High School Internship Program

The Force Acupuncture offers a limited internship and observation opportunity for motivated high school students who are interested in healthcare, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, public health, or community wellness.

This experience is designed to introduce students to the daily operations of an integrative healthcare practice while helping them explore possible academic and career paths. Depending on the student’s interests, schedule, and level of experience, the internship may include clinical observation, guided learning, administrative support, patient education projects, community outreach, and health-related research.

During the internship, students may have opportunities to:

• Observe how an acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine practice operates
• Learn introductory concepts related to acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, pulse observation, and Chinese medicine theory
• Understand how practitioners communicate with patients and gather health information
• Explore the relationship between physical health, emotional well-being, lifestyle, food, and the environment
• Learn about healthcare professionalism, patient privacy, and clinical ethics
• Assist with appropriate non-clinical projects, such as educational materials, community programs, office organization, or research
• Discuss college pathways and careers in healthcare, acupuncture and public health

This is an educational internship and observation experience. High school interns do not diagnose patients, provide medical advice, insert acupuncture needles, or independently perform clinical treatments.

Access to patient-care areas is limited and always subject to patient permission, practitioner supervision, privacy requirements, and the student’s age and level of preparation.

Internship responsibilities and schedules are determined individually. Placement is limited and is not guaranteed. Students under the age of 18 may be required to provide parent or guardian consent and complete confidentiality and privacy-related forms before beginning the program.

The internship may be unpaid and is intended primarily for educational and career-exploration purposes. School credit or community-service documentation may be considered when arranged in advance with the student’s school.

“My experience at The Force Acupuncture was very interesting and special. During my internship, I learned about many parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, pulse taking, and how practitioners learn about a patient’s symptoms by asking questions.
At first, some treatments looked a little scary to me, especially seeing needles placed on different parts of the body. However, after my mentor explained everything, I gradually began to understand the treatments and feel more comfortable.

My mentor, Qihui, was always patient and happy to answer my questions. He explained not only how the treatments worked, but also why he chose different methods for different patients. I really enjoyed learning from him.

This internship helped me learn more about medicine, health, and how everyday things, such as food and plants, can affect our bodies. I believe this is a valuable experience for students who want to learn more about healthcare and explore different areas of medicine.”

— Yuhan Z., Green Meadow Waldorf School Class of 2026

This opportunity may be a good fit for students who are:

• Curious about healthcare and helping professions
• Interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine or integrative health
• Responsible, respectful, and willing to maintain confidentiality
• Comfortable communicating with patients, staff, and community members
• Willing to observe carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and complete assigned projects
• Able to follow professional expectations in a healthcare environment

Previous experience with acupuncture or Chinese medicine is not required.

Interested students should submit:

• A brief introduction
• Current school and grade level
• Areas of academic or career interest
• Preferred internship dates and general availability
• A short explanation of what they hope to learn
• A résumé, if available
• School requirements or forms, if the internship is connected to an academic program

Applicants may also be invited to participate in a brief interview before placement.