NORTHERN COLLEGE OF ACUPUNCTURE

Employed

Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of acupuncture practitioners? We’re looking for an inspiring and experienced Course Lead to guide our BSc (Hons) Acupuncture programme as we evolve into a new blended model of delivery.

Employment Type: Employed, full or part-time (negotiable)

Location: Within easy travelling distance of York (on-site presence required)

Salary: £40,622 FTE with potential for increase after 6 months

Reports to: The Principal

Contract: Permanent (subject to probation)

The NCA is a small independent teaching institution and educational charity, focused on excellence in the education and training of practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The College is based in a large townhouse in the centre of York with excellent facilities and transport links. We operate acupuncture teaching clinics in York, Northwich and London providing high standards of clinical training for our students and subsidised acupuncture treatment for local communities. The College is registered with the Office for Students and validated by the Health Sciences University.

BSc Acupuncture

The NCA’s acupuncture course was established in 1988 and is accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, leading to membership of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) which is on the accredited register of the Professional Standards Authority. Our degree and accreditation status ensures we maintain high quality in both professional and higher education standards. A new blended design of our popular programme is due to start in autumn 2026 and offers the benefits of online learning without compromising the need for hands-on teaching and clinical experience. In combination with our regional clinical hubs, our new course provides students with a flexible and effective route to becoming a professional acupuncturist.

Benefits of working at NCA:

• Working with an experienced and committed professional team.

• Up to 33 days annual leave (pro rata) including bank holidays.

• Subsidised treatment in our Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine clinics.

• Support with personal and professional development. We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing and development of our staff.

• Membership of the NCA Practitioner Hub.

• Access to discounts for working at an education facility.

• On-site parking in city-centre York.

• Opportunities to contribute to the development and progression of the College.

The Acupuncture Course Lead provides leadership for our highly regarded BSc Acupuncture course working collaboratively with:

• The teaching faculty, including the lead lecturers, sessional tutors and clinical supervisors

• The Student Services Manager, managing administrative student enquiries, registry requirements and feedback and evaluation processes

• The Acupuncture Clinic Director, responsible for the clinical learning experience for students, clinic policies and procedures, the curriculum for clinical modules, academic quality assurance for the clinic and managing the clinical teachers and supervisors’ teams.

• The Student Support Officer, providing pastoral support, information and advice to individual students, with a particular focus on specific learning differences, and information and training for staff.

• The Module Leaders, responsible for module delivery and assessment, liaising on module design and delivery, student progress and support needs.

Essential skills and experience

• Experienced acupuncturist with a qualification at degree level

• Teaching experience in higher education

• Places value in leadership through facilitating and collaborating

• Good organisation and planning skills

• IT proficiency and experience of online delivery of teaching and learning

• Excellent standard of communication skills

• Strong commitment to supporting students’ education

Desirable skills and experience

• PGCert HE or equivalent or willingness to work towards qualification

• Member of BAcC or equivalent and willing to gain membership

• Experience working in higher education management

• Practitioner of Chinese Medicine

• Strong academic background in the delivery of a clinical programme

Key Responsibilities

1. Staff leadership and performance management:

• Provide line management for the faculty

• Manage performance feedback and appraisals

• Oversee staff recruitment, training and induction

2. Academic course management and curriculum development:

• Manage overall course delivery and administration

• Facilitate curriculum review and development

• Ensure resource efficiency and budgetary control

3. Expertise in teaching, learning and assessment:

• Deliver effective teaching sessions, utilising subject expertise in one or more of the following:

• Chinese medicine systems theory and practice

• Conventional (Western) functions of the body in health and disease

• Personal and professional development

• Clinical practice and management

• The mechanisms of acupuncture

4. Formal academic governance and policy adherence:

• Chair key course committees (e.g. Boards of Study, Student Progress Committee).

• Ensure maintenance of quality assurance, accreditation and validation.

• Ensure alignment with the UK Higher Education regulatory framework.

5. Student welfare, guidance, and recruitment support:

• Act as academic advisor/personal tutor, offering guidance and support.

• Facilitate appropriate referrals for students needing additional support.

• Participate in student recruitment activities (e.g., interviews, open days).

• Contribute subject expertise to marketing content.

The Acupuncture Course Lead role involves the ability to delegate tasks to other members of the team.

Application process: Please upload a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role, along with your CV and two referees.

If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the job or the college, please email hr@nca.ac.uk to arrange an online or in-person meeting with Harriet Lansdown, Interim Principal.

Closing date: Wednesday 7th January 2026. 

Interview invitations sent by: Friday 9th January 2026.

Interviews held: Tuesday 20th January 2026, in person at the College (with possibility for online interview in exceptional circumstances only)

To apply for this position, please fill in the information below.

Part-time

Join our Acupuncture Teaching Clinic in York

Inspire the Next Generation of Acupuncturists!

