructs individualized point prescriptions that blend classical TCM theory with contemporary research findings and patient-specific functional goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient engagement innovation — develops creative patient education tools, home-care instruction sheets, or acupressure self-care guides tailored to individual learning styles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Integrative protocol design — creates novel treatment frameworks that systematically combine acupuncture with nutritional therapy, movement practices, or mindfulness-based interventions for complex chronic conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Clinical workflow innovation — redesigns patient intake, scheduling, or follow-up systems to improve therapeutic continuity and reduce barriers to sustained acupuncture engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Therapeutic adaptation — devises modified needling approaches, positioning alternatives, or needle-free modalities for patients with needle phobia, pediatric presentations, or physical limitations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Evidence-informed protocol creation — authors new clinical treatment protocols grounded in emerging acupuncture research, contributing original frameworks to professional literature or training curricula Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice model innovation — conceptualizes and launches novel acupuncture delivery models—community clinics, telehealth integrations, or employer wellness programs—that expand the profession's reach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. CE engagement — participates in continuing education courses on advanced needling techniques, TCM theory, or biomedical integration without waiting for licensure deadlines to prompt learning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Supervisor feedback integration — receives critical feedback on needle placement or diagnostic reasoning from clinical supervisors and applies corrections in subsequent patient encounters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Difficult case persistence — continues refining treatment strategies for patients with chronic or complex conditions rather than discharging them when initial protocols show limited results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill-gap pursuit — identifies emerging acupuncture specializations such as sports medicine acupuncture, fertility support, or oncology acupuncture and pursues formal training proactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Outcome-informed adaptation — treats persistent patient non-response as diagnostic information, systematically revising theory frameworks and point strategies rather than repeating ineffective approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research literacy development — builds fluency in reading and interpreting acupuncture clinical trial methodology to stay current with evolving efficacy evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer learning investment — seeks peer case consultation and interdisciplinary mentorship as a regular professional development practice, not only in moments of uncertainty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Lifelong mastery modeling — demonstrates to students and junior colleagues that clinical excellence in acupuncture requires continuous unlearning and relearning as evidence and classical scholarship evolve Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Profession-level growth contribution — publishes case studies, presents at conferences, or contributes to curriculum development to advance the collective knowledge base of the acupuncture profession Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Needling presence — maintains focused, deliberate attention on needle angle, depth, and patient tissue response during each insertion to prevent injury Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient cue awareness — notices subtle nonverbal indicators of patient discomfort, anxiety, or fainting risk during treatment and responds without delay Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Therapeutic presence — enters each patient encounter with intentional attentional focus, setting aside prior session cognitive residue to engage fully with the presenting patient Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation in practice — manages personal stress or frustration responses during challenging clinical interactions without allowing them to affect patient care quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Sustained procedural attention — maintains consistent sensory focus across a full clinical schedule of patient treatments, detecting qi arrival (de qi) and tissue resistance changes with precision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional pacing — structures treatment sessions with deliberate transitions between assessment, needling, and patient rest phases that allow the practitioner to remain attentionally calibrated throughout Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Patient-practitioner attunement — cultivates a calm clinical presence that reduces patient anxiety and creates a therapeutic environment conducive to parasympathetic activation and healing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindfulness-informed clinical teaching — explicitly integrates mindfulness principles into acupuncture student training, teaching practitioner presence as a core clinical skill alongside technical competency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic attentiveness — monitors practice-level patterns—appointment pacing, environment design, practitioner wellbeing—and implements structural changes that sustain mindful practice across the clinical team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Ambiguity tolerance — continues providing competent care for patients with unclear or overlapping TCM pattern diagnoses while gathering additional information across treatment sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adverse event composure — responds calmly and procedurally to needle-related adverse events such as fainting or hematoma, following established emergency protocols without panic Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Chronic case persistence — sustains therapeutic engagement with patients showing slow or non-linear progress across extended treatment courses, maintaining clinical optimism grounded in evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory challenge navigation — continues to practice with integrity and professionalism when facing scope-of-practice disputes, insurance denials, or credentialing obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-demand caseload resilience — maintains clinical precision, patient-centered focus, and ethical standards across a full patient schedule including complex, emotionally demanding, or medically fragile cases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional skepticism resilience — sustains confidence in acupuncture's therapeutic value when facing dismissal or skepticism from biomedical colleagues, responding with evidence and measured professionalism Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Difficult patient relationship endurance — persists in therapeutic alliance with non-adherent, skeptical, or emotionally dysregulated patients through consistent, boundaried, and compassionate engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Profession advocacy under pressure — champions acupuncture licensure, reimbursement equity, and public health integration through sustained advocacy effort despite legislative or institutional resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis leadership steadiness — guides clinical staff and patients through public health emergencies, regulatory disruptions, or practice crises with decisive, calm, and values-driven leadership Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Acupressure Therapist · Acupressurist · Acupuncture Doctor · Acupuncture Physician · Acupuncture Provider · Acupuncturist · Auricular Acupuncturist · Auricular Detoxification Specialist · Auricular Therapist · Chinese Medical Doctor (Chinese MD) · Chinese Medicine Doctor · Herbalist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingMonitoringReading ComprehensionWritingActive LearningCoordinationTime Management
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryPsychologyBiologyEnglish LanguageTherapy and CounselingAdministrativeAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingSales and MarketingEconomics and Accounting
Abilities
Problem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningNear VisionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionInductive ReasoningSpeech ClarityWritten ExpressionFinger Dexterity
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityEmpathyCautiousnessIntegritySincerity
Technology
Medical softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwareOperating system softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Maintain and follow standard quality, safety, environmental, and infection control policies and procedures.
  2. Treat patients using tools, such as needles, cups, ear balls, seeds, pellets, or nutritional supplements.
  3. Adhere to local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and statutes.
  4. Identify correct anatomical and proportional point locations based on patients' anatomy and positions, contraindications, and precautions related to treatments, such as intradermal needles, moxibustion, electricity, guasha, or bleeding.
  5. Develop individual treatment plans and strategies.
  6. Insert needles to provide acupuncture treatment.
  7. Evaluate treatment outcomes and recommend new or altered treatments as necessary to further promote, restore, or maintain health.
  8. Collect medical histories and general health and lifestyle information from patients.
CIP education codes
51.3301

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.