Acupressure Institute Career Opportunities

Jennifer Dayrell, a former high school teacher in Livermore, graduated from the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, January 2003. She set and reached her goal to obtain one hundred practice hours outside of class during her basic training. Once she completed her certified training and obtained a business license, she started practicing acupressure professionally. Within one year, Jennifer had three acupressure employment sources in a salon, a hospital gym, and an elder care facility. In addition to these part-time jobs, she taught mini self-acupressure classes for the Livermore Recreation and Parks District. Jennifer made a major commitment to continue her bodywork education at the Acupressure Institute with 200-hour programs in Pain & Stress Relief and Acu-Oncology.

For Jennifer, continuing to learn empowers her and helps her focus on the healing work she loves. As part of her training, she has volunteered at the Charlotte Maxwell Complimentary Clinic for underserved women with cancer since 2004.

Jennifer's varied employment demonstrates some of the potential opportunities available from obtaining an acupressure certification. Jennifer spent two days a week as a contractor at the hospital gym and also worked directly on hospital staff, who were in an excellent position to refer patients to her.

On the financial front, Jennifer recommends limiting the number of free sessions you give once you are certified and obtain a business license. She found that offering reduced prices for sessions did not result in return clients. Now in her fifth year of private practice, she charges the going rate in Livermore. She says, "If people really want something, they'll find a way to pay for it." Jennifer recently became a member of the local chamber of commerce. She works out of her easily-accessible private studio in downtown Livermore and sees oncology clients in their own homes.