Why join us?

Northern College of Acupuncture (NCA) is an independent, registered charity with a proud history of training highly skilled acupuncture practitioners since 1988. Based in York, with new clinical teaching hubs in Northwich and London, we’re recognised for our person-centred ethos, small community feel, and commitment to academic and professional excellence.

Our BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture has been running since 2008. It is fully accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) and validated by the Health Sciences University, ensuring high standards of education and professional readiness.

We offer:

• Generous leave allowance – up to 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time roles)
• Free or discounted treatments in our clinics – take care of your own wellbeing while supporting student learning
• Professional development support – CPD opportunities, peer learning, and regular team training sessions
• Paid overtime – your time and contribution are always valued
• Free annual membership to our Practitioner Hub
• A voice in curriculum development – help shape the future of acupuncture education
• Flexible working opportunities (where the role allows)
• A close-knit, supportive team – join a welcoming community that cares about people and purpose
• On-site free parking at our city-centre York clinic
• Work-life balance – fixed hours with no shift work or on-call duties
• Opportunities to mentor and influence the next generation of acupuncturists
• Be part of a pioneering educational charity – contributing to a long-standing, values-led institution with a strong reputation in complementary medicine

We’re looking for an experienced, passionate Acupuncturist to join our teaching clinic as a Clinic Supervisor, guiding students as they develop their clinical skills and confidence. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, playing a key role in shaping the future of acupuncture practice.

Working in our York clinic, you’ll supervise student treatments (in small groups of up to seven) and provide hands-on teaching and mentorship. When student numbers are low, you may treat patients directly, ensuring the clinic continues to deliver outstanding care.

Role details:

Location: York (Teaching Clinic)

Hours: 7.5 hours per week, on a Friday (8:45am – 5:15pm, with 1hr unpaid lunch break)

Salary: £36,698.39 pro rata (based on £19.60/hour, 36hr full-time equivalent), increasing after 6m probation.

Start Date: March 2026 (with paid training/shadowing in February before officially starting)

Reporting to: Clinic Director

What you’ll be doing:

As a Clinic Supervisor, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the clinical education of our acupuncture students. You’ll work closely with small groups of students, supporting them as they gain the practical skills, confidence, and professional insight needed to become safe, effective practitioners. Your influence will extend far beyond technical instruction – you’ll be a mentor, guide, and role model.

• Oversee all student-led treatments, ensuring the highest standards of patient care, clinical safety, and professional practice.
• Provide supportive, hands-on supervision in the teaching clinic, creating a safe and encouraging learning environment where students can grow into confident, competent practitioners.
• Ensure all patient records are completed promptly on the day of treatment using Cliniko, maintaining accuracy and professionalism in clinical documentation.
• Carry out student assessments and reviews as agreed with the Clinic Director, and keep clear, up-to-date records of student progress and performance.
• Support clinical research activity by ensuring outcomes data is recorded accurately, contributing to wider clinic-based research, and promoting the value of evidence-informed practice.
• Support the day-to-day running of the clinic, including follow-up appointment scheduling, managing referrals, and responding appropriately to any patient feedback or complaints.
• Attend and actively contribute to team meetings and development sessions, including regular online meetings and occasional in-person events, 3-4 times per year (all as paid overtime).

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

• A degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) in Acupuncture
• At least 3 years’ experience in Acupuncture clinical practice
• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) membership, or willing to join within six months of starting the role
• A student-centred, inclusive approach to supervision and teaching
• Ability to support students with additional learning needs, both academically and pastorally
• Strong communication skills – able to explain complex ideas clearly, and give constructive feedback
• Able to make professional judgments around student readiness and suitability for practice
• Confident with Microsoft Office tools (especially Outlook, Word, and Teams)
• A reliable team player, able to work collaboratively and independently
• Committed to upholding, and able to teach and supervise to professional standards

Desirable:

• Postgraduate degree or PGCert HE
• 5+ years of clinical experience
• Prior experience teaching or supervising in education
• Engagement in research or an area of clinical expertise
• Familiarity with Shen Hammer pulse diagnosis

How to apply:

Please upload your CV and a covering letter outlining:

– Your interest in the role

– Whether you’re available to cover occasional absences on other days of the week

Apply by: Monday 19th January 2026

Interviews: Held in person, in York, on Wednesday 28th January 2026. Please confirm your availability for this date in your covering letter, or suggest an alternative if needed.

Please note: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK and do not/will not in the future, require any sponsorship.

Make a meaningful difference – help shape the acupuncturists of tomorrow. We’d love to hear from you.

Note: This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post, and the post holder will be expected to undertake any other tasks appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of the post. The job description will be reviewed as part of the cycle of appraisal, and it may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the post holder.

To apply for this position, please fill in the information below.