The Equation
What is the most important numerical equation for a prospective acupuncture student to think about? It doesn’t have anything to do with the 5 Elements or the 2 texts of 81 chapters in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. This is the Equation:
the cost of becoming an acupuncturist (education, certification, licensing, and setting up a practice) should roughly = what an acupuncturist can expect to earn in their first 12-18 months of practice
Everything about POCA Tech’s program is designed to make the Equation work. We think about these numbers all the time, and if you are applying to POCA Tech, we want you to think about them too. We want you to be a member of the POCA Cooperative so that you can look at the data from our annual Survey, and you’ll have an idea of what you can expect to earn as an owner or an employee of a POCA clinic. Our program is designed to be lean so the Equation doesn’t get skewed . Our program is designed to give you skills that POCA employers want, or to set up your own POCA clinic in the most efficient and affordable way.
POCA Tech's tuition is $6000 per year. Twice-yearly payment plan, paid in 6 equal payments over three years, of $3000 due on the first class day of each semester – September and March.
Other Costs (estimated)
- Student Clinic Fees ($1000/year) 2nd and 3rd years only
- Co-requisite Classes (a broad range based on costs at individual institutions)
- Clean Needle Technique Class ($175)
- First Aid and CPR Class ($70)
- Program materials such as books (~ $100 - $500)
Depending on which states you want to be licensed in:
- NCCAOM Examination ($650 to $2500)
- State Examination (for instance - California $675)
- State Licensing fees ($300 to $1000)
Optional But Highly Highly Recommended:
- Private NCCAOM Exam Preparation Course ($250-$600)